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RM 10210: SSN Evidence Requirements

Effective Dates: 05/17/2010 - Present

TN 1 (11-09)

Third 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 and secondary 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 third level evidence is not readily available, develop for fourth level evidence. “Readily available” evidence can be obtained in 10 working days.

Document

Explanation, Rules, and References

U.S. hospital birth record established at the time of birth

Hospital records must show

  • a U.S. place of birth, and

  • issue date.

NOTE: Generally, a souvenir “birth certificate” (e.g., keepsake) is not considered evidence of citizenship but indicates preferred evidence may exist. For more information on hospital birth records, see GN 00302.530C.

U.S. medical record from:

  • Clinic;

  • Hospital;

  • Midwife; or

  • Physician.

Medical records must

  • show a U.S. place of birth, and

  • issue date.

NOTE: An immunization record is not considered a medical record for purposes of establishing U.S. citizenship.

U.S. institutional admission paper(s) from:

  • Nursing home;

  • Skilled care facility; or

  • Other institution.

Admission paper(s) must show a U.S. place of birth.

U.S. life, health or other insurance record

The insurance record must show

  • a U.S. place of birth, and

  • issue date.

NOTE: For an adult, the insurance record must show an issue date at least 5 years prior to applying for an SSN. For an applicant under age 18, the insurance record must show an issue date shortly after 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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