Identification Documents

International Students:

Please reference the Social Security Number (SSN) website to see if you are eligible to apply for an SSN.

International Scholars:

If you are a UC San Diego employee, you must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). 

J-1 Scholars: we recommend that you wait 10 business days after entering the United States and 5 business days after completing the registration process at the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) to apply for a Social Security Number. J-1 scholars in the Research Scholar, Short-term Scholar, and Professor categories are eligible to apply for a SSN; J-1 Student Interns are only eligible if they are being paid by UCSD. 

Please reference the Social Security Number (SSN) website to understand how to apply for an SSN.

International Students:

Please reference the UC San Diego Student Financial Solutions Campus Card page to understand how to pick-up your UC San Diego student ID card.

International Scholars:

To obtain a UC San Diego ID card, ask your department for assistance. Please note that there two main types of UC San Diego ID Cards the general UC San Diego ID card and the Health Systems ID Badge. Your department would determine which ID card (if any) you require.

Your UC San Diego ID Card can be used for a variety of discounts in the San Diego community. 

More information is available at: http://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/services/new/cards/

The DMV will issue a non-driver’s identification (ID) card. This is a very convenient form of identification, since a passport is not always recognized for local transactions such as cashing checks or admission to an establishment where alcohol is served. The same documents are needed as if applying for a driver’s license and USCIS will have to confirm I-94 status in the United States. A temporary identification card will be issued but it will not have a photograph.

For DMV locations or more information visit the DMV website.