Living in Syracuse

Obtaining a Social Security Number

U.S. federal law requires all individuals employed in the U.S. to have a Social Security number (SSN). SSNs are issued by the Social Security Administration and are used to track income and tax wages. They are only issued for the purpose of tracking income from employment. The Social Security Administration will not issue an SSN for the purpose of opening a bank account or obtaining a driver license, utilities or a credit card.

An SSN is not required to begin employment and can only be obtained if you are employed or authorized to be employed.

Note: Those students who receive taxable scholarships (this does not include reductions in your tuition only), grants or stipends from U.S. sources, but are not employed in the U.S. (e.g. sponsored students and athletes receiving scholarships), must apply for the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Read more about International Students and Social Security Numbers.

F-1 and J-1 Students With DS-2019s Issued by Syracuse University Employed on Campus

To be eligible to apply for a Social Security number, F-1 and J-1 students whose DS-2019s were issued by Syracuse University must be able to document on-campus employment. In addition, your immigration record must have been registered by the Center for International Services, and that registration must have been downloaded in federal government databases. It may take 10 days for the Social Security Administration to be able to view your record from the time the University submits your registration information (usually after the last day to add a class to your schedule).

Obtaining a Social Security Number Based on Employment on Campus

1. The Payroll Office will notify the Student Employment Office that an international student has been hired, put on the payroll and does not have a Social Security number.
2. The Student Employment Office will prepare an Employer Verification Form (EVF) and send it to the Center for International Services.
3. The Center for International Services will email the student with instructions to complete and submit Form SS-5 online, schedule an appointment at the local Social Security Administration office and print out a confirmation page of the submitted application.
4. The student will need to come to the Center for International Services to pick up the EVF.
5. On the date of their scheduled appointment, the student will go to the Social Security Administration office at the Federal Building, 4^th Floor, 100 S. Clinton St., Syracuse, NY 13261. (Telephone: 1.866.755.4884; TTY: 1.800.325.0778; Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. If you are not in Syracuse, please check for your nearest local office with the Social Security Administration.) You must take the following with you to the Social Security Administration office.
   1. Printout of the confirmation page of submitting the Form SS-5 application online.
   2. Completed Employer Verification Form (EVF) signed by the Student Employment Office and the Center for International Services.
   3. Original, valid passport.
   4. Printout of the electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure Record indicating F-1/J-1 status and D/S.
   5. Most recent Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1).
6. Request a RECEIPT letter for your application.
7. Report your SSN to the University after you receive your SSN card in the mail (in approximately 10-14 days). The University must report your income and tax withholding to the federal and state government using your Social Security number.
   1. Take a copy of your SSN card with your Syracuse University I.D. number written on it to the Student Employment Office at 111 Waverly Ave., Suite 230.
   2. If you have already completed the University’s Foreign National Information System (FNIS) Form, send an email to nratax@syr.edu with your Syracuse University I.D. number and ask for FNIS to be reopened so you can enter your SSN.
   3. If you have not yet completed the University’s FNIS Form, send an email to nratax@syr.edu with your Syracuse University I.D. number and tell them you received your SSN. Do NOT include your SSN in the email.
   4. You will receive an email instructing you to complete the FNIS Form.
      1. The data collected allows the University to determine your tax withholding status. If you do not complete the FNIS Form, the amount withheld from your pay may be incorrectly estimated, and you could have to pay a substantial amount of money in taxes, or a higher than necessary amount of money may be withheld from each paycheck.
      2. Any questions you may have regarding the FNIS Form should be directed to nratax@syr.edu.

Read more about International Students and Social Security Numbers.

Obtaining a Social Security Number Based on Employment on Curricular Practical Training or J-1 Academic Training Authorized by Syracuse University

If you are authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or J-1 Academic Training (AT) by Syracuse University and you do not already have a Social Security number (SSN), you may apply for one based on the CPT/AT authorization.

You may begin working without an SSN, but you will need to report an SSN to your employer if you are getting paid.

