TN 45 (12-23)

RM 10210.420 Priority List of Acceptable Evidence of Identity Documents

Use the following chart of identity documents to help determine the identity of an applicant for a Social Security number (SSN).

The documents listed in this section are acceptable as evidence of identity only if they:

  • meet the stated primary, secondary, and third level evidence requirements (for example- unexpired, issued within the time frame stated) listed in RM 10210.405.

  • are originals (such as U.S. State issued driver's licenses, State issued IDs and U.S. passports),

  • are properly certified by the issuing agency (such as school records or medical records).

Documents with security features (such as passports, driver's licenses, identification cards and employee identification cards and employee identification cards) cannot be copied and certified by the custodian of record. You must be able to authenticate the document via the instructions in RM 10210.210.

Do not accept any document that clearly states it is not valid, or not for identification purposes.

EXCEPTION: Permanent U.S. driver’s licenses and State-issued non-driver identification cards with the legend “NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION” are primary evidence of identity provided the document meets the evidence of identity requirements. Limited and temporary documents are unacceptable as proof of identity documents, unless approved by your Regional Office (RO) and Central Office (CO) enumeration staff.

A. Documents for children from birth through age 5

Use the following chart of Identity documents to help determine the identity of an applicant for an SSN

U.S. citizen: Birth through age 5

Alien: Birth through age 5

1. Primary evidence

Request one of the following documents:

  • Unexpired valid U.S. State issued non-driver identity card (issued by the same State agency that issues driver’s licenses/State-level agency with issuing authority over the State’s identity cards)

  • U.S. Passport/Passport card (valid and unexpired)

NOTE: Some States may issue State non-driver identification cards to children under age six.

1. Primary evidence

Request a current U.S. lawful alien document and an unexpired foreign passport.

Enter the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) document as the primary proof of identity document and enter the foreign passport information (name, date of birth, passport number, country name, issue date, and expiration date) in the Evidence Submitted field on the Social Security Number Application Process (SSNAP) summary screen, when the information is not already in the passport number field.

  • Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (includes temporary I-551 stamp/machine readable immigrant visa (MRIV) in combination with an unexpired foreign passport when DHS has not issued the I-551 Permanent Resident Card).

    EXCEPTION: You may accept an expired I-551 in combination with a Notice of Action (Form I-797) and an unexpired foreign passport. For instructions on documenting the I-797 and entering an extended expiration date for the I-551 based on the I-797, see RM 10211.025C.1.d.

  • Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record in combination with an unexpired foreign passport.

    NOTE: Select "I-94 w/Unexpired Foreign Passport" from the Primary Proof of Identity Document drop-down menu.

For instructions on entering in SSNAP, see RM 10211.140A.

NOTE: An admission stamp in an unexpired foreign passport and an unexpired passport are two separate documents. See Policy for Number of Documents Required for an SSN Card, RM 10210.020C.3.

  • Form I-766, Employment Authorization card

  • Form I-872, American Indian Card (only members of the Texas Band of Kickapoos are eligible for this card, see RM 10211.075C and RM 10210.425A.6.).

    NOTE: In some cases, the alien may have a current lawful alien document but may not have an unexpired foreign passport (for example, a refugee or an applicant who may have entered the U.S. without inspection or who may have an American Indian Card). In these situations, accept the lawful alien document alone.

2.  Secondary evidence

If primary evidence is not available (available means the document exists and the applicant can access or obtain it within 10 business days), request one of the following secondary evidence documents:

  • U.S. Diplomatic Passport

  • U.S. Official Passport

  • U.S. military dependent identification card

  • Certificate of Naturalization

  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship

  • U.S. Indian Tribal card or identification document approved by the Regional Office (RO) with concurrence from Enumeration policy in Central Office (CO) as an acceptable identity document

  • Final adoption decree issued by the court where the recent adoption occurred, showing the child’s name and the child’s date of birth (DOB) or the names of the adopting parent(s). If the adoption took place more than a year previously, a more recent identity document should be available (for example, medical record). For information on availability of documents based on a child’s age, see RM 10210.405D.5.

