International Student and Scholar Services

Obtaining a Driver's License

Steps to apply for driver's license without Social Security Number:

1. Go to the Social Security Office with your passport, I-94, and Current properly endorsed 1-20 Form.

2. Inform the Social Security Office that you are not eligible for a Social Security Number because you are not working.

3. Ask the Social Security Office to issue you a letter indicating that you are not eligible for a Social Security Number.

4. Present the letter from the Social Security Office to the Department of Motor Vehicles (this is a separate office). 

5. The Department of Motor Vehicles should issue you a number that should allow you to follow the process to apply for a Driver's License.

Department of Motor Vehicles

Rath Building

170 Pearl Street

Buffalo, NY 14202

(716) 858-7450