Social Security Number | S.C. Driver's License | Government Links | Embassy & Consulate Links
Every working person and tax payer in the U.S. is required to have a Social Security Number (SSN), which is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Non-U.S. citizens who need a number for tax purposes, but are not eligible for Social Security, can apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
If you have never been assigned a Social Security number before, you must apply for a card IN PERSON at the local Social Security office. There is no charge to get a Social Security card. Along with your application (Form SS-5), you will also need to submit at least two documents as evidence of your age, identity, and lawful non-citizen status (e.g. identity card & passport with a visa). PHOTOCOPIES OF DOCUMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
You should receive your card within two weeks after applying. If you do not receive your card within this time frame, contact the Social Security office where you filed the application and they will investigate the delay. Contact the Greenville office at 319 Pelham Rd, (864) 233-1116. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information, refer to the SSA Publication How to Get a Number and Card.
New residents to South Carolina must apply for a S.C. Driver's License within 90 days of relocation. In order to apply for a driver's license, you must bring your current driver's license, social security card, proof of residency (e.g. current utility bill or lease agreement), and automobile insurance information. Non-U.S. citizens are also required to bring a passport with a visa and an employment verification letter (dated no more than 4 weeks prior to applying).
NOTE: Non-citizens NOT ENTITLED to a Social Security number must obtain a letter IN PERSON from the Social Security office stating such circumstance. In order to receive a SC driver’s license this letter, along with a passport and visa must be presented.
When you apply for a license you will be required to pass a vision and road skills test. Licensed driver's from Germany, France, and Canada are NOT REQUIRED to take a road test. The cost for a driver's license is $12.50 and $2.00 for a road test.
When non-citizens apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a license, they initially will receive a temporary paper license, which is valid for 45 days until the DMV mails the actual license. This temporary credential will not include a photo. It is vital that you keep this paper document with you as proof of your driver’s license. The actual driver's license will be valid for a period not exceeding 5 years, equal to the length time you are authorized to stay in the U.S. If you do not receive your license within 45 days, contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Columbia, (803) 896-7839.
Driver’s license applications for non-citizens are ONLY accepted at participating branch locations. The Greenville office for non-U.S. applicants is located at 15 Saluda Dam Road, (864) 241-1147. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Know the rules of the road found in the SC Driver's Manual. Understand South Carolina's Fasten For Life seat belt laws.
United States:
U.S. Government Official Site - Federal, state, and local government services and information.
Bureau
of Consular Affairs - State Department information for U.S. and Foreign
Citizens.
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Services) - U.S. immigration regulations, guides, and visa & work permit application forms.
Bureau of Customs and Border Protection - U.S. customs service information and regulations.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention - U.S. health information and topics.
Internal Revenue Service - U.S. Department of Treasury tax laws and information.
South Carolina:
S.C. State Government - State & local government organizations and services information.
S.C. Department of Revenue - State tax laws and information.
U.S. Embassies & Consulates Worldwide
List of Foreign Embassies in Washington D.C.
Nations with official consulates in Atlanta include: Canadian Consulate General, 1175 Peachtree St., 100 Colony Sq., Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30361 (tel. 404/532-2000); Consulate of France, 285 Peachtree Center Ave., Suite 2800, Atlanta, GA 30303 (tel. 404/522-4226); Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Marquis Two Tower, 285 Peachtree Center Ave. NE, Suite 901, Atlanta, GA 30303 (tel. 404/659-4760); British Consulate General, Marquis One Tower, 245 Peachtree Center Ave., Suite 2700, Atlanta, GA 30303 (tel. 404/524-5856); and Consulate General of Japan, 100 Colony Sq., Suite 2000, Atlanta, GA 30361 (tel. 404/892-2700). For complete information, contact the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce at tel. 404/880-9000.