Is there a U.S Citizenship CARD?

Question

I would like to know if there is any such document as U.S Citizenship Card?
I am a new U.S citizen and my Residence card was taken during oath ceremony and a naturalization certificate was given. Obviously, I cant carry this certificate everywhere. Someone told me that INS used to issue citizenship card as well, but I cant find any such form on INS website. Appreciate if someone can guide me. Sorry, but too difficult to reach INS over the phone for questions...thanks again!

Answer 1

No, there is no card. And remember, in the US you do not have to carry ANY identification, and do not have to identify yourself to any authority who happens to ask...although if it's a cop and you're being arrested, it might be wise to confess who you are.

If you need a document to travel with anyway, you can apply for a passport. But passports get lost or stolen all the time, and you shouldn't carry it around with you casually.

If you just want something to carry to make yourself feel more secure because an ID card was required in your former homeland, get a notarized copy of your naturalization certificate and carry that.

I know that the certificate says "Do not copy" on it, but do it anyway. Lots of people do.

Answer 2

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Bush on May 11, 2005, mandates that all U.S. citizens will receive a National ID card by May of 2008.
Without this National ID, you won't...
Drive your car
Board a plane, train, or bus
Enter any federal building
Open a bank account
Hold a job
You put 2&2 together with what this sounds like ya never know it might just be....

Answer 3

I would think there would be one that you could apply for. If not, maybe shrink a copy of your certificate down to a wallet size and maybe have a notary public authenticate it. Keep the original in a safe place - I wouldn't carry it around with me. I am a naturalized Canadian citizen and was given a wallet sized plastic covered card to carry in my wallet. I keep photocopies of it in a safe place so that if I were ever to lose the card, it may be easier to get a replacement using the copies of it.

Answer 4

Congratulations, and welcome!

You are a citizen. You don't need a card. You may need your naturalization certificate to get a driver's license or passport (in fact, you will for the latter, just as I need my birth certificate). Then you can carry these if you wish.

We are going to have REAL ID cards at least for driving, nationwide, fairly soon. You'll get a card then.

Answer 5

I don't think there is a card anymore....... tho Social Security cards probably took their place. If you've been naturalized, you shouldn't worry. You are on the grid now, and Big Brother knows who you are and where you belong. (scary)

Fun Fact: In order to be considered "official", Native Americans must carry a tribal card identifying the purity of their heritage. For example: My mother wanted to state she was a Native American for a minority loan. She was asked for her affiliation card. It states she is 3/4 Native. If she did not have this card, her affiliation would be 'unofficial' and therefore, useless in proving her minority status!

Answer 6

Not that I know of, but I think there should be one, to weed out illegals if nothing else .... I think they encourage you to get a U.S. passport as proof of citizenship ...

Legal immigrants have green cards ...citizens should also have a tamper proof federally issued ID card as many countries demand of their citizens ... Sweden is a good example ... Britain has been discussing it for years .... I for one think that would be a darn good idea!

Answer 7

If you're a naturalized citizen, that means you're an american now, and no more 'carte verde' needed. A card is just one more document they can make in T.J., I'd buy a dog, a big one, to guard your papers, though...

Answer 8

A passport would be the only US Citizenship document available that I know of.