Q & A
What are some of the documents Social Security will accept as proof of identity for a child?
Answer: While you can use a birth certificate to prove age or citizenship, you cannot use it as proof of identity. Social Security needs evidence of the child’s existence after birth. An acceptable document must show your child’s name, identifying information, and, preferably, a recent photograph. Your child must be present unless the picture ID also shows your child’s biographical information (i.e., age, date of birth, and parents’ names). We generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child (such as the child’s name and age, date of birth, and parents’ names). We prefer to see the child’s U.S. passport. If that document is not available, we may accept the child’s:
• Adoption decree;
• Doctor, clinic, or hospital record;
• Religious record (e.g., baptismal record);
• Daycare center or school record; or
• School identification card.
Source: Oscar Torres-Torres, Social Security Administration (via www.publicopiniononline.com) - 11/10/2014
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