1. After you are authorized for CPT or J-1 AT, complete and submit Form SS-5 online, schedule an appointment at the local Social Security Administration office and print out a confirmation page of the submitted application.
2. On the day of your scheduled appointment, go to the Social Security Administration office at the Federal Building, 4^th Floor, 100 S. Clinton St., Syracuse, NY 13261. (Telephone: 1.866.755.4884; TTY: 1.800.325.0778; Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. If you are not in Syracuse, please check for your nearest local office with the Social Security Administration.) You must take the following with you to the Social Security Administration office.
   1. Printout of the confirmation page of submitting the Form SS-5 application online.
   2. Original, valid passport.
   3. Printout of your electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure Record indicating F-1/J-1 status and D/S.
   4. Your most recent Form I-20 (F-1) with the CPT authorization, or Form DS-2019 (J-1) and Academic Training authorization letter.
   5. NOTE: The Social Security Administration will not accept an application for a Social Security number more than 30 days before the start date of the Curricular Practical Training or J-1 Academic Training authorization.
3. Request a RECEIPT letter for your application.
4. Report your SSN to your employer if you are being paid.

Read more about International Students and Social Security Numbers.

J-1 Students With DS-2019s Issued by Sponsoring Agencies Employed on Campus or Authorized for Academic Training

To be eligible to apply for a Social Security number (SSN), J-1 students whose DS-2019s were issued by a sponsoring agency (Fulbright, IIE, Amideast, LASPAU, etc.) must be able to document on-campus or Academic Training employment authorization from their J-1 sponsor. Contact your sponsor for instructions on how to apply for the authorization you need to be able to work.

Once you have what you need from your J-1 program sponsor, you should take the following actions.

1. Complete and submit Form SS-5 online, schedule an appointment at the local Social Security Administration office and print out a confirmation page of the submitted application.
2. On the day of your scheduled appointment, go to the Social Security Administration office at the Federal Building, 4^th Floor, 100 S. Clinton St., Syracuse, NY 13261. (Telephone: 1.866.755.4884; TTY: 1.800.325.0778; Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. If you are not in Syracuse, please check for your nearest local office with the Social Security Administration.) You must take the following with you to the Social Security Administration office.
   1. Printout of the confirmation page of submitting the Form SS-5 application online.
   2. Original, valid passport.
   3. Printout of your electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure Record indicating J-1 status for D/S.
   4. Your most recent Form DS-2019.
   5. Documentation of your Employment Authorization provided by your sponsoring agency.
   6. NOTE: The Social Security Administration will not accept an application for a Social Security number more than 30 days before the start date of the J-1 Academic Training authorization.
3. Request a RECEIPT letter for your application.
4. Report your SSN to the University after you receive your SSN card in the mail (in approximately 10-14 days). The University must report your income and tax withholding to the federal and state governments using your Social Security number.
   1. Take a copy of your SSN card with your Syracuse University I.D. number written on it to the Student Employment Office at 111 Waverly Ave., Suite 230.
   2. If you have already completed the University’s Foreign National Information System (FNIS) Form, send an email to nratax@syr.edu with your Syracuse University I.D. number and ask for FNIS to be reopened so you can enter your SSN.
   3. If you have not yet completed the University’s FNIS Form, send an email to nratax@syr.edu with your Syracuse University I.D. number and tell them you received your SSN. Do NOT include your SSN in the email.
   4. You will receive an email instructing you to complete the FNIS Form.
      1. The data collected allows the University to determine your tax withholding status. If you do not complete the FNIS Form, the amount withheld from your pay may be incorrectly estimated, and you could have to pay a substantial amount of money in taxes, or a higher than necessary amount of money may be withheld from each paycheck.
      2. Any questions you may have regarding the FNIS Form should be directed to nratax@syr.edu.

Read more about International Students and Social Security Numbers.

Obtaining a Social Security Number Based on F-1 Optional Practical Training Authorization

F-1 students may apply for a Social Security number as part of the application for Optional Practical Training (OPT). The Social Security number is usually sent in the mail 10-14 days after the approval for OPT.

