Global Services

You will need a Social Security number, found on a Social Security card, to receive your pay from Fermilab, to open a bank account, etc. Follow the steps below to learn how to get an SSN:

• Step 1: Learn what documents you need
• Step 2: Complete the application form
• Step 3: Take the application and supporting documents to the local office

If you are eligible to get a SSN, you may be eligible to obtain a regular Illinois driver’s license by following these steps (some may not be applicable):

• Visit a local Secretary of State facility, show the required identification documents and have your photo taken.
• Surrender all valid out-of-state licenses, state ID cards, instruction permits and commercial driver’s licenses.
• Pay the appropriate fee.
• Pass the appropriate exams (vision screening, written test, and/or driving test).
• When all necessary requirements are completed, a temporary, secure paper driver’s license, valid for 45 days, will be issued to serve as the driver’s license/state ID for driving purposes and proof of identification until the permanent driver’s license/state ID arrives in the mail within 15 business days.

If you are NOT eligible for a SSN, you may still be able to obtain a temporary visitor driver’s license. Please review the instructions on the Illinois DMV website.

If you are an employee of another institution and are working onsite at Fermilab, the Visa Office will act as an authorized representative to complete your Form I-9. Please contact the Visa Office to complete your Form I-9.

There are three commercial banks and one credit union that will allow you to open a bank account without an SSN. Please contact the Visa Office for the letter confirming your eligibility.

The financial institutions that will open an account without an SSN are Chase Bank, MB Financial, U.S. Bank and Abri Credit Union.

If you would like to wait until you receive an SSN card, you will be able to open a bank account in any bank.

If you want/have to move out of Fermilab Village, the best way to look for a new place is searching online. Use Google Chrome to search for apartments and/or houses for rent.

Most landlords will require you to provide an SSN for a background check and a deposit of one to two months of rent. They may have other requirements.

Please contact the Visa Office at VisaOffice@fnal.gov if you are not sure how to find a new place to live.

Enterprise and National Car Rental are our preferred providers for long-term rentals.

Make sure to purchase adequate insurance with your car rental and carry your driver’s license and proof of your immigration status.

The Visa Office has compiled some information that you might find useful, but we cannot legally provide tax advice. Please use the internet to locate a tax professional for in-depth tax counseling.