Citizenship Evidence Requirements
Learn what documents you need to prove your U.S. citizenship when applying for a passport
Tips for Submitting Your Citizenship Evidence
- Submit your evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information)
- Photocopies must be clear, on white 8.5"x11" paper, black and white, and single-sided
- Documents must have the official seal or stamp of the issuing office
- Electronic or mobile birth certificates are not accepted
Primary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
If you were born in the United States:
-
U.S. Birth Certificate that meets these requirements:
- Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
- Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
- Lists parent(s)' full names
- Has the signature of the registrar
- Has the date filed with registrar's office (within one year of birth)
- Has the seal of issuing authority
-
Previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport
Must be/have been valid for 10 years (adults) or 5 years (children under 16)
If you were born outside the United States:
- Previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
Secondary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
If you cannot provide primary evidence, you must submit:
For U.S. Born Citizens:
-
A delayed birth certificate (filed more than 1 year after birth) that includes:
- List of records used to create it
- Birth attendant signature or parent(s) affidavit
-
Early Public Records (from first 5 years of life):
- - Baptism certificate
- - Hospital birth certificate
- - Census record
- - Early school records
- - Family Bible record
- - Doctor's records of post-natal care
Note: Documents must show your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
Foreign Language Documents
- Must include a professional English translation
- Translator must provide a notarized letter about translation accuracy