If you apply for an SSN at the same time as you apply for OPT and you received your OPT approval but not your SSN, you should contact the local Social Security Administration office to inquire about it.

• Syracuse Social Security Administration Office
  • Address: Federal Building, 4th Floor, 100 S. Clinton St., Syracuse, NY 13261
  • Telephone: 1.866.755.4884
  • TTY: 1.800.325.0778
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• If you are not in Syracuse, please check for your nearest local office with the Social Security Administration.

Read more about International Students and Social Security Numbers.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a number assigned to individuals by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS is the U.S. agency responsible for tracking income and collecting taxes.

The ITIN is used as a way to identify individuals who have to file a tax return, but are not eligible for a Social Security number (SSN) because they are not employed.

If you are an F-1/J-1 student who does not have an SSN and who is not working, but will be receiving income from a U.S. source (scholarship, fellowship, grant, stipend), then you are eligible for an ITIN.

If you have an F-2/J-2 dependent and are from a country that allows dependents to be claimed on your income tax return, then they are also eligible for an ITIN.

You can apply for your ITIN shortly after you arrive in the U.S., once your immigration record has been activated in the SEVIS system (i.e. after you have registered full-time at Syracuse University), or you can wait and file your ITIN application when you file your tax return. Dependents (F-2/J-2) must apply for an ITIN when the primary (F-1/J-1) files their tax return.

NOTE: J-1 sponsored students (Fulbright, IIE, LASPAU, etc.) should check with their program sponsor about how and when they should apply for an ITIN.

Applying for an ITIN Because You Receive a Scholarship, Fellowship, Grant or Stipend

1. Complete IRS Form W-7, the application for an ITIN. The IRS provides detailed instructions on how to complete the form.
2. Obtain a Certification Letter from the Center for International Services.
   1. You may obtain a Certification Letter during drop-in advising or call 315.443.2457 to schedule an appointment with a Center advisor.
   2. Bring the following with you to the Center for International Services.
      1. Completed Form W-7.
      2. Passport and visa.
      3. I-20/DS-2019.
      4. Printout of electronic I-94.
      5. Award letter for your scholarship, fellowship, grant or stipend.
   3. NOTE: You may apply for an ITIN without obtaining a Certification Letter from the Center for International Services. However, that requires that you mail your original passport and other supporting documentation to the IRS, and we strongly recommend against mailing your passport.
3. The Center for International Services will mail your ITIN application to the IRS.
4. You should receive your ITIN within 6-8 weeks.
   1. If, after waiting 6-8 weeks, you still have not received your ITIN, you can call the IRS to find out the status of your application.
      1. Call 1.800.829.1040 if you are in the United States.
      2. Call 267.941.1000 (not a toll-free number) if you are outside of the United States.
5. Complete the Foreign National Information System (FNIS) Form. This form allows Payroll to know how to properly deduct taxes from your payments. To obtain access to the form, email nratax@syr.edu with your Syracuse University I.D. number. Any questions about this form should be directed to nratax@syr.edu.

