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Letter for People Ineligible for an SSN

The Michigan Secretary of State’s Office requires a document from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to apply for a Michigan Driver License or a State Identification Card. For people who are not eligible for an SSN, the required document is called a Form SSA L-676 letter. 

People in the following visa statuses need an SSA L-676 in order to apply for a Michigan Driver License or State Identification Card: 

  • F-1 students without employment 

  • F-2 dependent family members 

  • J-2 dependent family members without employment authorization 

  • H-4 dependent family members without employment authorization 

To apply for the Form SSA L-676 form, applicants will need to bring the following documents with them to the Social Security Administration Lansing branch: 

  1. Photocopy of passport biographical page; 

  1. Additional Immigration Document: 

    A. F-1 or F-2Photocopy of I-20
    B. J-2: Photocopy of DS-2019 
    C. H-4: Photocopy of I-797C Approval Notice

You will then visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) office during their business hours. No appointments are needed and you can find the branch office hours using the SSA Office Locator site

 

Please Note: SSA L-676 letters are only valid for 30 days! If the date on your letter from SSA and the date of your appointment with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office is more than 30 days apart, you must request a new letter from SSA. 

Learn more about applying for a driver’s license or identification card.