Preferred evidence of age must be obtained, if available, for claimants under age
73 unless a tolerance applies. For instructions about proof of age tolerances, see
"Evidence of Age - Tolerances" in GN 00302.030.
The fact that a lengthy delay may be incurred in obtaining a public or religious record
of age does not alter the requirement that the record be sought where there is an
indication that it is available.
Follow the instructions in GN 00302.057 and GN 00302.058 to determine the availability of birth records from U.S. states and foreign countries
and whether to ask the claimant to obtain his/her birth or religious record. See GN 00307.190 for instructions about the acceptability of foreign evidence and whether to request
it.