What Counts As Proof of Citizenship in the U.S.? A Comprehensive Guide
Published February 4, 2024
If you were born in the United States, you must not apply to USCIS for proof of citizenship. Your birth certificate published where you were born is proof of your citizenship.
If you were born outside the United States, yet one or both of your parents were U.S. citizens when you were born, you may be recognized as a U.S. citizen. It is called citizenship through derivation.
But what is proof of citizenship anyway? And why do we need it? Well, this document is vital for many reasons. There may be documents you will use soon that may demand it before proceeding with the application. You will need it to apply for a United States passport. You also need proof of citizenship for all legal matters and government benefits.
What Is a Proof of Citizenship?
A proof of citizenship is a document that certifies an individual’s citizenship status in a particular country.
Why Do You Need Proof of Citizenship?
1. Travel
If you’re traveling internationally, you need to validate your citizenship. It is usually done with a passport to enter other countries. Also, to re-enter your mainland.
2. Employment
In many countries, you’ll have to prove you’re a citizen when you get a job. Employers must affirm the employment eligibility and identity of all employees hired in the country.
3. Government benefits
Access to certain government benefits and services may be restricted to citizens. To apply for them, you may need to provide proof of citizenship.
4. Voting
In many countries, only citizens can vote in national elections. You may need to affirm your citizenship to register to vote or at the polling station.
5. Legal issues
Proof of citizenship can also be necessary in legal matters. It is particularly in settling estates. Also, it provides eligibility for specific legal rights.
6. Education
Some educational scholarships or programs may demand proof of citizenship.
What Does It Mean To Be a U.S. Citizen?
Being a U.S. citizen means being a member of the United States. You owe allegiance to the U.S. and its constitution. You have certain rights, privileges, and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen. Here are some key aspects:
1. Rights
U.S. citizens have the right to vote in federal elections. They can also run for national office and have U.S. passports. Citizens can work in the U.S. They can also access certain government benefits. Further, they can receive federal protection when abroad.
2. Responsibilities
U.S. citizens are responsible for obeying federal, state, and local laws. They must pay taxes. They should serve on a jury when called upon. In addition, they must defend the country if the need arises.
3. Privileges
U.S. citizens can travel with a U.S. passport. It can provide easier entry into many countries. They can also bring family members to the U.S. Moreover, citizenship should be obtained for children born abroad.
4. Protection
U.S. citizens have the right to live and work in the U.S. without the fear of deportation. They are entitled to the protection of the U.S. government. And it is within the country and when they are abroad.
What Counts As Proof of Citizenship in the U.S.?
Numerous documents aid in proving that you are a United States citizen. Proof of citizenship is a piece of paper that certifies you are a citizen of a given country.
There are two circumstances for a person’s birth: born inside or outside the United States. These circumstances help narrow down the accounts you need as evidence of citizenship.
If You Are Born in the United States
1. United States Birth Certificate
The United States Birth Certificate is issued by county, city, or state if you were born in the U.S. It should display your full name and both of your parent’s names. It must have a sign and seal to prove its validity.
U.S. birth certificate must meet the following requirements
- Issued by the city, country, or state of birth
- Provide the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth
- List parent(s)’ full names
- Has the signature of the city, county, or state registrar
- Has the date been filed with the registrar’s office? It must be within one year of birth
- Has the stamp or seal of the city, county, or state that issued it.
2. United States Passport
You can obtain your passport by applying for one. It is acknowledged that the U.S. passport is proof of citizenship.
Legal authorities accept both your valid and expired United States passport. Yet, it would be best if it were the latest passport.
Meanwhile, the secondary forms you can use are your delayed birth certificate, early public records, and letter of no records. Suppose you, for some reason, cannot obtain the primary documents; these secondary accounts are accepted.
3. Delayed birth certificate
A delayed birth certificate is not filed within the year of your birth date. Legal authorities can consider this account as proof of citizenship.
4. Early public records
Early public records are baptism certificates, school records, census records, medical records, or a Form DS-10 Birth Affidavit. Legal authorities also accept these as proof of citizenship.
5. Letter of no record
If your birth certificate wasn’t issued, you must get a Letter of No Record from the registrar. You must get this from the state you were born in. It must contain:
- Your full name
- Date of birth.
- The number of years they searched for your birth certificate
- An official statement that they did not find any birth certificate.
If You Are Born Outside the United States
If you were born outside the United States, these are the primary accounts you must have as proof of citizenship. You can also apply for a certificate of citizenship.
1. U.S. Passport
A United States passport can validate your citizenship if you were born abroad. The only way you can have a U.S. passport when you’re conceived outside is if your parents applied for you to have one. It is proven with your Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
2. Consular report of birth abroad or certificate of birth
Parents could acquire a Consular Report of Birth Abroad if they registered their child for one. They must report the child’s birth in the U.S. consulate within the foreign country.
Parents can only apply for this within five years of the child’s birth. After that, the child will no longer be allowed to register for this certificate.
3. Certificate of naturalization
You could apply for citizenship if your parents become citizens through naturalization. Your parent’s certificate will be your proof of citizenship.
How Do You Prove Citizenship Without a Birth Certificate?
- U.S. Passport
- Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Birth
- US Department of State Birth Affidavit (DS-10)
Is a Driver’s License Proof of Citizenship USA?
A driver’s license does not acknowledge proof of U.S. citizenship. While some states require proof of legal presence in the U.S. to issue it, this doesn’t necessarily translate to being a U.S. citizen. They could be a permanent resident, temporary resident, or a foreign visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proof of Citizenship
Is nationality and citizenship the same?
Nationality generally refers to the country where a person was born. It is where they hold their primary cultural or ethnic identity. It is often connected with the country that a person considers their homeland. Nationality also describes the legal relationship between a person and a state. And it is regardless of that person’s current geographic location.
Citizenship interests explicitly itself in the legal status of a person about a state. A citizen is someone who is legally recognized by a particular country. It has rights and responsibilities under that country’s law. It can be obtained by both within a country’s territory, birth to citizens of that country, marriage to a citizen, or naturalization.
What is an example of citizenship?
An example of citizenship can be seen in the naturalization process in the United States. Naturalization is the act by which U.S. citizenship is permitted to a foreign citizen or national. It is after they fulfill the requirements set by Congress of Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Is a social security card proof of citizenship?
A social security card does not acknowledge proof of U.S. citizenship. A social security number is distributed to citizens and noncitizens permitted to work in the United States. It does not denote citizenship status.
What are the three types of citizenship?
- Birthright Citizenship (jus soli). This is citizenship that is ruled by the location of one’s birth. You are automatically granted citizenship if you are born within a country’s borders.
- Citizenship by Descent (jus sanguinis). This is citizenship obtained through parents rather than by birthplace. Individuals are citizens of a country if their parents are citizens. It is irrespective of where they were born.
- Naturalized Citizenship. This is citizenship granted to foreign nationals who have fulfilled the requirements set by the country.
And there you have it. You are now well aware of all documents that count as proof of citizenship. Awareness will come in handy when you apply for certain documents and the privileges of staying in the United States.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is the lead writer for the Instant Vital Records blog and several other renowned publications. She is committed to delivering accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources for all of her articles.