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RM 10210: SSN Evidence Requirements

Effective Dates: 09/12/2011 - Present

TN 1 (11-09)

Fourth level evidence of U.S. citizenship

  • Is an original document, and

  • Is a non-SSA document established for a reason other than to establish U.S. citizenship, and shows a U.S. place of birth, and

  • Is satisfactory ONLY when primary, secondary, and third level evidence are not readily available, and the applicant alleges being born in the U.S, and there is nothing indicating the person is not a U.S. citizen (e.g., lost U.S. citizenship).

If fourth level evidence is not readily available, see RM 10210.535. “Readily available” is evidence that can be obtained in 10 working days.

Document

Explanation, Rules, and References

U.S. public birth record amended after the age of 5 showing birth in:

  • One of the 50 U.S. States

  • District of Columbia

  • Puerto Rico

  • Guam

  • Virgin Islands of the U.S. (on or after 01/17/1917)

  • American Samoa (including Swain's Island)

  • Northern Mariana Islands (on or after 11/04/1986)

States, Commonwealths, territories, and local jurisdictions issue birth record documents.

See Also:

  • RM 10210.515, for Guam, Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Island applicants born prior to the date these areas became part of the U.S.

  • RM 10210.505, for birth records issued prior to age 5.

Federal or State census record

The census record must show

  • Either U.S. citizenship or a U.S. place of birth and

  • Either the applicant’s age or date of birth.

NOTE: According to the Bureau of the Census, U.S. citizenship or U.S. place of birth information is only available for census years 1910 through 1950.

See Also:

GN 00302.700 through GN 00302.830, for more information on U.S. census records.

Seneca Indian tribal census record

The census record must show a U.S. place of birth and be dated at least 5 years prior to the date of the SSN application.

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo Indian tribal census record

The census record must show a U.S. place of birth and be dated at least 5 years prior to the date of the SSN application.

U.S. public notification of birth registration

The notice must show a U.S. place of birth and be dated at least 5 years prior to the date of the SSN application.

Physician or midwife statement

The notice must

  • Show a U.S. place of birth and

  • Be dated at least 5 years prior to the date of the SSN application and

  • Show the original signature of the physician or midwife in attendance at the time of birth.
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RM 10205: Social Security Number (SSN) Applications
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RM 102: The Social Security Number, Policy and General Procedures
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RM 10211: Alien Evidence for an SSN
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