  • Certified copy of medical record (clinic, doctor, or hospital), immunization record, or letter providing extract data from the medical record showing, the applicant’s name and the applicant’s DOB or age (for certification by custodian, see GN 00301.030A.3. and for definition of extract, see RM 10210.420D.2 of this section)

    NOTE: The issue date of the immunization record is either the date parents received the document or the date of child’s first recorded shot. Ensure that the document is less than four years old (see RM 10210.405D.5).We do not accept immunization records from U.S. citizens who are over age 5.

    If the issue date is four years old or more, check the date of the child’s last recorded shot. If date of last recorded shot is less than four years from the current date, use that date as the issue date and annotate in SSNAP remarks. If the date of the child’s last shot was four years or longer, you must request another document.

  • NOTE: Do not accept a receipt or a record of treatment recorded or maintained by the applicant or the applicant's family.

  • Health insurance or U.S. Medicaid card showing, the child’s name and:

    • a photograph of the child, or

    • the child’s age or DOB, or

    • the parent(s)’ name(s)

A health insurance or U.S. Medicaid card is unacceptable as a secondary proof of identity document, if it does not have a photo or biographical data.

(card must be current).

For information on identity documents that do not have an expiration date, see RM 10210.405D.5.

 

  • Certified childcare facility or other preschool or school record (must be for the current or prior year) showing the child’s age or DOB or parent(s)’ name(s). See RM 10210.410B.

  • Religious record (cradle roll, naming certificate, bris certificate, or baptismal record showing in addition to the child’s name, the child’s age or DOB, or parent(s)’ name(s)); or an Amish or Mennonite bishop’s letter as described in RM 10225.040.

  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) NOTE : The CRBA is only acceptable for applications filed in foreign offices as a proof of identity document for U.S. Citizens 5 years of age and under. The CRBA is not to be used as an identity document for enumeration purposes inside the United States.

2.  Secondary evidence

When a child does not possess a U.S. lawful alien document, but meets the requirements in

RM 10211.075 (Evidence for an SSN Card for an Alien Lawfully in the U.S. Without Immigration Documents), RM 10211.600 (Requests for an SSN from an Alien without Work Authorization), or

RM 10211.500 (Evidence for an SSN Card for an Undocumented Alien) for an SSN card for a non-work reason, then accept any one of the following documents as evidence of identity:

  • Unexpired valid U.S. State issued non-driver identity card (issued by the same State agency that issues driver’s licenses/State-level agency with issuing authority over the State’s identity card)

  • U.S. military dependent identification card

  • Canadian Band card (Certificate of Indian status) issued to Indian members of Canadian tribes

  • Final adoption decree issued by the court where the recent adoption occurred, showing the child’s name, and the child’s date of birth (DOB) or the names of the adopting parent(s). For information on availability of documents based on a child’s age, see RM 10210.405D.5.

  • Certified copy of medical record (clinic, doctor, or hospital) or letter providing extract data from the medical record showing, the applicant’s name and the applicant’s DOB or age (for certification by custodian see GN 00301.030A.3.and for definition of extract, see RM 10210.420D.2 of this section).

    NOTE: Do not accept a receipt or a record of treatment recorded or maintained by the applicant or the applicant's family.

  • Health insurance or U.S. Medicaid card showing, the child’s name and:

  • a photograph of the child, or

  • the child’s age or DOB, or

  • the parent(s)’ name(s)

A health insurance or U.S. Medicaid card is unacceptable as a secondary proof of identity document, if it does not have a photo or biographical data.

(card must be current).

For information on identity documents that do not have an expiration date see RM 10210.405D.5.

 

  • Certified child care facility or other preschool or school record (must be for the current or prior year) showing the child’s age or DOB or parent(s)’ name(s). See RM 10210.410B

  • Religious record (cradle roll, naming certificate, bris certificate, or baptismal record showing the child’s name and the child’s age or DOB, or parent(s)’ name(s)); or an Amish or Mennonite bishop’s letter as described in RM 10225.040.

3.  Handle the following situations on a case-by-case basis and follow the instructions in RM 10210.415B.5.

When an applicant:

  • presents a primary or secondary document not listed in the Proof of Identity drop down in the Enumeration System or in RM 10210.420A.1. or RM 10210.420A.2. in this section, or

  • states that a primary or secondary identity document is not available (available means the document exists and the applicant can access or obtain it within 10 business days).

