Proof of citizenship refers to documents that establish someone as a US citizen. These types of documents may be required when obtaining your first US passport, or other federally-issued ID.
A birth certificate is usually enough to serve as proof of citizenship. Beyond this, however, a US passport is generally the “main”, universally accepted proof, particularly for anybody not born in the US.
Anyone wishing to apply for a passport must submit certain documents — usually either a birth certificate or naturalization paperwork.
When renewing a passport, the old one (expired or unexpired) will suffice as evidence of your eligibility. However, expired passports cannot prove citizenship alone.
Anyone born abroad to a US citizen may also claim citizenship using a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).
Proof of Citizenship Documents
There are certain types documents available to US citizens that help prove their citizenship:
Primary evidence (always accepted):
* Valid unexpired US passport
* Form N-550, Certificate of Naturalization
* Form N-560, Certificate of Citizenship
* Form FS-240, Report of Birth Abroad of United States Citizen (CRBA) Primary evidence (first-time passport applicants):
* Birth certificate showing birth in the USAnyone born overseas to a US citizen but without any of the above documents (particularly the CRBA) can apply for a passport. For more information, visit the State Department website.
If you are already in the US, you can instead apply to the USCIS via Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship). However, it’s best to apply for a passport as this is usually faster than the USCIS route and can be used for travel.
If you have a Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization and require a replacement, submit Form N-565 (Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document).
