Primary ID: The Main Photo ID Agencies Ask For
A primary ID is the main identification document an agency asks you to show to prove who you are, typically a current government-issued photo ID. Agencies decide for themselves what counts, and some use a second tier called secondary ID when a person has no primary photo ID.
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Examples from the State Department
For a U.S. passport application, the State Department asks for one primary ID. It lists a U.S. passport book or card, an in-state, fully valid driver's license with photo, a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship, a government employee or U.S. military ID, a current foreign passport and a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, among others. If you have no primary photo ID, it asks for at least two secondary IDs, such as an out-of-state driver's license, a Social Security card or a student ID.
Vital records offices
State vital records offices set their own ID rules. South Carolina requires a valid, current government, school or employer issued photo identification document. Pennsylvania asks for an unexpired government-issued photo ID, and if you have none, it accepts two documents that verify your name and current mailing address. Pennsylvania does not label IDs primary or secondary.
Practical points
The State Department asks for a photocopy of the front and back of each ID. It does not accept digital IDs or mobile driver's licenses. Check the instructions of the office you are dealing with, because ID rules vary by agency and by state.
Frequently asked questions
Is a driver's license a primary ID?
For a passport application, the State Department accepts a fully valid in-state driver's license with photo as a primary ID.
What if I have no photo ID?
The State Department allows at least two secondary IDs. Pennsylvania allows two documents showing name and mailing address. Rules vary.
Does a birth certificate count as a primary ID?
The State Department's primary ID list does not include a birth certificate. A birth certificate is evidence of citizenship, not photo identification.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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