Social Security numbers are given to every U.S. born child and adult. To obtain a Social Security number, an individual must prove citizenship and age. Among the documents that can prove citizenship is a U.S. birth certificate. While other documents, such as a passport, can be used to determine age and citizenship, the birth certificate is the easiest and quickest way to confirm both answers. The birth certificate must be a certified original, and copies or photocopies will not be accepted.
Passports are a required document for international travel. Applicants must apply in person and prove U.S. citizenship. Among the documents that can be presented include a previously issued passport, a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a birth certificate that has been issued by the state, city or county in which the birth took place. According to the U.S. Department of Sate, the birth certificate must be certified and include the registrar's signature; a raised, impressed, embossed or multicolored seal; and the date in which the certificate was filed. The filing date must be within one year of the child's date of birth. The certified birth certificate must also include the place of birth, date of birth and the full name of the child's parent or parents. If the parents names are not included, it cannot be used as proof of citizenship..
When children are registered for school as a kindergartner, parents must present proof of age and citizenship. The most common document to use in this situation is a birth certificate because it includes all of the child's vital information. Present an original, certified copy of the birth certificate to school officials during the registration process. Copies will generally not be accepted.
As with a passport and Social Security card, applicants for a United States driver's license must prove citizenship to apply for or renew a learner's permit or a driver's license. Similar to applying for a Social Security number, a valid passport, certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a U.S. military identification card can be presented to prove citizenship. However, the simplest document to show is a birth certificate because it includes the applicant's name and the place and date of birth. The department of motor vehicles will not accept a birth certificate issued by a hospital. The birth certificate must be certified by the local or state government.