Filing Your ITIN Application With Your Tax Return

1. Complete your federal tax return.
   1. The Center for International Services offers Syracuse University international students and scholars free access to specialized tax software. For more information, visit the Taxes section of the webpage.
2. Complete IRS Form W-7, the application for an ITIN. The IRS provides detailed instructions on how to complete the form.
   1. If you utilize the Sprintax software, it will automatically fill in Form W-7 for you.
3. Make an appointment at the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, located locally in downtown Syracuse, to have your immigration documents authenticated so you do not have to mail your original passport to the IRS. (Note: You may apply for an ITIN without having your documents authenticated by the IRS. However, that requires that you mail your original passport and other supporting documentation to the IRS, and we strongly recommend against mailing your passport.) Take the following with you to your appointment at the Taxpayer Assistance Center.
   1. Completed Form W-7.
   2. Passport and visa.
   3. I-20/DS-2019.
   4. Printout of electronic I-94.
   5. Award letter for your fellowship, scholarship or grant.
4. Assemble your application in the following order.
   1. Certification Letter.
   2. Completed Form W-7.
   3. Copies of passport and visa.
   4. Copy of I-20/DS-2019.
   5. Your completed U.S. tax return.
5. Make a copy of your application to keep for your own records.
6. Mail your application to: Internal Revenue Service, Austin Service Center, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342
7. The IRS will process your ITIN application and send it to the tax return processing unit.
8. You should receive your ITIN within 6-8 weeks.
   1. If, after waiting 6-8 weeks, you have still not received your ITIN, you can call the IRS to find out the status of your application.
      1. Call 1.800.829.1040 if you are in the U.S.
      2. Call 267.941.1000 (not a toll-free number) if you are outside of the U.S.
9. Log in and complete the Foreign National Information System (FNIS) Form. This form allows Payroll to know how to properly deduct taxes from your payments. To obtain access to the form, email nratax@syr.edu with your Syracuse University I.D. number. Any questions about this form should be directed to nratax@syr.edu.

The deadline for filing is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

All individuals in F-1 and J-1 status have a tax filing requirement, even if you had no income in 2025.

Everyone in F-1 or J-1 status must file Form 8843.

If you were physically present in the U.S. in F or J status anytime between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025, you are required to file Form 8843 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), even if you had no income.

Completing Form 8843 is straightforward and does not require tax software. You can complete it on your own and mail it to the IRS.

If You Earned Income in 2025

If you had any income during 2025 (employment, scholarship, stipend, prize money, etc.), you must also file Form 1040-NR (federal tax return). There is no minimum income amount that triggers this requirement.

Syracuse University has partnered with Sprintax to provide free federal tax preparation software for nonresident students and scholars.

What Is Sprintax?

Sprintax guides you through the tax filing process with a series of questions tailored to your situation. The software will:

• Determine if you are a nonresident for tax purposes.
• Prepare your Form 1040-NR (federal tax return) for free.
• Generate your Form 8843.
• Check if you’re eligible for a tax refund.
• Advise if you can file electronically or need to mail your return.

Please note that Sprintax is only for nonresidents for tax purposes. If Sprintax determines you are a resident, you cannot use this software and will need to use a different tax preparation program.

Access Code

Look for an email from international@syr.edu with the subject line “SPRINTAX Tax Preparation for 2025 Taxes” for your free access code. This email will be sent in February 2026.

The access code covers your federal tax return preparation at no cost. State tax filing services are available for an additional fee paid directly to Sprintax.

Filing Deadlines

• With W-2 Form (received wages with federal taxes withheld): Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
• With 1042-S Form only and outside of the U.S. (no W-2): Monday, June 15, 2026.

1. Your passport.
2. Your I-20 or DS-2019.
3. Your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you have one.
4. Your U.S. entry and exit dates for all visits to the U.S. (You will need to print your I-94 travel history.)
5. W-2 form(s) if you received wages from your employer(s).
   1. If you received wages from Syracuse University, see your MySlice record for the W-2 form under the Payroll tile.
6. 1042-S form if you received scholarships, fellowships or claimed tax treaty benefits.
   1. Your 1042-S form should be mailed to you by March 15, 2026, or available on the FNIS website.

Please note: Form 1098-T (Tuition Statement) is not needed and cannot be used with a nonresident tax return.

1. Access Sprintax.
2. Create an account or sign in if you’ve used Sprintax before.
3. Complete the questionnaire about your situation.
4. Enter the access code you received in an email from international@syr.edu in February 2026 when requested at the payment stage.
5. Review your tax return and determine if you’re owed a refund or if you owe taxes.
6. Sprintax will advise if you can file electronically or if you have to print and mail your tax return. The deadline for filing is April 15, 2025.
   1. If you owe taxes, you must pay when you file, either electronically, by check or by money order.

Receiving Your Refund

If you’re due a refund, you can choose:

• Direct deposit to your bank account (fastest).
• Paper check mailed to you.

