Acceptable Proof of Citizenship

a. For individuals born in the United States, a birth certificate is the primary and preferred means of citizenship verification. Acceptable certificates must show that the birth record was filed shortly after birth and it must be certified with the registrar's signature. It must bear the raised, impressed, or multicolored seal of the registrar's office. The only exception is if a state or other jurisdiction does not issue such seals as a matter of policy Uncertified copies of birth certificates are not acceptable. A delayed birth certificate is one created when a record was filed more than one year after the date of birth. Such a certificate is acceptable if it shows that the report of birth was supported by acceptable secondary evidence of birth. Secondary evidence may include: baptismal or circumcision certificates, hospital birth records, or affidavits of persons having personal knowledge about the facts of birth. Other documentary evidence can be early census, school, or family bible records, newspaper files, or insurance papers. All documents submitted as evidence of birth in the U.S. shall be original or certified documents.

b. If the individual claims citizenship by naturalization, a certificate of naturalization is acceptable proof of citizenship.

c. If citizenship was acquired by birth abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents, the following are acceptable evidence:

(1) A Certificate of Citizenship issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS); or
(2) A Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (Form FS-240); or
(3) A Certificate of Birth (Form FS-545 or DS-1350).

d. A passport, current or expired, is acceptable proof of citizenship.

e. A Record of Military Processing-Armed Forces of the United States (DD Form 1966) is acceptable proof of citizenship, provided it reflects U.S. citizenship.