
Proving one's age and identity is often required for various purposes, such as employment, obtaining a driver's license, or receiving government benefits. While requirements may vary depending on the specific context, certain documents are commonly accepted as valid proof of age and identity. These typically include government-issued identification cards, such as passports, driver's licenses, and military IDs, which contain key personal information and, in many cases, a photograph of the individual. Other documents, such as birth certificates, vaccination records, and naturalization certificates, may also be accepted as secondary forms of identification when primary forms are unavailable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Government-issued documents | US Passport, Driver's License, Permanent Resident Card (PRC), ID card, Military ID card |
| Educational documents | Vaccination record |
| Military documents | ID card |
| Vital records | Birth certificate, Insurance policy |
| Employment documents | Form I-9, Employment authorization document, Certificate of Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization |
| Travel documents | Passport, Driver's license, Learner's permit, Non-driver ID |
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What You'll Learn

Passports and driver's licenses
A passport or driver's license is commonly used as a form of identification. When applying for a passport, a photocopy of a valid or expired, undamaged passport book or card can be used as proof of identity. A driver's license can also be used, but it must be in-state, fully valid, non-temporary, and non-learner's license with a photo. Some states have digital driver's licenses, which are not accepted when applying for a passport. It is important to note that if you are applying for a passport in a different state than the one that issued your driver's license, you may need to present an additional form of identification.
In the United States, the REAL ID Act sets standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. While a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID is not required, it may be necessary for certain purposes, such as air travel, entering federal facilities, or accessing military installations. To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide proof of identity, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency.
Both passports and driver's licenses can be used as proof of age, which is often required for employment, obtaining a driver's license, travelling alone, and receiving government-related benefits or documents. It is worth noting that certain organizations may require additional forms of identification or proof of age, so it is always good to be prepared with multiple forms of identification when necessary.
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ID cards issued by federal, state, or local government agencies
One key component of government-issued ID cards is the presence of a photograph of the bearer. This photograph serves as a primary means of visual identification, allowing for a quick and straightforward confirmation of the person's identity. The photograph is usually accompanied by essential personal information, such as the individual's full name, which further reinforces their identity.
In addition to the photograph and name, these ID cards often include other critical personal details that help establish the holder's identity and age. This can encompass information such as the date of birth, sex, height, eye colour, and address. The inclusion of these details provides a comprehensive profile, making it highly unlikely that another person could impersonate the legitimate cardholder.
The specific requirements for government-issued ID cards may vary slightly depending on the issuing authority. For instance, some states or local agencies might mandate the inclusion of certain physical characteristics or identifiers, such as height and eye colour, while others might not. Nonetheless, the primary purpose of these ID cards remains consistent – to provide undeniable proof of an individual's identity and age, thereby facilitating various activities and transactions where such verification is required.
It is important to note that while government-issued ID cards are widely accepted, there might be certain instances where additional or alternative forms of identification are needed. This could include situations where specialised security measures are in place, or when applying for specific documents or certifications. In such cases, individuals might need to supplement their ID cards with other forms of identification, such as a passport, birth certificate, or other supporting documents.
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Vaccination records and insurance policies
Vaccination records, such as COVID-19 vaccine cards, have become increasingly important in recent years. These records typically include an individual's name, the type of vaccine administered, and the dates of doses. While they primarily serve as proof of vaccination status, they can also provide supporting evidence of an individual's identity, especially when combined with other forms of ID. Some companies have developed digital solutions, such as the Real Vaccination ID card, which aims to provide secure and verifiable proof of vaccination while protecting individuals' personal data.
Insurance policies, particularly health and car insurance, can also serve as a form of identification in certain situations. For example, a U.S. health insurance card or prescription card can be used as proof of identity in some contexts. Additionally, proof of insurance, such as an insurance card or policy declarations page, may be required when operating vehicles like cars, motorcycles, RVs, or boats in certain states. These documents can help verify an individual's identity and provide evidence of the necessary insurance coverage required by law.
