Once your DACA application has been granted and you have received your Employment Authorization Card (I-766), you’re ready to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). NOTE: You need to obtain an SSN before you can apply for a State ID Card or a Driver's License. The Social Security Administration has published a helpful brochure for DACA recipients, which you can download.
What's the process?
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Determine whether you are eligible for an SSN.
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Has USCIS granted your DACA application?
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Have you received an Employment Authorization Card (I-766) from USCIS?
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If you meet both of the criteria above, you are eligible to apply.
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- Gather the necessary documents to bring to the Social Security Office. This includes:
- Your USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Card (I-766); and
- At least one of the following documents proving your age and identity:
- Birth Certificate;
- Passport;
- U.S. military record;
- Religious record showing age or date of birth;
- School record showing age or date of birth;
- School identification card; or
- Copy of a medical record
- You must bring an original or a certified copy of these documents. The Social Security Office will not accept a photocopy, even if it is notarized.
- NOTE: Bring an original birth certificate or passport if at all possible, and bring any additional documents from the above list if you have them.
- Print out and complete an application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
- Take the application and the required documents to a Social Security Office where you will sign the application. You can find your local office at socialsecurity.gov/locator or by checking the list below.
What happens after I apply?
- You should receive a Social Security Card in the mail within 1-4 weeks.
Where are the nearest Social Security Offices?
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Berkeley: 2045 Allston Way, Berkeley 94704
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San Francisco: 1098 Valencia St, San Francisco 94110
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San Francisco: 560 Kearny St., San Francisco 94108
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Fremont: 3100 Mowry Ave., Ste. 100, Fremont 94538
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Hayward: 24301 Southland Dr., Suite 500, Hayward 94545
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San Jose: 2500 Fontaine Rd., San Jose 95121
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Oakland: 238 11th St., Oakland 94607
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San Mateo: 800 S. Claremont St., San Mateo 94402
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Richmond: 3164 Garrity Way, Richmond 94806
For more information, visit socialsecurity.gov or call (800) 772-1213.
Information provided by the UC Berkeley School of Law, International Human Rights Clinic.