NOTE: Regional Office In locating evidence of identity, consider the age of the child. For example, in the case of a newborn, hospital records (not a souvenir birth certificate issued by the hospital) created at the time of birth should exist. Otherwise, you may use a medical record of the physician or midwife attending the birth and attesting to the facts of the birth and identity of the child in conjunction with the birth record when no other evidence exists for a newborn. After two weeks of age, most children under age 5 routinely see a physician for immunization shots and check-ups.

3.  Handle the following situations on a case-by-case basis and follow the instructions in RM 10210.415B.5.

When an applicant:

  • presents a primary or secondary document not listed in the Proof of Identity drop down in the Enumeration System or in RM 10210.420A.1. or RM 10210.420A.2. in this section, or

  • states that a primary or secondary identity document is not available (current lawful alien document or identity document listed in RM 10210.420A.1. or RM 10210.420A.2. in this section).

B. Documents for children age 6 through 17

Use the following chart of identity documents to help determine the identity of an applicant for an SSN

U.S. citizen: Children age 6 through 17

Alien: Children age 6 through 17

1.  Primary evidence

Request one of these documents:

  • Unexpired valid U.S. driver’s license (excludes licenses that are suspended, revoked, or temporary). For more information on temporary driver’s licenses see EXCEPTION in RM 10210.425A.1.).

  • Unexpired valid U.S. State issued non-driver identity card (issued by the same State agency that issues driver’s licenses/State-level agency with issuing authority over the State’s identity cards)

  • U.S. Passport/Passport card (valid and unexpired)

NOTE: Most States issue driver’s licenses and State non-driver identification cards to children age 16 to 17 when they meet the requirements. Some States may issue State non-driver identification cards to children under age 16.

1.  Primary evidence

  • Request a current U.S. lawful alien document and an unexpired foreign passport. Enter the DHS document as the primary proof of identity document and enter the foreign passport information (name, date of birth, passport number, country name, issue date, and expiration date) in the Evidence Submitted field on the SSNAP summary screen, if the information is not already in the passport number field.

  • Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (includes temporary I-551 stamp/machine readable immigrant visa (MRIV) in combination with an unexpired foreign passport when DHS has not issued the I-551 Permanent Resident Card).

    EXCEPTION: You may accept an expired I-551 in combination with a Notice of Action (Form I-797) and an unexpired foreign passport. For instructions on documenting the I-797 and entering an extended expiration date for the I-551 based on the I-797, see RM 10211.025C.1.d.

  • Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record in combination with an unexpired foreign passport.

    NOTE: Select "I-94 w/Unexpired Foreign Passport" from the Primary Proof of Identity Document drop-down menu. For instructions on entering in SSNAP, see RM 10211.140A.

  • Admission Stamp in unexpired foreign passport

    NOTE: An admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport and an unexpired passport are two separate documents. See RM 10210.020C.3, Policy for Number of Documents Required for an SSN Card.

  • Form I-766, Employment Authorization card

  • Form I-872, American Indian Card (only members of the Texas Band of Kickapoos are eligible for this card, see RM 10211.075C and RM 10210.425A.6.)

    NOTE: In some cases, the alien may have a current lawful alien document but may not have an unexpired foreign passport (for example, a refugee or an applicant who may have entered the U.S. without inspection or who may have an American Indian Card). In these situations, accept the lawful alien document alone.

2.  Secondary evidence

If a primary document is not available (available means the document exists and the applicant can access or obtain it within 10 business days), request one of these secondary evidence documents:

  • U.S. Diplomatic Passport

  • U.S. Official Passport

  • U.S. military dependent identification card

  • Certificate of Naturalization

  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship

  • U.S. Indian Tribal card or identification document approved by the Regional Office (RO) with concurrence from Enumeration Policy in Central Office (CO) as an acceptable identity document

  • Final adoption decree issued by the court where the recent adoption occurred, showing the child’s name and the child’s DOB or the names of the adopting parent(s). If the adoption took place more than a year ago, a more recent identity document should be available (for example, medical record). For information on availability of documents based on a child’s age, see RM 10210.405D.5.

