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Even if you
do not have permission to work, state and local governments (in
conformity with federal law) may require you to have a Social Security
number to administer laws related to:
- Taxes;
- General public
assistance;
- Driver licensing;
or
- Motor vehicle
registration.
For application
procedures, see: How
Do I Apply for a Social Security Number?
IRS
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
If you need
a number for tax purposes, but do not meet Social Security's requirements
to be assigned a number, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The application form and a detailed publication explaining the ITIN
are available here online. The publication also lists telephone
numbers overseas where you may call for IRS assistance in preparing
your W-7 form. These files are in .pdf format, and you will need
Acrobat
Reader (available for free) to read them:
You may also
obtain Form W-7 by fax-on-demand (it is two pages). From your fax
machine, call 703-368-9694 (this is not a free call) and follow
the voice prompts (the form is catalog number 10229). Forms are
also available by phone (call toll-free 1-800-829-3676), local
IRS offices, many Post Offices and libraries. If you have any
questions or need assistance, call the ITIN office directly at 215-516-4846
(this is not a free call), or call the IRS general assistance number
toll free at 1-800-829-1040. If you are outside the U.S., you may
also request Form W-7 at the nearest U.S.
Embassy or Consulate.
What
Can I Do Without A Social Security Number?
As a lawfully
admitted alien, you can obtain many benefits and services without
having a number, even though you are asked to give one. You do
not need a number to:
- Report
group health insurance coverage. Employers are not required
to report Social Security numbers for lawfully admitted alien
family members who are covered by group health plans but do not
have numbers.
- Conduct
business with a financial institution. For tax purposes, financial
institutions will ask you for a taxpayer identification number.
If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, contact
IRS (see above) to determine if you need an ITIN.
- Register
for school or apply for educational tests. Schools are not
authorized to use the number to administer education programs.
A student applying for the SAT, GRE and other educational tests
does not need a Social Security number to take the test.
- Apply
for school lunch programs. The parent applying for free or
reduced-price lunch for the child(ren) can use his/her own number
or should get a letter from Social Security stating no number
will be assigned.
- Apply
for HUD housing. Family members age 6 and older must give
a Social Security number or get a letter from the Social Security
Administration stating no number can be assigned.
- Purchase
savings bonds. A lawfully admitted alien may be designated
a co-owner or beneficiary without a number.
 
The
information provided in this website is not legal advice and should
not be interpreted as legal advice. This website is intended to
provide a basic understanding of this information in summary form.
This information may not be comprehensive, is subject to change,
and may not apply to all individual circumstances. Any information
received here should be confirmed with the appropriate government
agencies or with an attorney, particularly as it relates to your
individual circumstances. Your use of this website indicates your
agreement to be bound by our Terms
of Use.
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