Free Educational Webinars

Sprintax offers free webinars covering nonresident tax topics. You are welcome to register for a session that works best for you.

Additional Help

• Sprintax YouTube Channel
• Sprintax Help Center
• Sprintax Blog
• Email Sprintax: hello@sprintax.com
• Sprintax Online Chat

Who Must Complete Form 8843?

All nonresident aliens must fill out Form 8843, even if you did not earn any income, if you were:

• In the U.S. during 2025 (anytime between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2025).
• In F, M, J or Q status (including dependent statuses—F-2, J-2, etc.)

Syracuse University Information for Form 8843

Item 9: Academic Institution Information

Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY 13244
315.443.1870

Item 10: Academic Program Information

List the dean of your school/college. Please refer to the list below:

School of Architecture
Michael A. Speaks, Dean
204 Slocum Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
315.443.0790

The College of Arts and Sciences
Behzad Mortazavi, Dean
300 Hall of Languages
Syracuse, NY 13244
315.443.3940

School of Education
Kelly Chandler-Olcott, Dean
230 Huntington Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
315.443.4751

College of Engineering and Computer Science
Jennifer Ross, Interim Dean
223 Link Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
315.443.4341

David B. Falk College of Sport
Jeremy Jordan, Dean
440 White Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
315.443.5582

School of Information Studies
Jeff Hemsley, Interim Dean
343 Hinds Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
315.443.2736

College of Law
Terence Lau, Dean
440 College of Law
Syracuse, NY 13244
315.443.9580

Martin J. Whitman School of Management
Alexander McKelvie, Interim Dean
Whitman SOM, Suite 415
Syracuse, NY 13244
315.443.3751

Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
David Van Slyke, Dean
200 Eggers Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
315.443.2252

S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
Mark Lodato, Dean
400 Newhouse 1
Syracuse, NY 13244
315.443.1909

College of Visual and Performing Arts
Michael Tick, Dean
200 Crouse College
Syracuse, NY 13244
315.443.5889

Mailing Form 8843

Mail Form 8843 to:

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0215

The Center for International Services specializes in immigration matters, not taxes. For tax-specific questions, please contact:

• Sprintax Support: hello@sprintax.com
• IRS International Customer Service: 267.941.1000
• A qualified tax professional

Most F-1 and J-1 students are considered nonresidents for tax purposes.

• F-1 students are automatically nonresidents for the first five calendar years in the U.S.
• J-1 students are automatically nonresidents for the first five calendar years in the U.S.
• J-1 scholars/researchers are automatically nonresident for two out of the last six calendar years in the U.S.

If you’ve been in the U.S. longer than these periods, the Substantial Presence Test determines your tax residency status. Sprintax will help you determine your status when you use the software.

If You Are a Resident for Tax Purposes

If you determine you are a resident for tax purposes, you cannot use Sprintax. Instead, you can use standard tax preparation software designed for U.S. residents, including the following.

• IRS Free File: Free tax preparation software for qualified taxpayers (generally those earning below a certain income threshold).
• IRS Free File Fillable Forms: Free electronic forms for taxpayers comfortable with preparing their own taxes, regardless of income.
• Commercial tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, etc.).
• Professional tax preparers.

Learn more about taxation of residents for tax purposes.

• IRS Resources for Foreign Students and Scholars
• Form 8843 IRS Tutorial
• U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens (Publication 519)

Matriculated Full-Time Students

All full-time, matriculated students are required to demonstrate proof of qualifying health insurance coverage. Through the Syracuse University Student Health Insurance Plan, eligible students have access to comprehensive health care coverage. To enroll or waive the Student Health Insurance Plan, students should complete the health insurance decision form on MySlice by the published deadline.

For more information about the health insurance plan and to access frequently asked questions, please visit the Student Health Insurance webpage.

Matriculated Part-Time Students, Non-Matriculated Students, Students on Optional Practical Training and Visiting Scholars

The following individuals are not eligible for the Syracuse University Student Health Insurance Plan:

• Students who are in their last semester of study and allowed to be registered part-time.
• Non-matriculated students (Syracuse Abroad Exchange Students, Humphrey Fellows).
• Students applying for or approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Visiting scholars in J-1 Professor, Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, Specialist or Student Intern Status.
  • Please note: J-1 visa holders are required to have health insurance that meets the J-1 visa program’s minimum requirements.