  • Certified copy of medical record (clinic, doctor, or hospital) or letter providing extract data from the medical record showing, in addition to the applicant’s name, the applicant’s DOB or age (for certification by custodian see GN 00301.030A.3.and for definition of extract, see RM 10210.420D.2 of this section).

    NOTE: Do not accept a receipt or a record of treatment recorded or maintained by the applicant or the applicant's family. Do not accept immunization records from applicants age 6 through age 17. Applicants 6 years through 17 years of age should have one of the documents listed in RM 10210.420B.

  • Health insurance or U.S. Medicaid card showing, the child’s name and:

    • a photograph of the child, or

    • the child’s age or DOB, or

    • the parent(s)’ name(s)

A health insurance or U.S. Medicaid card is unacceptable as a secondary proof of identity document if it does not have a photo or biographical data.

(card must be current).

For information on identity documents that do not have an expiration date see RM 10210.405D.5.

  • School identity card, certified school record, transcript, or report card (must be for the current or prior year) and show, in addition to the child’s name, either a photograph of the child, the child’s DOB, or parent(s) names). See RM 10210.410B.

    NOTE: For validity of Student identification cards, follow identity documents instructions in RM 10210.405D.5.

    • Life insurance policy for the child showing the child’s name and the child’s age or DOB

    • Religious record (cradle roll, naming certificate, bris certificate, or baptismal record showing the child’s name and the child’s age or DOB, or parent(s)’ name(s)); or an Amish or Mennonite bishop’s letter as described in RM 10225.040.

2.  Secondary evidence

When a child does not possess a U.S. lawful alien document, but meets the requirements in

RM 10211.075 (Evidence for an SSN Card for an Alien Lawfully in the U.S. Without Immigration Documents),

RM 10211.600 (Requests for an SSN from an Alien without Work Authorization), or

RM 10211.500 (Evidence for an SSN Card for an Undocumented Alien)

for an SSN card for a non-work reason, then accept any one of the following documents as evidence of identity:

  • Unexpired valid U.S. driver’s license (excludes licenses that you know are suspended or revoked)

  • Unexpired valid U.S. State issued non-driver identity card (issued by the same State agency that issues driver’s licenses/State-level agency with issuing authority over the State’s identity cards)

  • U.S. military dependent identification card

  • Canadian Band card (Certificate of Indian status) issued to Indian members of Canadian tribes

  • Final adoption decree issued by the court where the recent adoption occurred, showing the child’s name and the child’s DOB or the names of the adopting parent(s). For information on availability of documents based on a child’s age see RM 10210.405D.5.

  • Certified copy of medical record (clinic, doctor, or hospital) or letter providing extract data from the medical record showing the applicant’s name and the applicant’s DOB or age (for certification by custodian see GN 00301.030A.3, and for definition of extract, see RM 10210.420D.2 of this section)

    NOTE: Do not accept a receipt or a record of treatment recorded or maintained by the applicant or the applicant's family. Do not accept immunization records from applicants age 6 though age 17. Applicants 6 years through 17 years of age should have one of the documents listed in RM 10210.420B. .

  • Health insurance or U.S. Medicaid card showing, the child’s name and:

    • a photograph of the child, or

    • the child’s age or DOB, or

    • the parent(s)’ name(s)

    A health insurance or U.S. Medicaid card is unacceptable as a secondary proof of identity document if it does not have a photo or biographical data.

(card must be current).

For information on identity documents that do not have an expiration date, see RM 10210.405D.5.

  • School identity card, certified school record, transcript, or report card (must be for the current or prior year) and show, the child’s name and either a photograph of the child, the child’s DOB, or parent(s)’ name(s). See RM 10210.410B

    NOTE: For validity of Student Identification cards, follow identity documents instructions in RM 10210.405D.5.

    • Life insurance policy for the child showing the child’s name and the child’s age or DOB

    • Religious record (cradle roll, naming certificate, bris certificate, or baptismal record showing the child’s name and the child’s age or DOB, or parent(s)’ name(s)); or an Amish or Mennonite bishop’s letter as described in RM 10225.040.

