Whilst I absolutely do NOT agree with this, I do want us to be aware of what is and what isn’t

PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP (2026) 🇺🇸

THIS IS / THIS ISN’T

(Adults & Minors)

✅ THIS IS PROOF of U.S. Citizenship

For Adults & Minors

✅U.S. Passport (book)

✅U.S. Passport Card

✅Certificate of Naturalization

✅Certificate of U.S. Citizenship

✅Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)

✅Certified U.S. Birth Certificate (if born in the U.S.)

Note:

A certified U.S. birth certificate establishes citizenship, but when it is used for official purposes (passport, REAL ID, benefits), it must be corroborated with identity.

📝When using a Certified U.S. Birth Certificate, you may also need:

* A REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or state ID to verify identity

* A certified name-change document if your current legal name differs

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Court order

This applies to adults and minors (parents provide identity documents for minors).

❌ THIS ISN’T PROOF of U.S. Citizenship

For Adults & Minors

❌ Social Security card or SSN

❌ Driver’s license by itself (including REAL ID)

❌ State ID by itself

❌ School ID or student records

❌ Work ID or Employment Authorization Card (EAD)

❌ Green Card / Permanent Resident Card

❌ Health insurance card

❌ Immunization records

❌ Hospital souvenir birth certificate

❌ Parent or guardian’s ID alone

Identity ≠ Citizenship.

FOR MINORS (UNDER 18)

• Children do not have to carry proof of citizenship

• Schools cannot require proof of citizenship for enrollment

• A child without a passport is still a citizen

• Parents use their ID + the child’s certified document when required

How to get official documents

* Certified Birth Certificate:

Request from the state or county vital records office where the birth occurred

* U.S. Passport or Passport Card:

Apply through the U.S. Department of State

• Passport cards are wallet-size

• Available for infants, children, and adults

📌 Bottom line

A birth certificate proves citizenship.

A REAL ID proves identity.

Name changes must be documented, not explained.