Practical Matters

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

Students with F-1 or J-1 student visa status must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) for employment (including on campus employment). In order to issue a Social Security number, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires evidence that you have received a formal offer of on-campus employment, or have been authorized for off-campus employment through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), Academic Training, or Economic Hardship. A SSN is not required to register for classes, opening a bank account, obtain a driver’s license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or other “non-work” reasons. SSA verifies your immigration documents and status with Immigration before issuing the SSN. Students who do not plan to work while studying are not eligible to receive an SSN.

Note for new students: SSA recommends that new students apply for SSN after they have been in the U.S. for 10 days and no earlier than 3 days after SEVIS record has been activated by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).

Application for a Social Security Card, Form SS-5 (available at a SSA office or online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf.

Note: Apply no earlier than 30 days before your scheduled employment start date.

Social Security Administration will mail your Social Security number and card to you in approximately 2-3 weeks.

The Social Security card is noted “Not Valid for Employment” or “Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization.”   It means that on its own (without other documents verifying employment eligibility), you do not have authorization to work and an employer should not hire you.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) office is located at:

300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 1-114

Honolulu, HI 96850

Phone: 1-800-772-1213

Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30AM – 2:30PM

Wednesday 8:30AM – 11:30AM

Bus instruction to SSA Office from downtown:

• Board the #1 or #2 bus at Hotel & Bishop Streets (in front of Longs/Ross’s).
• Get off the bus at the corner of Punchbowl and King Streets.
• Walk on Punchbowl Street towards the ocean until you reach the Prince Kuhio Federal Building (right side of the street).

HAWAI'I IDENTIFICATION CARD OR DRIVER'S LICENSE

International students in valid F-1 and J-1 status may apply for a driver’s license or Hawaii identification (ID) card at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). F-1 and J-1 students must present required supporting documents to verify legal status in the U.S. and fees apply. Both driver’s license and Hawaii State ID serves as official identification and may be used when traveling domestic, proving your age (such as a 21-and-over venues), etc. SEVIS record must be activated by International Student Services (ISS). New students should apply for driver’s license or Hawaii State ID after they have been in the U.S. for 10 days and no earlier than 3 days after SEVIS record has been activated by ISS.

Driver’s License Testing: Written and road testing is required for a first time Hawaii license.

General information: (808) 532-7730

Road Test information: (808) 832-4117

For more information regarding driver’s license and state ID, please visit the official website of the City and County of Honolulu at http://www1.honolulu.gov/csd/index.htm.

Note: If you have a valid foreign license and valid International Driving Permit, you may drive in Hawaii for up to one year from the date of your arrival in the U.S. The country must be listed a result of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 1949), and the Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American States.  For complete listing of the recognized countries, please call AAA at 808-593-2221 or visit the AAA website:   http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office is located at:

925 Dillingham Blvd.

Honolulu, HI 96817

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Phone: 808-532-7730

Bus instruction to DMV Office from downtown:

• Board the #9 at Hotel & Bishop St  (in front of Longs/Ross’s) or #40, #42, #43, #52, #62, or the C bus at South Beretania Street + Pali Hwy + Bishop St (in front of Honda).
• Get off the bus at Dillingham Blvd and Alakawa St (Honolulu Community College/across from Costco parking).
• Walk to Honolulu DMV office across the street and to the right about 100 ft on Dillingham (about 3 minutes).