Updating Social Security

[awkwardsoul 20]

I recently got my greencard (I AOS'd from a K-1 visa). I went and got my SS card a few weeks after I arrived in the US.

From what I understand, I need to go back to the Social Security office to update them about my greencard - plus get a new SS card that doesn't say anything about restrictions on it.

I was googling around and read that I need state ID or DL, which I haven't gotten around to getting yet. I have my canadian passport, driver's license and birth certificate - would that work instead?

Then, on the state ID (california) form, it says I need my SS card, but I'm not sure if they are okay with my current one, or I need the updated one. With that said, I'm unsure whether I should hit up the DMV first, or the Social Security office - or does that matter?

[Hypnos 6,578]

You don't have to remove the "Valid for work only with DHS authorisation" message, but you can if you want to. If you want to, complete a new SS-5 (application for a social security card) and show the social security office your green card when they ask. You will then receive an unrestricted social security card.

It's important to note that your "authorisation" is your green card (or EAD, if your green card hasn't yet been issued), so this is not something that you must do. Once you become a US citizen though, then you do need to have your status updated with the SSA.

Edited August 13, 2013 by Hypnos

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You don't need a DL for SSN. Use your greencard. Not everyone drives. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not required by law in the US

[Hypnos 6,578]

As it happens I had to show my green card to someone today, for the first time since it was issued. I was opening a new savings account for my children, and because my social security card still had the "DHS" endorsement she said she needed to see my green card (I did ask and she said without that endorsement she would not need to see my green card).

One of these days I'll get around to having that annotation removed, but the nearest SSA office is an hour's drive from here, so I'm in no rush.

Edited August 14, 2013 by Hypnos