3.  Handle the following situations on a case-by-case basis and follow the instructions in RM 10210.415B.5.

When an applicant:

  • presents a primary or secondary document not listed in the charts in RM 10210.420A or RM 10210.420B in this section or

  • in the Proof of Identity drop down in the Enumeration System, or

  • states that a primary or secondary identity document is not available (available means the document exists and the applicant can access or obtain it within 10 business days).

3.  Handle the following situations on a case-by-case basis and follow the instructions in RM 10210.415B.5.

When an applicant:

  • presents a primary or secondary document not listed in the charts in RM 10210.420B, Item 1 in this section or RM 10210.420B, item 2 in this section or

  • in the Proof of Identity drop down in the Enumeration System, or

  • states that a primary or secondary identity document is not available (current lawful alien document or identity document listed in RM 10210.420B, item 1 or RM 10210.420B, item 2 in this section).

C. Documents for an adult age 18 or older

Use the following chart of identity documents to help determine the identity of an applicant for an SSN who is age 18 or older

U.S. Citizen: Adult age 18 or older

Alien: Adult age 18 or older

1.  Primary evidence

Request one of these documents:

  • Unexpired valid U.S. driver’s license (excludes licenses that are suspended, revoked, or temporary). For more information on temporary driver’s license see EXCEPTION in RM 10210.425A.1.

  • Unexpired valid U.S. State issued non-driver identity card (issued by the same State agency that issues driver’s licenses/State-level agency with issuing authority over the State’s identity cards)

  • U.S. Passport/Passport card (valid and unexpired)

NOTE: We prefer a driver’s license for people age 18 or older. When applicants do not submit a passport, driver’s license, or State-issued non-driver identification card, ask if the State issued them a current driver’s license or State-issued identification card for non-drivers. If the applicant does not have such a document, ask why not. The applicant’s response may assist you in helping the applicant find a suitable proof of identity document.

1.  Primary evidence

Request a current U.S. lawful alien document and an unexpired foreign passport. Enter the DHS document as the primary proof of identity document and enter the foreign passport information (name, date of birth, passport number, country name, issue date, and expiration date) in the Evidence Submitted field on the SSNAP summary screen, when the information is not already in the passport number field.

  • Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (includes temporary I-551 stamp/machine readable immigrant visa (MRIV) with an unexpired foreign passport when DHS has not issued the I-551 Permanent Resident Card).

    EXCEPTION: You may accept an expired I-551 in combination with a Notice of Action (Form I-797) and an unexpired foreign passport. For instructions on documenting the I-797 and entering an extended expiration date for the I-551 based on the I-797, see RM 10211.025C.1.d.

  • Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record with an unexpired foreign passport.

    NOTE: Select "I-94 w/Unexpired Foreign Passport" from the Primary Proof of Identity Document drop-down menu. For instructions on entering in SSNAP, see RM 10211.140A.

  • Admission Stamp in unexpired foreign passport

    NOTE: An admission stamp in an unexpired foreign passport and an unexpired passport are two separate documents. See Policy for Number of Documents Required for an SSN Card, RM 10210.020C.3.

  • Form I-766, Employment Authorization card

  • Form I-872, American Indian Card (only members of the Texas Band of Kickapoos are eligible for this card, see RM 10211.075C and RM 10210.425A.6.)

NOTE: In some cases, the alien may have a current lawful alien but may not have an unexpired foreign passport (for example, a refugee or an applicant who may have entered the U.S. without inspection or who may have an American Indian Card). In these situations, accept the lawful alien document alone.

2.  Secondary evidence

If primary evidence is not available (available means the document exists and the applicant can access or obtain it within 10 business days), request one of these documents:

  • U.S. Diplomatic Passport

  • U.S. Official Passport

  • U.S. military identification card for active duty member, retiree, national guard, or dependent

  • Certificate of Naturalization

  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship

  • U.S. Indian Tribal card or identification document approved by the Regional Office (RO) with concurrence from Enumeration Policy in Central Office (CO) as an acceptable identity document

  • U.S. government employee identification card (Form OF-55, U.S. Government Identification, or other document issued by the employing agency)

  • Non-government employee identity card/badge card showing the applicant’s name and either a photograph or the applicant’s DOB

 

 

  • Certified copy of medical record (clinic, doctor, or hospital) or letter providing extract data from the medical record showing the applicant’s name and the applicant’s DOB or age (for certification by custodian see GN 00301.030A.3. and for definition of extract, see RM 10210.420D.2 of this section.)

