UPDATE 8/20/25: Social Security appointments are currently being scheduled 4+ weeks out. Host parents, if a Maryland driver’s license is required by your car insurance company, a few weeks prior to your au pair’s arrival, you may want to have them complete their online application and give you their confirmation number. With that number you may call to get the Social Security appointment scheduled for soon after they arrive.
Step 1 – Complete the online Social Security number application.
- Online Social Security Application
- Be sure to fill out the application listing your name EXACTLY as it is shown on your visa. If you have more than one first or last name, it could be listed differently than how you would think.
- If asked for citizenship information, select “Legal Alien Allowed To Work”.
Step 2 – Make an appointment to go in person to a Social Security office.
- After completing your online application you should call to make the social security appointment. (If host parent is making this appointment for their au pair, they will need the confirmation number the au pair received at the end of their online application.)
- Go to the Social Security Office Locator to find an office near you. Call 1-800-772-1213 (Mon-Fri, 8 am-7 pm) and let them know at which office you would like to schedule your appointment. If you need your appointment sooner, consider other locations in less populated areas (but it must be within Maryland). You may also call the phone number of your local office during their business hours listed.
Step 3 – Gather your documents (after arrival to the U.S.).
- Print your I-94 Card (You will be prompted to scroll down and click “I Acknowledge & Agree”)
- Print your Participation Letter (On your au pair portal)
- Passport/visa
- DS-2019
- Country driver’s license
- International driver’s permit or certified translation
Step 4 – Go in person to your social security appointment.
- Bring all of the documents listed in step three.
Step 5 – Receive the card in the mail (usually within 2-3 weeks).
- When your card comes in the mail, save the envelope and everything inside. (Very important for getting your MD driver’s license.)
- Once you have your social security card, protect this important private information.
- Keep your card at home unless you are going somewhere that you know you will need it.
- Do not share this number with anyone unless it’s for an official purpose or service that you have contacted (such as with your host family, the bank, DMV or tax preparer).
- Beware of anyone who calls you on the phone asking for this number. Do not share any personal information with someone calling you, even if the caller ID looks like it is a business you know. There are many scams that involve calling you and acting like a business you know to steal your personal information and money.
Information on Opening a Bank Account can found here.