Social Security Number, Individual Taxpayer's Number, and California ID
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER and INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER’S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
United States citizens are issued a social security number for federal tax purposes from the time of birth. Internationals who will be receiving a paycheck from UCSF (or other U.S. employer) will also need to apply for a social security number. For all internationals who are eligible, do not go to a Social Security office without first checking with the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). ISSO will provide you with a current list of documents needed, and locations of where you can apply.
It is also advisable to wait at least 10 days from the date of your check-in with ISSO before you visit the Social Security Office. This will give the U.S. Port of Entry enough time to transfer your arrival information.
Your social security card will be delivered to the address that you put on the application. Depending on whether your information was subject to a security check or not, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to arrive. If it has been over a month and you still have not received your social security card, please contact the Social Security Office where you applied, or contact ISSO.
*Please note that social security numbers are no longer needed for purposes of general identification (bank accounts, driver's licenses, tax returns, residential telephone service, etc).
CALIFORNIA STATE I.D.
A California State I.D. may replace your passport for identification when you are within city limits. You will need some form of picture I.D. that specifies your age to buy alcoholic beverages (drinking age is 21 and over), enter most concert halls and clubs, cash checks, and sometimes to pay with a credit or debit card. You can apply for a California State I.D. card or a California driver's license (cost ranges from $26 to $31) at the Department of Motor Vehicles (see TRANSPORTATION chapter for more information). *Please note, if you will be applying for a California driver's license, you do not need to apply for a California State I.D.
