A checklist of identification documents for individuals usually includes photo identification and one additional identity document. An identification card with a recent photograph can help you prove your name, but you will need another document for proof of address and other things. Usually, credit card statements, mobile phone bills, and provisional driving licenses aren’t proof of identity.
The identity checklist differs for individuals and companies. For individuals, you can use these documents as proof of identity.
- Original birth certificate
- Current signed passport
- Current driving license
- Utility bill
- Original mortgage statement
- Firearms certificate
- National identification card with a photograph
- Residence permit
- Social security number
- Employment record
- Work permit
- Foreign passport
Original documents work best when you are required to prove your identity. Certified copies might also work, depending on which organization you are dealing with. There are other specific documents not included in the list, like a marriage certificate, that can prove your identity or legal name.
Remember, the name shown on your primary document is your legal name. So if you have a changed name, you will need to present name change documents. That’s how you avoid any confusion with your first. The name change comes into play when looking for a replacement card. Find out how to check electronic id so you can prepare them early.
For companies, the proof of identity checklist includes some of these documents.
- Copy of the certificate of incorporation
- List of trustees
- Current company officers’ details
- Copy of filed audited accounts
- Trading address
- List of beneficiaries
You might require additional paperwork when proving identity for a company with a legal name change. The checklist also depends on the type of company you run. There are regulated and non-regulated companies. A primary document and a few supporting documents, like a listing in a credible newspaper, should, however, be sufficient to prove a company’s identity.
Replacement Card for A US Born Adult
You must prove your identity and US citizenship to obtain a replacement card when lost or stolen. You must provide an original copy. For damaged, non-certified, and notarized copies, the Social Security Administration needs your driver’s license or a state-issued identification card to prove your identity.
When you don’t have these two documents, there are other documents you can present. These include the US military ID card, school ID card, employment ID card, or health insurance card. You can also get a letter from your doctor with your name, address, social security number, and the doctor’s details.
A US birth certificate or passport is enough to help prove citizenship. When the birth certificate isn’t available, a hospital record with your date of birth will work. Any religious record you have before age five can show your date of birth. These documents also help prove your age.
You might need to prove your immigration status to get your replacement card. So keep your immigration documents ready. Processing the replacement card will be easier if you have an acceptable document.
Corrected Card for A US Born Adult
When you want to change the name on your social security card, you have to provide a recent document that shows you legally changed your name. This can be a court order for a name change, a divorce decree, or a marriage certificate. The corrected card will have your new name, but you will maintain the number on your old card.
You might also need the certificate of naturalization that shows your new name. All the documents have to be original or certified by the issuing agency. The requirements for non-citizens might be slightly different. A non-citizen adult needs work authorization, immigration status documents, and proof of identity.
Citizenship, age, and identity are the main things you must prove, whether you are looking for a new or replacement card. The checklist changes for citizens and non-citizen adults, but the core requirements are the same. When you know which specific documents the agency will ask for, it becomes easier to get everything in order.

Thomas Parkin is the visionary creator of Honey View, the world’s most charitable community of photographers. With a mission to provide high-quality, useable pictures, Honey View has amassed over 2 million free high-resolution photos, which have been downloaded over 2 billion times globally by artists for presentations, artwork, mockups, and various creative projects.
