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Getting Established in the USA
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Join the Discussion
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"But what about all the legitimate people who can't even
open a bank account or drive a car here?" AB-IMMIGRATION
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Just
landed in the USA
with a visa in-hand, ready to start your new life? Immigration can be
stressful, living abroad a real challenge. Here are some basics to help you get
started on the right path.
Part One: Social Security Card, Driver's License and Auto Insurance
Social Security Card: Needed for Many Purposes
One of the first things you will want to do is to
apply for a Social Security card. As you will quickly find out, this card has
come into common use for purposes that far surpass the original intentions of
the government.
Social
security is a US Government system that was designed to track income and
earnings. Retired and disabled persons can collect payments based on how long
they contributed to Social Security.
But because the numbers are completely unique to each individual, many other
organizations began to use the numbers. Now, it is virtually impossible to get
credit, open a bank account or enroll in school without a social security
number. Even utility companies ask for them, so you may need one to have phone
service or electricity in your new home.
Visit a Social Security Office & Be Prepared
Check your local phone book for the nearest SS office. Go to the office to get
an application and bring your:
-Birth certificate
-Passport
-Visa
-Any other identifying documentation, such as a marriage license or driver's
license, that might be relevant. (Other acceptable forms of i.d.--originals
or certified copies--include divorce records, military records, employer ID
card, insurance policy, health insurance card (but not Medicare), adoption
record and school ID.)
Fill out your application and in a few weeks you can expect to receive your
card, assuming you are eligible. Be sure to provide a proper, long-term address
where you can receive mail.
Driver's License
or DMV-Issued Photo ID Card
-A driver's license is necessary in the USA to operate a motor vehicle.
Even if you don't anticipate having a car or driving, it is a good idea to get
a license in case of emergency, and as a solid form of ID.
-Many places, such as banks, require a driver's license before they will do
business with you. If you absolutely don't want to get one, the Department of
Motor Vehicles (DMV) will issue you a photo ID that can serve the same purpose,
except that you won't be allowed to drive.
First,
you will need to have a social security number. Next, you should enroll in
driving lessons. If you drove in your home country, you may only need a few
lessons, but they are still a good idea since so many differences in traffic
rules, road conditions and geography. Lessons are not required by law, but may
facilitate a reduced rate on your auto insurance.
Speaking
of insurance, make sure that your student lessons include insurance or, if you
rent a car to practice, be sure to get insurance coverage.
Your concurrent step should be to go to your nearest DMV office and get study
materials for the written exam. You'll then want to schedule a date to take
that exam. You will need two forms of official ID such as a passport and birth
certificate. If you have any INS paperwork, bring that as well. And be prepared
to pay a small fee of about $15-$25 to being the application process. If you
have auto insurance, bring proof of the same. In addition, bring utility bills,
a lease, or any other official documentation to prove that the address you
provide is valid.
DMV
will require you to take the written and sign test, a vision test and the
driving test to get your license. If you fail any of them, they can be taken
again. Ask for details at DMV. Once you pass the written, sign and vision, you
can schedule the driving test. Good luck!
Auto Insurance
You must have a driver's license in order to get auto
insurance. In some states, you must have liability insurance in order to get a
license. This can be a catch 22 that the insurance company or a DMV rep should
be able to help you with. Often, an international or foreign license will do.
Automobile insurance provides coverage for you when you drive, promising to--in
the event of an accident--replace or pay for repairs on the car you are driving
(if you have collision), medical costs for anyone who gets hurt, and other
vehicles that are damaged. It also covers guest drivers, although it is
preferable that anyone you lend your car to have their own insurance.
Insurance and buying your car
If you buy a car, you will purchase insurance
specifically on that car. But even if you don't have a car, you can buy
non-owner insurance for a small fee, that will cover
you when you drive someone else's vehicle or a rental car.
To get the insurance you will need to title and official bill of sale for your
automobile, as well as the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN, found either
on your official paperwork or on the driver's side of your windshield.
Jennifer and Peter
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© Peter and Jennifer Wipf
1999-2005. All rights reserved. No
duplication without explicit written permission.
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