Driver's License & State ID

International students, scholars, and dependent family members who will live in Michigan for more than four months and do not plan to drive can apply for a Michigan State ID

A Michigan State ID is a government-issued photo ID that verifies your identity, age, and Michigan address. It is different from your MSU ID card, which is not a government-issued ID and is generally not accepted as identification off-campus.

You can apply for a Michigan State ID through the Michigan Secretary of State.

Ineligibility:

• Short-term students and scholars who will be in Michigan for less than four months are not eligible.
• You may not hold both a Michigan State ID and a Michigan Driver’s License at the same time, unless your driver’s license has been restricted, suspended, or revoked.

International students, scholars, and dependents who will live in Michigan for more than four months and plan to drive must obtain a Michigan Driver's License. 

Before You Apply:

• Complete your OISS immigration check-in.
• Wait at least two business days after completing your immigration check-in (or, if you are a continuing student or scholar, after your most recent U.S. entry).

Apply for a Michigan Driver’s License through the Michigan Secretary of State.

If you will be in Michigan for less than four months, you may be able to drive using your non-U.S. driver's license (depending on your country).

Review the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center Foreign Driver's Licenses in Michigan resource to determine whether you are eligible to drive with your non-U.S. driver's license.

A translation of your non-U.S. driver’s license is not required, but it may allow you to waive Michigan’s 30-day practice period before taking the driving skills test. OISS can assist eligible MSU students and scholars with driver’s license translations or you can consult MDOT's resource list.

Requesting a Translation:

Have an eligible translator complete the Translation of Foreign Driver’s Permit/License Template. Email the completed form to your assigned OISS advisor, then allow 8-10 business days for processing.

Keep in mind:

• You may not translate your own driver’s license.
• If you use the OISS Translation of Foreign Driver’s Permit/License Template, your translator must be an MSU faculty member or graduate student who is fluent in both English and your language.
• Walk-in and same-day translation requests are not available.

A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to work and be paid in the U.S. if you will work and be paid - people can start working while their SSN is still pending. MSU allows this, but not all external employers will allow it.

Before You Apply:

• Complete your OISS Immigration Check-In and wait at least two business days before applying
• Do not apply earlier than 30 days before your employment start date
• Check with your employer to confirm whether you may begin working while your SSN application is pending

Eligibility:

You may be eligible for an SSN if you have authorized employment in the U.S. Locate your immigration status below for required documents:

• F-1 Student with On-Campus Employment
  • Passport, Form I-20, OISS SSN Letter, Employer SSN Letter
• F-1 Student with Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  • Passport, Form I-20 with CPT authorization
• F-1 Student with Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • Passport, Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• J-1 Student
  • Passport, Form DS-2019, OISS SSN Letter
• J-1 Scholar
  • Passport, Form DS-2019
• J-1 Student Intern
  • Passport, Form DS-2019, OISS SSN Letter
• J-2 with Employment Authorization
  • Passport, Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• H-1B Employee
  • Passport, I-94, Form I-797 Approval Notice
• H-4 with Employment Authorization
  • Passport, Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

Request an OISS SSN Letter (if required):

F-1 students:

1. Submit the SSN Letter eForm in MyOISS.
2. Your on-campus employer completes their portion of the request
3. OISS prepares both required letters.
4. OISS will notify you when your OISS SSN letter is ready for pickup from the OISS office.
5. Your employer will coordinate with you to pick up the employer letter.

J-1 students and student interns:

1. Submit the SSN Letter eForm in MyOISS.
2. OISS prepares the letter.
3. OISS will notify you when your OISS SSN letter is ready for pickup from the OISS office.

J-1 students and student interns not under MSU program sponsorship should obtain their SSN letter from their program sponsor.

Important: The Social Security Administration requires original letters with ink signatures.

Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN):

Complete the online Social Security Number application. After your application is approved, your Social Security card is typically mailed within 10 business days

After you receive your Social Security card:

• Memorize your Social Security Number.
• Store your card in a secure location.
• Do not carry your card with you.

Not Eligible?

The following individuals are not eligible for a Social Security Number unless they have separate work authorization:

• F-1 students without employment.
• F-2 dependents.
• J-2 dependents without an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
• H-4 dependents without an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

If you are not eligible for an SSN but need a U.S. taxpayer identification number, you may be eligible to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (see below).

SSA Form L-676 (proof of SSN Ineligibility):

If you are not eligible for an SSN and need a Michigan Driver’s License or Michigan State ID, you may request SSA Form L-676 (Proof of SSN Ineligibility) from the Social Security Administration

• Find a Social Security office.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for individuals who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number. 

An ITIN is used for tax purposes only. It is intended for individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) but are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number to file tax documents with the U.S. government.

• Learn more about ITIN on the MSU Tax Clinic website.
• Learn more about ITIN eligibility and the application process on the IRS website.

To request a letter from OISS, log into MyOISS and select the "Request a Letter" category.