My spouse or child in J-2 status wants to get a Driver’s License. How can they do that?
According to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) applicants for the NC Driver’s License must present a Social Security number or an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) as one of the documents needed to get a NC Driver’s License. A J-2 dependent qualifies for a Social Security number only by gaining Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS (see number 14 above). After a J-2 dependent receives the EAD, they can go to the Social Security office and apply for a Social Security number. After they receive their Social Security number, they can go to the NC DMV and apply for a NC Driver’s License. If a J-2 dependent does not want to apply for work permission, it may be possible for them to apply for an ITIN. Please have the dependent come by OISSS and speak to a staff member regarding the process for applying for an ITIN. It should be noted that applications for an ITIN may take longer than the process of applying for work permission and a Social Security n