NOTE: A receipt or a record of treatment recorded or maintained by the applicant or the applicant's family is not acceptable. We do not accept immunization records from applicants age 18 and older. Applicants 18 years of age and older should have one of the documents listed in RM 10210.420C.

  • Health insurance or U.S. Medicaid card showing, the applicant’s name and:

    • a photograph, or

    • age or DOB

A health insurance or U.S. Medicaid card is unacceptable as a secondary proof of identity document, if it does not have a photo or biographical data.

(card must be current).

For information on identity documents that do not have an expiration date see RM 10210.405D.5.

  • School identity card or certified school record or transcript (for current school year) showing, the applicant’s name and either a photograph of the applicant or the applicant’s DOB). The two year policy does not apply for school identity cards, certified school records, or transcripts (see RM 10210.405D.5).

  • An adult applicant should be able to obtain one of these documents for the current school year, see RM 10210.410B.

  • Life insurance policy for applicants showing their age or DOB.

    NOTE: In some name change situations where a name change document meets certain criteria, the document can be used as both a POI and name change document. This is only for a name change applications. For more information on name change documents see RM 10212.015D.

2.  Secondary evidence

When an applicant does not possess a U.S. lawful alien document, but meets the requirements in

RM 10211.075 (Evidence for an SSN Card for an Alien Lawfully in the U.S. Without Immigration Documents),

RM 10211.600 (Requests for an SSN from an Alien without Work Authorization), or

RM 10211.500 (Evidence for an SSN Card for an Undocumented Alien) for an SSN for non-work reasons,

you may accept any one of the following documents as evidence of identity:

  • Unexpired valid U.S. driver’s license (excludes licenses that you know are suspended or revoked)

  • U.S. State issued non-driver identity card (issued by the same State agency that issues driver’s licenses/State-level agency with issuing authority over the State’s identity cards)

  • U.S. military identification card for active duty member, retiree, national guard, or dependent

  • Canadian Band card (Certificate of Indian status) issued to Indian members of Canadian tribes

 

  • Certified copy of medical record (clinic, doctor, or hospital) or letter providing extract data from the medical record showing, the applicant’s name and the applicant’s DOB or age (for certification by custodian, see GN 00301.030A.3.and for definition of extract, see RM 10210.420D.2 of this section.)

NOTE: A receipt or a record of treatment recorded or maintained by the applicant or the applicant's family is not acceptable. Do not accept immunization records from applicants age 18 and older. Applicants 18 years of age and older should have on the documents listed in RM 10210.420C.

  • Health insurance or U.S. Medicaid card showing, the applicant’s name and:

    • a photograph, or

    • age or DOB

A health insurance or U.S. Medicaid card is unacceptable as a secondary proof of identity document, if it does not have a photo or biographical data.

(card must be current).

For information on identity documents that do not have an expiration date, see RM 10210.405D.5.

 

  • School identity card or certified school record or transcript (for current school year) showing the applicant’s name and either a photograph of the applicant or the applicant’s DOB. The two year policy does not apply for school identity cards, certified school records, or transcripts (see RM 10210.405D.5). An adult applicant should be able to obtain one of these documents for the current school year, see RM 10210.410B.

  • Life insurance policy for applicants showing their age or DOB.

    NOTE: In some name change situations where a name change document meets certain criteria, the document can be used as both a POI and name change document. This is only for a name change applications. For more information on name change documents see RM 10212.015D.

3. Handle the following situations on a case-by-case basis and follow the instructions in RM 10210.415B.5. When an applicant:

  • presents a primary or secondary document not listed in the Proof of Identity drop down in the Enumeration System, or RM 10210.420C.1., or RM 10210.420C2., in this section, or

  • states that a primary or secondary identity document is not available (available means the document exists and the applicant can access or obtain it within 10 business days).

