Documentation Resources

Primary Citizenship Documentation

Purpose: These documents serve as official proof of U.S. citizenship. You will need at least one of these if the SAVE Act is enacted.

• U.S. Passport

  • Where: U.S. Department of State

  • Info & Forms: travel.state.gov (first-time applications, renewals, replacements)

• Certified U.S. Birth Certificate

  • Where: Your State Vital Records Office

  • Note: Must be a certified copy; check your state’s office for forms and fees

• Certificate of Naturalization

  • Where: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

  • Info & Forms: USCIS.gov — replacement forms available online

• Certificate of Citizenship

  • Where: USCIS

  • Info: USCIS.gov — usually issued after naturalization or derivative citizenship

Tips:

• If your document is lost or damaged, use the official government links to request replacements.

• Processing times vary; plan ahead if you need to obtain or replace a document.

Name-Change Documentation

Purpose: If your current legal name does not match your primary citizenship document, you may need one of these documents to link your name for voter registration.

• Marriage Certificate

  • Where: State Vital Records

  • Notes: Certified copy required; needed if your name changed through marriage

• Divorce Decree (restoring prior name)

  • Where: County or State Court

  • Note: Certified copy required to show legal name restoration

• Court Order for Legal Name Change

  • Where: County or State Court

  • Notes: Certified order showing legal name change

• Adoption Records

  • Where: State Vital Records or Court

  • Note: Certified copies only; required if your legal name changed through adoption

Tips:

• Only certified copies are valid for official voter registration verification.

• Check your local court or state vital records office for forms, fees, and processing times.

• Keep copies safe for voter registration purposes.

Additional Resources

• Verify official voter registration requirements with your state election office: Vote.gov

• Replacement passport info: travel.state.gov

• State vital records directory: CDC Vital Records Directory (Google your state)

• Check your voter registration status: Vote.gov