It is important to note that the acceptance of vaccination records and insurance policies as proof of identity and age may vary depending on the specific requirements of the requesting entity and the applicable laws in each state or country. While vaccination records and insurance policies may not be universally accepted as stand-alone proof of identity, they can certainly play a supporting role in establishing an individual's identity and age when used in conjunction with other forms of identification.
To ensure the security and authenticity of vaccination records and insurance information, many states and organizations are moving towards digital verification methods. For example, several states in the U.S. accept digital insurance cards displayed on smartphones or tablets. Similarly, the Real Vaccination ID card mentioned earlier combines physical and digital proof of vaccination status, allowing individuals to control the sharing of their personal information while maintaining data security.
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Employment authorization documents
The EAD, also known as a work permit, is issued in the form of a standard credit card-sized plastic card with multiple security features. The card contains basic information about the immigrant, including their name, birth date, sex, immigrant category, country of birth, photo, immigrant registration number, card number, restrictive terms and conditions, and dates of validity.
To obtain an EAD, non-citizens must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The eligibility criteria for employment authorization are detailed in the Federal Regulations section 8 C.F.R. §274a.12, and there are currently over 40 types of immigration status that make their holders eligible to apply for an EAD card. Some categories are nationality-based and apply to a small number of people, while others are broader, such as those covering the spouses of specific visa holders.
It is important to note that not everyone qualifies for an EAD, and there are specific categories of non-citizens who are eligible to apply. These include applicants for asylum and adjustment of status, U and T non-immigrants, TPS holders, recipients of deferred action (including DACA), VAWA self-petitioners, refugees, and parolees. Additionally, an interim Employment Authorization Document may be issued to eligible applicants when USCIS fails to adjudicate an application within 90 days of receipt.
Employers must verify that all employees, regardless of citizenship, are authorized to work in the U.S. by completing Form I-9. Compliance with federal law ensures that employers avoid penalties and maintain continuous compliance with current employment authorization requirements.
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Birth certificates
A birth certificate is a vital record that can be used as proof of identity and age. It is a primary form of ID that can be used as standalone proof of identity and age in most cases.
When applying for a passport, a birth certificate can be used as evidence of citizenship. If you were born in the United States, a birth certificate is one of the documents that can be used to prove your citizenship. If there is no birth certificate on file in the state where you were born, you will receive a "Letter of No Record" from the registrar, which must be accompanied by other documents, such as early public and private records from the first five years of your life, including your full name, date of birth, and place of birth. If you were born outside the United States and acquired citizenship through your parents, you must submit your foreign birth certificate along with your parents' evidence of U.S. citizenship.
In the case of delayed birth registration, where the birth certificate does not include certain items, it may need to be supplemented with early public records or documents. It is important to note that an electronic or mobile birth certificate is typically not accepted, and a physical copy of the certificate may be required.
While a birth certificate is a widely accepted form of identification, there may be instances where additional or alternative forms of identification are required. For example, certain organizations, businesses, or government agencies may request multiple forms of identification or specific types of ID for specific transactions, applications, or registrations. In such cases, other documents, such as a driver's license, passport, vaccination record, or insurance policy, may be needed in conjunction with or as an alternative to a birth certificate.
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Frequently asked questions
A driver's license or government-issued ID card with a photograph, name, date of birth, sex, height, eye color, and address is typically accepted as proof of age and identity.
Yes, other accepted documents include a U.S. Passport, vaccination record, insurance policy, and in some cases, multiple alternative documents may be presented together as proof of identity.
Digital IDs are not accepted as proof of identity for U.S. passport applications. A physical, photo ID and a photocopy of the ID are required.
Yes, Form I-9 lists acceptable documents for employment eligibility verification. These include a U.S. Passport, Permanent Resident Card (PRC), and an ID card issued by federal, state, or local government agencies.
