NOTE: An elderly adult (age 70 or older), particularly one who is less active or in a nursing home, may not have a current identity document, but may have an expired driver's license or State non-driver’s identification card issued several years ago that would be acceptable in conjunction with other evidence readily available (for example, medical records).

3. Handle the following situations on a case-by-case basis and follow the instructions in RM 10210.415B.5. When an applicant:

  • presents a primary or secondary document not listed in the Proof of Identity drop down in the Enumeration System, or in RM 10210.420C.1., or RM 10210.420C.2. in this section, or

  • states that a primary or secondary identity document is not available (current lawful alien document or identity document listed in RM 10210.420C.1., or RM 10210.420C.2., in this section).

D. Types of documents from a custodian of the record

1. Original Record or Document

An original record or document is the actual written or typed record or actual created by the custodian of record (i.e., a U.S. passport, Employee Identification card, or Medical Insurance card).

2. Properly Certified Extract Document

A properly certified extract document is a document that contains a portion of pertinent identifiable information taken from a larger original document of record such as a medical or school record that is certified by the custodian of record to be accurate.

3. Properly Certified documents

The original of some documents are held by the agency responsible for the maintenance of these records. In order to obtain these records, an applicant must request a certified copy directly from the agency that issued or holds the original documents. Only the agency that is the custodian of the records can create a certified copy of the record.

SSA will accept a photocopy of the original record or an extract (typed, handwritten, or computer generated) from the record as evidence from an applicant only if the record custodian attests to the document's accuracy by

  • a signed or stamped statement executed at the time the photocopy or extract is made; or

  • affixing the custodian's seal of office to the photocopy or extract.

The certificate of endorsement on the certified document will contain the following:

  • Certification language: "I certify that the information contained in this document is accurate." (see NOTE below).

  • Printed name: The name of the authorized representative of the custodian of record. The name must be clearly typed or printed.

  • Signature (of individual authorized by custodian of record to certify documents).

  • Title or Qualification (authorized individual's title or position (e.g., Doctor, Physician Asst., or Secretary)

NOTE: The certification of a document does not certify that the original document is genuine, only that it is a true and exact copy of the document contained in the custodian of the record's file for the applicant.

E. Additional documents that can be used as evidence for a proper applicant

An applicant filing on behalf of someone else may use an acceptable U.S. document or an approved foreign document as evidence of identity. The drop down in the Enumeration System lists approved foreign documents as "OEIO DOC" (Office of Earnings and International Operations documents). Interviewers should also check the National Identity Document Database (NIDD) for recently approved foreign documents.

F. References

  • GN 00301.030 Acceptability of Documentary Evidence

  • RM 10210.020 Policy for Number of Documents Required for an SSN Card

  • RM 10210.210 Reviewing Age, Identity, Citizenship and Lawful Alien Status Evidence for an SSN Card

  • RM 10210.405 Evidence of Identity for an SSN Card

  • RM 10210.410 How Do you Examine, Evaluate, and Assess Documents Submitted as Evidence of Identity

  • RM 10210.415 How to Prioritize Acceptable Identity Documents

  • RM 10210.425 What are the Procedures for Specific Document Situations

  • RM 10210.430 What Documents Are Not Evidence of Identity for an SSN Card

  • RM 10210.555 Reviewing U.S. Passports (This section includes information on U.S. Passport Cards)

  • RM 10211.025 Evidence of Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status for an SSN Card

  • RM 10211.075 Evidence for an SSN Card for an Alien Lawfully in the U.S. Without Immigration Documents

  • RM 10211.135 Evidence of Non-immigrant Status for an Social Security Number (SSN) Card

  • RM 10211.140 Entering Nonimmigrant Evidence into the Enumeration System

  • RM 10211.500 Evidence for an SSN Card for an Undocumented Alien

  • RM 10211.600 Requests for an SSN from an Alien without Work Authorization

  • RM 10212.010 Evidence of a Name Change on the SSN


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110210420
RM 10210.420 - Priority List of Acceptable Evidence of Identity Documents - 12/19/2023
Batch run: 01/30/2024
Rev:12/19/2023