Social Security Numbers & Identification Cards
Social Security Number
Hawaii Driver’s License
Hawaii State Identification Card
Social Security Number [top]
ALL international employees in H-1B, O-1, TN, practical training or any other employment status must have SSNs in order to receive wages from UH. Most J-1 visitors, including UH stipend recipients, will require SSNs immediately upon arriving at UH if they do not already have one. Certain international visitors who will have non-compensated appointments may choose to apply for SSNs.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): The SSA will issue SSNs only to persons authorized to be employed in the U.S. If you are ineligible for an SSN, you may obtain an ITIN for tax purposes from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). ITIN application forms (Form W-7) and instructions are available on the IRS website.
Visitors in B-1 or WB and B-2 or WT statuses are ineligible for SSNs. If a B-1/B-2/WB/WT visitor does not have an SSN obtained during a prior U.S. visit, he/she may be required to obtain an ITIN instead.
WHEN TO APPLY
J-1 Exchange Visitors: Apply for an SSN no earlier than 10 business days after you arrive in the U.S. and after you complete your registration with FSIS.
If you apply for an SSN less than 10 business days after you arrive in the U.S., your legal entry in J status may not yet be entered in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAVE database, which is the primary source the SSA uses to verify your immigration status. A secondary source the SSA can use to verify your status is the Los Angeles Immigration Status Verification (LOSISV) unit. However, in order for the LOSISV unit to verify your immigration status, your SEVIS record must be validated by FSIS. FSIS will only validate your SEVIS record after you have completed the registration process. For more information, see the USCIS Fact Sheet for J Nonimmigrants: Getting a Social Security Number.
J-2 Dependents: J-2 dependents may obtain SSNs if they first obtain valid work permission or if they acquire an independent employment status of their own.
H-1B, TN, & O-1 Employees: Apply for an SSN no earlier than 10 business days after you arrive in the U.S. to ensure that your legal entry is entered in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAVE database, which is the source the SSA uses to verify your immigration status. H-1B, TN, and O-1 employees do not have SEVIS records and are not required to register with FSIS before applying for an SSN card.
or from the IRS office in the Prince Kuhio Federal Building, 300 Ala Moana Blvd. (Ala Moana Blvd. and Punchbowl St.). IRS offices are also located in Hilo and Wailuku.
WHERE TO APPLY
Social Security Administration
Federal Building, Rm 1-114
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96850 (corner of Ala Moana Blvd. & Punchbowl St.);
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (closed on federal holidays)
Phone: 800-772-1213 (Toll free number)
Web: SSA website (for information and office locations on other islands)
The BUS: Bus #6 (Ala Moana Center-Pauoa) makai (toward the ocean). Get off at Queen and Punchbowl Streets. Walk one block makai. Return by Bus #6 (University or Woodlawn).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
You must apply in person and bring these documents:
- Completed SS-5 application form (available at any SSA office and on the SSA website)
- Passport
- Birth certificate, if available
- Your USCIS employment authorization or evidence of UH employment
- All immigration documents (DS-2019 or I-797A or I-20 AND I-94 forms)
Cost: None
You must submit original or certified documents with your application. Non-certified or notarized photocopies will not be accepted. The SSA should return all documents to you.
Hawaii Driver's License [top]
WHERE TO APPLY
City & County of Honolulu Motor Vehicle and Licensing Division
Main Driver’s License Office
1199 Dillingham Boulevard, A-101 (Corner of Dillingham Blvd. & Kohou St.)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:45 am - 4:00 pm (closed on state and federal holidays)
Phone: (808) 532-7730
County of Hawaii driver licensing information
County of Kauai driver licensing information
County of Maui driver licensing information
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
You must apply in person and bring these documents:
- Social Security Card or a Social Security Administration letter stating that you are ineligible to obtain a Social Security Number; and
- A government-issued photo identification document, such as a passport or out-of-state driver's license.
Cost: Payable by cash, personal check, or traveler’s check
- Written test: $2.00
- 2-year license: $6.00
- 4-year license: $12.00
- 6-year license: $18.00
You must surrender all valid driver's licenses in your possession in order to obtain a Hawaii driver's license.
Hawaii State Identification Card [top]
WHERE TO APPLY
State ID Office, first floor of Kekuanao'a Building
465 S. King Street, Room 102 (corner of S. King and Punchbowl St.)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm (Arrive by 1:00 pm to ensure service)
Phone: 587-3111 or 587-3112
Web:
- Hawaii State ID Card (for information and office locations on other islands)
- Hawaii State ID Card Express (for online payment with express service)
The BUS: Bus #6 (Ala Moana Center-Pauoa) makai (toward the ocean). Get off at Queen and Punchbowl Streets. Walk one block mauka (toward the mountains). Return by Bus #6 (University or Woodlawn).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
You must apply in person and bring these documents:
Non-U.S. Citizens: Social Security Card (if obtained) AND the following:
- Alien resident card OR
- Valid passport with a valid visa stamp, DS-2019 or 1-797A or I-20, AND I-94 card
U.S. Citizens: Social Security Card AND one of the following:
- Certified U.S. birth certificate
- Certificate of citizenship or naturalization
- Certificate for a child born abroad to American parents
U.S. Nationals: Social Security Card AND birth certificate with certificate of identity.
Cost: $15.00 cash only (or $18.00 for online payment with express service)
All documents must be originals or certified copies. All documents must be in the same name. If there is a difference in name, bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, decree of legal change of name, or other official proof of your name change. State ID cards can be issued with an alternate ID number instead of a Social Security Number if desired.
