Things To Acquire In Dallas, TX
Welcome to Dallas, Texas! We hope your transition is seamless.
Acquiring essential documents and services in Dallas is crucial for a smooth transition. Here is a list of items that will help you get started:
Driver's license
To obtain a Texas driver's license, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website and review the Texas Driver Handbook for information on required documents and the application process.
Social Security number (SSN)
Visit the Social Security Administration website to see if you are eligible for a Social Security number. Follow the process outlined by the Social Security Administration to apply. You may need an SSN for various purposes, including employment and financial transactions.
Bank accounts
Local banks close to campus include Chase Bank and Bank of America. Choose a local bank to open a checking or savings account. Bring your identification documents, proof of address, and Social Security number, if applicable. A good practice is to call before you initially go to set up the account.
Apartment or housing
Review the UT Southwestern off-campus housing page for helpful information. Also, explore rental listings on popular websites to find suitable housing around Dallas, including Zillow and Apartments.com. Consider factors like location, amenities, and lease terms.
Public transportation card
Visit the UT Southwestern Transporation page information and discounts. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) serves the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Options include buses, trains and shuttles. If you plan to use public transportation, get a DART GoPass card for convenient access to buses and trains in the Dallas area.
Utilities (setup)
Set up essential utilities such as electricity and gas by contacting local service providers. Local utility providers include Reliant Energy and Atmos Energy (gas).
Please check each website for specific requirements, documentation, and application procedures. UT Southwestern's Postdoctoral Affairs Office Handbook for Postdoctoral Scholars (PDF) offers more advice and can be a great resource for international faculty, staff, and students.
Tax information
The Office of International Affairs (OIA) provides the general tax information below for personal use. The information provided here is not an endorsement of any software or services, and individuals should seek professional advice for their tax questions. UT Southwestern bears no responsibility for any individuals using this information for any purpose.
- Who is required to file tax returns? Foreign Persons | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
- How do you file your tax returns? File your return | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
- More useful links: