I think it’s time to talk about the administration-stuff, particularly the Social-Security-Office and DMV,  and our experience of being a foreigner for the first time in my life. OK, maybe not the first time if you include several vacations and the fact that my father is from Romania. So for me, maybe it’s not the first time I feel like a foreigner, but for Stefan it’s something completely new. 

One of the first things to do when you come to the U.S. and want to work, or because you already have a work contract, is to apply for a social security number. It is very similar to the German „Sozialversicherungsnummer“, except that you don’t have to apply for it as a German 😉 However, you need this number for almost everything. To open a current account at a bank, to apply for water and electricity at the office, or to rent an apartment. It’s the super duper number and definitely a key to getting started in the US.

Our first visit at the Social-Security-Office

So we knew we had to apply for a SSN during our first week in LA. Stefan and I went to a Social-Security-Office in Inglewood. That was a very interesting experience. After being asked if we had any weapons, pepper spray, drugs or whatever on us, we were allowed to enter the office for another security check. 

We were given a number and waited with many other people to be called. When Stefan’s turn finally came, he had to answer a lot of questions including giving the names of his parents. It was obvious that this employee had never dealt with such a case before. In the end, he needed the I-94 document, but Stefan did not have that document, and the employee completed the application anyway. He then offered to file an application for me as well, once he had familiarized himself with the case we were looking forward to it being quicker.

Unfortunately, my application then failed because of the missing marriage certificate. 

My second visit at the Social-Office

Highly motivated to complete the application the next day, I went to the Social-Security-Office again. I was well prepared, but this time the document I-94 was missing. Dedum. The same document was required from Stefan, but he was so lucky that he was able to fill out the application despite the missing document.

Somewhat frustrated, I went home and postponed going to the Social-Security-Office for the next few weeks. In early May, I tried for the third time and finally was able to fill out my application and should receive my number within 4 weeks. Yes, I rewarded myself with a Cold Brew and was in a very good mood!

My fourth visit at the Social-Security-Office…

After 5 weeks, I wondered why I hadn’t heard from the SSO yet. I waited another week, then tried calling a service number. To no avail. I emailed and got a generic reply that I should call the service number to get help. Very funny. I talked to a friend and she recommended that I visit the office again. So I went to the Social-Security-Office a fourth time. The clerk had no explanation as to why I hadn’t received a number or any response yet, but she promised me that I would get a number within two weeks. 

And finally, a week later, I received a mail with my SSN.

I wish that this was the end of the story. But as I said, this number is just a key. Fortunately, Stefan got his number within a week, he was able to arrange gas, water and electricity for our apartment. That was great. But one thing I desperately needed that number for was to get a California driver’s license. Unfortunately, California is one of the states that doesn’t accept German driver’s licenses. If you’re just here for vacation, you can rent a car, but if you’re here for more than three months, you need a California driver’s license. 

Department for Motor Vehicles

Well prepared with my shiny new social security number, Stefan and I went together to the dmv.

To be honest, after taking the written and behind-the-wheel test 16 years ago, neither of us was particularly motivated to do it all over again. But we have no other choice, and taking only Uber or Lyft is not a solution if you want to see more than Los Angeles.

So, what can I say… I didn’t pass the written test, and Stefan didn’t even get the part up to the written test because the I-94 document was missing. To be honest, it’s a little funny.

So now, admittedly a little frustrated, I’m studying again for my second attempt. But I’m sure the day will come when we both have other driver’s licenses, and we’ll feel a little more like Americans;)