Get a Social Security Number
STEP 1: Collect all required documents
— Letter from OISS
— Official job offer letter (students must be employed to be eligible for a Social Security Number)
— I-94 (print from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94)
— Passport
— Most recent I-20 or DS-2019
— Completed SS-5 application (available at https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ or at Social Security Office)
STEP 2: Contact OISS for instructions on how to apply. Social Security offices are operating differently due to the COVID-19 pandemic and processes are changing. OISS will provide the most current information.
STEP 3: Receive your card and report your number
You will receive your Social Security Card in the mail about 2 weeks after you apply. When you receive your card, report your Social Security Number to your employer and, if you are being paid by URI, e-mail foreigntax@etal.uri.edu to set up an appointment to complete tax paperwork.
Protect yourself from identity theft. Keep your Social Security Card at home in a safe place and only provide your number when necessary.
Get a Rhode Island Driver’s License or State ID
NOTE: The Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles is currently operating by appointment only. Make an appointment at http://www.dmv.ri.gov/
STEP 1: Collect Required Immigration/ID Documents
If you HAVE a Social Security number, you need:
— Letter from OISS (confirms status, enrollment, and RI residency) addressed to RI DMV
— I-94 (print out from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94)
— Passport
— Most recent I-20 or DS-2019
If you DO NOT HAVE a Social Security number, you need:
— Letter of non-eligibility from Social Security — contact OISS for instructions on how to obtain the denial letter
— Letter from OISS (confirms status, enrollment, and RI residency) addressed to RI DMV
— I-94 (print out from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94)
— Passport
— Most recent I-20 or DS-2019
NOTE: DMV letters from OISS are good for 30 days. Please only request a letter if you are actually planning on going to the DMV within 30 days.
STEP 2: Review RI DMV website for additional requirements and documents: http://www.dmv.ri.gov/
STEP 3: Bring all required documents to Rhode Island DMV office.
— If you believe that you have all the proper documents and are being refused a license or ID, please politely ask to see a supervisor.
RI DMV Offices Closest to URI Kingston Campus
WAKEFIELD
4808 Tower Hill Road
Wakefield, RI 02879
1.401.789.1430
CRANSTON
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
1.401.462.4368
We’re here to help

Office of International Students and Scholars
Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30am – 4:30pm Eastern Time
International Center
37 Lower College Road
Kingston, RI, 02881
issoff@etal.uri.edu
+1.401.874.2395