An Issuing authority is a government entity that issues official documents. These entities include:
It can also be a representative, like the treasurer of a state.
These documents prove someone's identity, status, or give authorization.
The following are examples of issuing authorities in the U.S. and the documents they issue.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Provides ID for adults who do and do not drive.
Social Security Administration (SSA): Issues Social Security cards and numbers for tax purposes.
State Vital Records Offices: Issue birth, death, and marriage certificates.
U.S. Department of State: Provides travel documents, like passports, that confirm identity and citizenship.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Provides Trusted Traveler Program Cards for faster clearance at U.S. borders for pre-approved travelers.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Issues Employment Authorization Documents to foreigners who can work in the U.S. temporarily. As well as Green Cards to those with permanent residence.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Provides Transportation Worker ID cards to anyone in need of access to secure areas at transit hubs.
Department of Defense (DoD): Gives Military ID cards to active-duty and reserve armed forces members, retirees, and dependents. They offer access to benefits.
Veterans Administration (VA): Issues Veteran ID Cards to honorably discharged veterans, offering access to benefits.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): Issues cards to those aged 65 and older who are eligible for Medicare.
Native American Tribal Authorities: Offers Tribal Membership Cards that prove tribal affiliation and offer membership rights.
Financial Institutions: Offer credit and debit cards that allow customers to access their accounts and make purchases.
Educational Institutions: Supply Student ID Cards that confirm enrollment and may grant access to campus services and facilities.
The issuing authority in legal documents is usually found in a clear space on the form. For example, on the lower right of the photo page in a passport or at the top of a birth certificate.
An example of an individual issuing authority is a parent or legal guardian. They will need to issue authority if their minor child needs to travel alone.
The parent or guardian is the issuing authority for a child travel consent form. This document allows a child to travel without an adult's supervision. Two travel consent forms can be used for this. One for domestic travel and another for international travel.
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