The documentary verification process varies based on what you’re trying to accomplish, but several documents tend to qualify for just about any type of verification. If you need to prove you are who you say you are, below are three documents that almost always qualify against documentary verification protocols:
1. Your Birth Certificate
Your birth certificate is issued when you’re born, and a copy is usually given to your parents. If you don’t have a copy of your birth certificate, you can usually contact your state’s department of vital records to request a copy.
It’s worth noting that not just any birth certificate will do in some situations. Someone who needs to verify your identity using your birth certificate may request an official copy, meaning the piece of paper given to your parents won’t qualify. Instead, the document you need is a stamped and dated copy sent by the vital records department in your state.
2. Your Driver’s License
A driver's license or state-issued ID card can also usually pass muster when it comes to verifying your identity. These documents have your picture on them, making it easy to match your face with the identity on the document. Also, a driver’s license or ID card will include your name, date of birth, home address, and a state-issued driver's license or ID number.
It’s important to note that these documents have expiration dates. Even if the picture and all the information on these documents are correct, they technically are no longer legally valid forms of ID upon reaching the expiration date. This is why it’s important to renew your driver’s license or state-issued ID card before they expire so that you always have a valid form of ID on your person.
3. Your Social Security Card
American citizens are issued a Social Security card at birth along with a Social Security number. This card doesn’t contain any identifying information other than your name and Social Security number. However, this is usually sufficient for verification when working with a government agency or an organization with the ability to look up your personal information via your Social Security number.
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