The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the agency that issues the driver’s license and the non-driver Identification Card (state ID). You may want to consider getting a state ID if you want to have official U.S. identification so that you do not have to carry your passport with you. If you plan to operate a vehicle, you should apply for a Driver’s License. There are several locations, so please find the one nearest you by clicking here (note: the Hamden location is the one closest to the University of New Haven).

Connecticut State ID

Documents You Will Need: 

• All of the following documents that apply to your immigration status:
  • Most recent I-94 record (Obtained from CBP website)
  • U.S. Visa
  • F1 requires I-20 or Employment Authorization Card
  • J1 requires DS-2019

All documents must be original. Copies will not be accepted. For more detailed information, review the DMV Identity Verification Checklist. 

Driver’s License 

Connecticut permits a student or visitor to operate a motor vehicle in Connecticut for a period of up to one year with their home country license. If the license is in a language other than English or Spanish, the license must be accompanied by an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), which serves as an English translation of the international license. An IDP is not considered a valid license and must accompany a valid international driver’s license from the home country. The IDP permits can only be obtained in the country which issued the actual license so you will want to make arrangements for the IDP before you leave your home. Out-of-country licenses are not acceptable as a form of identification.

Documents You Will Need: 

• All of the following documents that apply to your immigration status:
  • Most recent I-94 record (Obtained from CBP website)
  • U.S. Visa
  • F1 requires I-20 or Employment Authorization Card
  • J1 requires DS-2019

All documents must be original. Copies will not be accepted. For more detailed information, review the DMV Identity Verification Checklist. 

Application Process:

Step One:
Collect the documentation listed above and apply for a Learner’s Permit. Go online to schedule a Learner’s Permit Test Appointment. You will need to bring all of the documents listed above and be prepared to take a vision test and a 25-question driving knowledge test. You can review the information you will be tested on in the CT Driver’s Manual. 

Step Two:
You must hold your Learner’s Permit at least 90 days prior to taking the on-the-road skills test. If you have a current or previous license from your home country or a previous U.S. license, the 90-day requirement may be waived.

Prior to your road skills test appointment, you must complete a mandatory 8-hour driving course required by the state of Connecticut. Be sure to get proof of completion when done. You can find a list of schools with Driver Education on the DMV website. This is required prior to your road test. 

Step Three:
When you are eligible for your road test at the DMV office, you must make an appointment on the DMV website. You will need to take the following items with you to that appointment, in addition to the documents listed above:

• Your learner’s permit
• Print-out of road test appointment confirmation
• A fully completed R-229 form application (available when making an online appointment)
• A vehicle to take the driving test. The vehicle must be registered and insured. You must bring the Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate and proof of insurance for the vehicle. 
• Proof of completion of the 8-hour driving course
• License fee: The fee will be $72. (Review the acceptable forms of payment)

Step Four:
Pass the test and get your driver’s license in the mail. 

More detailed information about State IDs, driver’s licenses, and car registration can be found on the DMV website. 

All U.S. employers require employees to have a Social Security Number (SSN) for the purpose of reporting individual employee earnings for tax purposes.  A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to receive compensation for work in the US (F-1 on-campus employment, fellowships, paid internship while authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT)). The Social Security Number is a permanent ID number issued by the U.S. government. Keep this card and number safe, and be careful with whom you share this information, as it can be used for identity theft purposes. 

Why do I need a Social Security Number? 

• You must have an SSN if you will receive a salary or stipend from the University of New Haven or from your off-campus OPT or CPT employer.
• You will need an SSN to file a U.S. income tax return for each calendar year in which you spent any period of time in the U.S.
• SSNs are often used for a variety of unofficial purposes, such as opening telephone, utility, or bank/credit card accounts. While having an SSN is convenient for these reasons, it is not required.

When can I apply for a Social Security Number?

You may apply for an SSN only if you have received a job offer. You must have entered the U.S. at least 10 days prior to submitting your application. You may not apply more than 30 days before the start of your job. 

How can I apply for a Social Security Number?

• If you acquire an on-campus job or an off-campus internship, you must secure a job offer letter from your employer which includes your start date. You must request a Full-Time Status Letter from the ISO and attached your offer letter to the request. The letter will be ready in 3-5 business days and is a required document that must be taken to the Social Security Administration Office to confirm that you are eligible for an SSN. 
• Download the SSN application from the Social Security Administration website www.ssa.gov; or obtain an application at a local Social Security Office.
• Complete and sign the application;
• Take the application and required documents (listed below) to any US Social Security office during regular business hours; and
• Allow at least two weeks for processing and mailing.

Present the following documents when you apply for a Social Security Number:

• Completed and signed SSN application
• Full-time status letter issued by the ISO
• Original Passport with F-1/J-1 visa
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (printed from the cbp.gov website)
• Original Form I-20/DS-2019
• Original supervisor or job offer letter 

Social Security Administration Office

150 Court Street, 4th Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: 866-331-5281
M, Tu, Th, Fr: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Wed.: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Additional office information: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/ic001.action#officeResults

Additional Resources for Students

• Social Security Administration Office Locator
• International Students and Social Security Numbers– From the Social Security Administration