Page 95

Agencies may accept citizenship and identity documents from an individual whose last name has changed due to marriage or divorce if the documentation matches in every way with the exception of the last name. If the different last names are found questionable, the agency may request that the individual provide an official document verifying the change such as a marriage license or divorce decree. If an individual has changed his or her first and last name, he or she must produce documentation from a court or governing agency documenting the change. An electronic copy of documentation submitted by the applicant or member to satisfy the citizenship verification requirement must be maintained in the case record. See Process Help Section 19.3.5 Citizenship and Identity Verification, for tools that IM workers can use to assist members and applicants in meeting the citizenship verification requirement. Once citizenship has been verified by a State or IM agency, verification may never be requested again, even after periods of ineligibility for health care benefits, unless other information is received causing past previously verified information to be questionable. This includes verification of citizenship or identity documented by a written affidavit. 7.2.4.1 Stand-Alone Documentation of U.S. Citizenship Stand-alone documentation is a single document that verifies U.S. citizenship, such as a United States Passport. Stand-alone documentation of U.S. citizenship is the most reliable way to establish that the person is a U.S. citizen. If a person presents a stand-alone document, no other U.S. citizenship verification is required. See the chart below or Process Help Section 19.3.5.3.3 Stand-Alone Documentation of Citizenship for a list of acceptable documents. An applicant or member who does not provide a stand-alone document must provide documentation of both U.S. citizenship and identity (see SECTION 7.2.4.2 EVIDENCE OF CITIZENSHIP and SECTION 7.2.4.3 EVIDENCE OF IDENTITY). Stand-Alone Document Description/Explanation Certificate of Naturalization Form N-550 or N-570. Issued by the Department of Homeland Security for naturalization. Certificate of Citizenship Form N-560 or N-561. The Department of Homeland Security issues certificates of citizenship to individuals who derive citizenship through a parent. A State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License A special type of driver’s license identified specifically as an “Enhanced Driver’s License”. It requires proof of U.S. citizenship to obtain. Five states currently issue enhanced driver’s licenses (Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Washington), but more states are expected to issue these licenses in the future. Accept an Enhanced Driver’s License issued by any U.S. state. REAL IDs are not Enhanced Driver’s Licenses. REAL IDs only provide documentation of identity, not citizenship. U.S. Passport The Department of State issues this. A U.S. passport does not have to be currently valid to be accepted as evidence of U.S. citizenship, as long as it was originally issued without limitation. Do not accept any passport as evidence of U.S. citizenship when it was issued with a limitation. Passports issued with a limitation may only be used as proof of identity.