SSN, Driver's license, and Commute during first visit on H1.

[Zenith123]

Hello! I'll be traveling to Michigan on H1 soon and I have all sorts of queries. I'd really appreciate any help!

1. I know the very first thing I'm gonna do after landing there is apply for SSN (I hope the waiting-for-10-days recommendation doesn't hold still, correct me if I'm wrong.)

2. Can I apply for the driver's license (DL) while my SSN application is still pending? Or do I have to wait for the SSN to come before I'm eligible to apply for the DL?

3. I assume I can buy a car without having an SSN or a U.S driver's license. I've also read that some insurance companies offer car insurance for people having international driver's permit (although it is expensive). Can someone suggest one??

4. Assuming I buy a car AND car insurance, while my SSN and driver's license applications are still pending; can I get the car registered (without having a U.S. driver's license). Or would I have to wait for my SSN and U.S DL to arrive before buying a car and getting it registered?

P.S. - I really want to buy a car as soon as I possibly can!! Thanks!

[inadmissible]

1. I too have heard to wait 10 business days, two calendar weeks.

2. No. You need wait on your SSN to get a Michigan drivers license or identification card. See http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7...3030--,00.html

3. If you have cash you can buy cars on Craigslist. You need to register the car in 15 days. You need some US-state-issued ID (doesn't even have to be a drivers license) to get title issued in your name. As a practical matter, knowledgeable people as well as car dealers won't sell you a car without supervising the re-titling process. They have to worry about being liable for your negligence driving their car. As another practical matter, it sucks to be a brown skinned man, being pulled over by a cop and not able to show proof you own the car.

4. Any insurance product marketed to foreigners will be stupidly expensive. Just wait to get your SSN and DL and then shop for insurance just like any American would

5. See (3). It was very exciting buying my first car. I understand. For your first two weeks in America, you should rent a car (Hertz, Enterprise, etc), use rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc), or hire high-schooler who would love a summer job.

[Zenith123]

Thank you for talking some sense in to me! Really appreciate the response...

Just another quick question. I was reading about rental cars and found some good deals online (Enterprise and Alamo). But I just discovered I'd have to pay for insurance on top of the listed rental price. Is it "illegal" to drive a rental car without insurance?

Then there was some talk about using one's credit card to cover for rental car insurance. I have a joint account with my dad in BOA (he's a permanent resident, I'm not). Was wondering if I could use his credit card for this purpose. Do you have any experience with this? Thanks a bunch!