TN 97 (08-23)

GN 00301.435 Translating Documents Submitted as Proof of Age and Relationship

A. Types of evidence for submitting proof of age and relationship

Submit the following types of evidence as proof of age or relationship. However when submitting another type of document show the following identifying information to establish entitlement.

B. Procedures regarding types of evidence

1. Civil birth records

  1. a. 

    Always show on translation:

    • Child's name;

    • Date of birth; and

    • Place of birth.

  2. b. 

    When submitting a document as proof of relationship for a child, show the information in 1.a. plus:

    • Parents' names; and

    • Information whether child is legitimate, illegitimate, or adopted.

  3. c. 

    When submitting a document as proof of age for the parent, show the information in 1.a. plus:

    • Parent's name, and

    • Parent's age.

  4. d. 

    The term “Natural” child has different connotations in different countries. For example, in Mexico it means illegitimate, while in Greece, it means legitimate. Therefore, to avoid an incorrect interpretation when this term appears in your translation, add a translator's note to show the meaning it has in the country that issued the evidence.

When submitting evidence for a child of the NH or other individual shown to be illegitimate, show this as well as the name of the person who registered the birth and their relationship to the child, if given. Translate notations or statements as to subsequent legitimacy completely.

If the birth certificate issued, or registered is the result of an adoption, translate this and all information about the adoption.

2. Religious certificates of age

  1. a. 

    Show:

    • Child's name;

    • Date of birth or age;

    • Place of birth;

    • Date of event; and

    • Name of officiate (if Roman Catholic record).

  2. b. 

    For a document submitted as proof of relationship for child, also show the parents' names.

  3. c. 

    Make no assumptions as to recordation or issue dates. When no such dates are shown, describe the condition and appearance of the evidence in a “translator's note”.

3. Marriage certificates and contracts

  1. a. 

    Show:

    • Names of contracting parties;

    • Date of marriage;

    • Place of marriage (State and county or town);

    • Information about prior marriages or civil status prior to marriage;

    • If the individual submits a marriage document as proof of age for one of the parties, indicate the age of the individual at the time; and

    • For a document submitted as proof of age for a parent, provide the name and age of the parent at the time of the marriage.

  2. b. 

    Cautions Regarding Certain Types of Marriages

    • For information on proxy marriages, see GN 00305.045A

      If the marriage certificate shows that either of the contracting parties was not present at the marriage ceremony, translate the evidence completely.

    • Chinese Marriage certificates

      These certificates often show no date of marriage; they show only that a specified date is a proper time for a marriage to take place.

    • Marriage Contracts

      Hebrew individuals sign marriage contracts at the time of the marriage ceremony. Generally, however, the signing date for marriage contracts is not the date of the marriage, since most marriage contracts just indicate the intent to marry.

4. Family record books

Translate the same information required for a birth or a marriage, depending upon the type of proof required. Annotate whether the registrar signed the entry and whether it has a seal.

NOTE: When registering a marriage, many civil registrars issue family record books when conducting a marriage ceremony or when registering the marriage. These family record books provide evidence of marriage, as well as information regarding the birth of children and subsequent vital statistics data. These entries are official only when the registrar signs the entry and the entry bears a seal of office.

5. Family bibles and prayer books

  1. a. 

    Translate the same information required for a birth or a marriage, depending on the type of proof required.

  2. b. 

    Show the date of publication of the book or other record. Record its condition. Determine if the entries are chronological and any other information that could assist in evaluating the evidence.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200301435
GN 00301.435 - Translating Documents Submitted as Proof of Age and Relationship - 08/08/2023
Batch run: 08/08/2023
Rev:08/08/2023