It is important for you to carry some form of personal identification (ID) which includes your photograph, name, address and date of birth. You are asked for this type of ID when you cash a check, open a bank account, register your automobile, enroll for your classes each quarter, etc. Your passport has this information, but it is not wise to carry it with you on a daily basis as it may be lost. There are two types of ID's available to you from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): the personal ID and (if you plan to drive while you are here) the California Driver's License. You must have a Social Security number to obtain either of these.   There is one exception to the requirement for a social security number:

If you are legally present in the US, but ineligible for a social security number, you are exempt from the social security number requirements.  However, you must still provide an acceptable birth date/legal presence document for any drivers license or ID card application.  Click here for more information.

The California Driver's Handbook has information that you will need to obtain a California driver's license.