Millions of dollars are lost every year due to property theft, accidental damage, fire, water, vandalism, etc. Property Insurance can help protect your property and ensure that you will be able to continue your studies in the unfortunate event a personal belonging is damaged or lost. Per plan, all personal belongings may be covered, including but not limited to: cell phone, laptop, tablet, PC, bikes, books, clothes, jewelry, musical instruments and more!

We recommend that international students use the banking services available in the Syracuse area rather than rely on services in their home country. Banks in the U.S. offer many different services. Standard services include savings and checking accounts, in addition to Automated Teller Machine (ATM) access, most banks offer currency exchange at fair rates, wiring and electronic transfer of funds, and various other services.

You should take your passport and other immigration documents with you when you go to open your bank account; the bank representative will need you to show proof of your identity. When you first set up a bank account, you will have to sign a statement called a W-8. The W-8 certifies that you are a non-citizen and are not subject to the withholding of income taxes on interest on your deposit.

Please note: The U.S. Social Security Office will not issue a Social Security number for opening a bank account. For students at Syracuse University, the school-issued number is sufficient. For spouses and dependents, please refer to the information on Social Security numbers.

It’s suggested to use a checking account for a variety of reasons.

• The bank provides safety against loss or theft.
• It is convenient to make transfers and deposits for any purchases, to satisfy debts or to make withdrawals by writing checks.
• A canceled check serves as your receipt of payment.
• You will receive periodic statements of balance.
• You may make withdrawals by mail.

• Keep most of your money in the bank.
• Do not carry large amounts of money with you; there is always the risk of losing it or having it stolen.
• Keep your financial records in order.
• Carry your identification card(s) with you at all times; banks require it before cashing checks and so do most stores.
• Be cautious when using ATMs. Use well-lit ATM locations.
• While using ATMs, keep alert when other people are around. Protect your personal ATM pin number from being seen as you enter it.

• Chase Bank
  • Address: 649 S. Crouse Ave.
  • Phone: 1.315.476.5870
• M&T Bank
  • Address: 725 Irving Ave.
  • Phone: 1.315.422.2121
• Syracuse University ATM Stations
  • Syracuse University owns five ATMs on campus. The transaction service charge varies, with a maximum of $2.50. Please contact your bank to determine if they charge any additional ATM service fees. ATMs are located in the following campus buildings.
    • Syracuse Stage (820 E. Genesee St.)
    • Goldstein Student Center
    • Syracuse University Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center
    • Bird Library
    • Huntington Beard Crouse

• KeyBank
  • Address: 215 Tecumseh Road
  • Phone: 1.315.446.8091

• You may drive legally in New York State if you have a valid foreign driver license from your country and either a certified translation of your license or a current International Driving Permit (issued for one year only) in your possession while you drive.
• International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit is not a driver license. The permit only verifies that you hold a valid driver license in your home country. Your foreign driver license, not the International Driving Permit, allows you to drive in New York State. Contact the authorities in your home country to get an International Driving Permit.
• You do not need to apply for a New York State driver license if your foreign driver license is valid and you have no intention to reside permanently in New York State.
• Note: Even though New York State will recognize your foreign driver license (as long as you remain a resident of your country), you will also need to have an International Driving Permit to rent a car in most cases. This document is quite useful since it verifies, in several languages, that you have a valid foreign driver license.

In order to apply for a New York State driver license, learner permit or state I.D., individuals with an immigration designation of D/S (duration of status) need to have an immigration document (i.e. I-20 or DS-2019) that is valid at least six months into the future. In addition, the document must have been issued for a period of one year or more.

• It is advisable to obtain a New York State driver license even if your foreign license is still valid. This will help to avoid problems if you are stopped for a traffic violation or at some other time when you need to present a driver license.
• In addition, if you do not have a U.S. driver license, many car insurance companies will not insure your vehicle, or will insure you through a high risk pool at much higher rates.

If You Are a New Driver: New York State Learner Permit Steps

If you do not currently hold a valid driver license, you should apply for the New York State learner permit. If you are a new driver, this will allow you to practice your driving skills before passing a road test. Follow the instructions below to obtain a New York State Learner Permit. For more information, please refer to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

• Apply for a learner permit.
• Pass the vision test.
• Pass the written test.
• Note: Individuals may also request a test in a foreign language if it is available; the DMV has written tests translated into 22 languages.
  • Exception: Individuals are not required to take the written test if they have Form MV-285 (Driver Education Student Certificate of Completion).

Steps for Obtaining a New York State Driver License

For more information, please refer to the DMV website.

• Take a driver education course or a DMV-approved pre-licensing course.
• Make an appointment for a road test.
• Pass your road test and receive your New York State driver license.
• Make sure you don’t show up to the road test alone.

If You Have a Driver License From Any Nation Except Canada

• Follow the steps for new drivers.
• Surrender your foreign driver license to the DMV road test examiner.

If You Have a Valid Driver License from Canada or Puerto Rico

• You don’t need to take a driving course.
• You don’t need to take a road test.
• Your licenses are transferable.

In order to obtain a driver license, learner permit or non-driver photo I.D. card, you need to present documents that show proof of name and date of birth. Your proof must total six points. Visit the proof requirements page on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for details on documentation and points.

Recent changes in the issuance of Social Security numbers (SSNs) state that you can apply for an SSN once you have obtained an offer of employment on campus. If you do not currently have an offer of employment, you are not eligible to apply for an SSN.

For the purpose of obtaining a driver license, learner permit or state I.D., you must provide a letter from the U.S. Social Security Administration stating that you are not eligible. Follow the steps outlined below to complete.

1. Go to the Social Security Administration office located in the Federal Building in downtown Syracuse, on the fourth floor of 100 S. Clinton St. (Please note, you may first need an appointment.) Explain that you would like to apply for a driver license/learner permit/state I.D. and state your visa type.
2. Explain that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has asked for your SSN, which you do not have. Request a letter that explains to the DMV that SSNs are not issued for the purpose of obtaining a driver license. The office will give you a letter that you may take to the DMV.
3.  Bring the letter to the DMV within 30 days of issuance along with other necessary documents (see above) and apply for a driver license/learner permit/state I.D.
4. Unfortunately, you are caught between two separate administrations. Each has its own operating rules.

• Based on the current Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) policy, the local office will issue a driver license/permit/state I.D. with a notice indicating that your temporary visitor status will end on the same date as the expiration of your I-20/DS-2019.
• If you are planning to undertake Optional Practical Training (OPT) after your graduation, you will need to present a new I-20 reflecting the OPT approval to the DMV.
• If you present a new I-20 with an approved OPT before the completion of your studies, the DMV will issue you a driver license/permit/state I.D. indicating that your temporary visitor status will expire at the same time when you complete your OPT.
• If you come in during your OPT, the DMV will need to see your EAD card before issuing any documents. The visitor status expiration date placed on your driver license will then reflect the end date on your EAD card.
• Students in J-1 status undertaking academic training will need to present an updated DS-2019 indicating a period of approved academic training.

• Many residents rely on a New York State Photo Driver License or Non-Driver Photo Identification Card as secure identification for check cashing or credit purchases. It cannot be “borrowed” to buy alcoholic beverages by people under the legal purchase age. It is almost impossible to forge or alter. A New York State photo document may provide increased identification security for you, plus law enforcement and driver safety advantages for everyone.
• If you do not drive, you may qualify for a Non-Driver Photo Identification Card from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV Non-Driver I.D. Card has the same personal identification information, photo, signature and special safeguards against alterations as a photo driver license. You cannot hold a New York State driver license or learner permit while also holding a non-driver I.D. card.
• Learn more about non-driver photo ID cards on the DMV website.