Arrival Checklist for 2113 Physicians

Apply for Social Security Number

  • You must wait at least ten days after your arrival in the U.S. before you visit the Social Security Office to obtain a Social Security Number. This will give the U.S. Port of Entry enough time to transfer your arrival information. 
  • The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) will provide you with a current list of documents needed and locations of where you can apply. 
  • Your social security card can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to arrive. If it has been over a month and you still have not received your card, please contact the Social Security Office where you applied or contact ISSO. 

Obtain a State-Issued ID Card

  • To obtain a California Driver’s License or State ID card, you will need to visit a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Office.  You can make an appointment online for faster service.
  • You will need to bring the following:
    • Cash or check to pay DMV fee ($33-38). No credit or debit cards accepted.
    • Passport (Birth Certificate is acceptable for Canadians) 
    • Valid I-94 Printout
    • Visa Documents (Form DS-2019 for J-1's; Form I-797 for H-1’s)
    • Social Security Card (If you have applied for a Social Security number but have not yet received your card, the DMV will need a receipt from the Social Security Office that proves you have already applied.)

Complete 2113 Requirements

  • Once you receive your Social Security Card, please sign and send a copy to Vanessa Cheng.
  • When the 2113 is approved, you can find the verification and license number on CA Breeze.

Note that the license type is Special Programs – Individual.

Create Identity & Access Management System Account

  • Once you receive your SSN and 2113, you will need to create a log-in with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services(CMS).  
  • You will use this log-in to access multiple systems, NPPES, PECOS, etc.

Register for NPI

  • Once you receive your 2113 license approval, you will need to register for a National Provider Identifier (NPI).
  • The NPI is a unique identification number for health care providers which will identify you in administrative and financial transactions. 
  • Use your Identity & Access Management log-in to sign into the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) to apply for your NPI.

Register for DEA Certificate

  • Employment at UCSF qualifies you for a Fee-Waived DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) Certificate, also called Exempt or Restricted.  Register once you receive your 2113 license approval – step-by-step instructions here.