When you apply for a job or are traveling abroad, you may be required to show proof of your U.S. citizenship status.
U.S. Passport or Passport Card
A U.S. passport or passport card proves your citizenship status and allows you to travel abroad. Most international travel requires you to have a passport. A passport card is smaller than a passport book, it’s the same size as a credit card or driver’s license. Passport cards allow you to travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.1 A U.S. passport allows you to travel to 166 countries without needing to get a visa beforehand.2
Applications for a U.S. passport or passport card are processed by the U.S. Department of State.
A passport book is valid for 10 years. The initial application fee is $145. The renewal fee is $110. For applicants under age 16, passports are only valid for 5 years and the initial application fee is $115.
A passport card is valid for 10 years. The initial application fee is $65, and the renewal fee is $30. For applicants under age 16, passport cards are only valid for 5 years and the initial application fee is $50.
Certificate of Citizenship
A Certificate of Citizenship is a document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen or if you automatically became a citizen of the United States after birth but before you turned 18 years of age you may be eligible to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship using Form N-600.1 If a Certificate of Citizenship was already issued to you and you lost it, you can apply for a replacement document using Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/ Citizenship Document.
Certificate of Naturalization
A Certificate of Naturalization is issued to people who immigrated to the U.S. and received citizenship through the process of naturalization. Naturalized citizens receive this certificate when they become citizens at the naturalization ceremony. If you lost your Naturalization Certificate, you can apply for a replacement document with Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/ Citizenship Document.
U.S. Birth Certificate
All people born in the United States are automatically U.S. citizens. You can use your U.S. birth certificate to show proof of citizenship.
