I JUST realized that when you go in to renew or replace state ID/DL they punch a hole in it kinda deeming it "invalidated" and I need to present a valid state ID to apply for my passport application tomorrow

[new68 23]

So I think I'll cancel this appointment for enhanced id and wait to get it till I get my passport. Leaving this here for anyone who is thinking of getting the enhanced state ID before they apply for passport. 

[OldUser 9,903]

Makes sense!

[Dashinka 25,854]

Hmm, MI does this as well, or at least something similar (clipped corner), but usually they staple a temporary DL to the ID to use until the new one arrives as they can't keep you waiting to drive with a valid DL until the new one arrives.

 

That being said, I agree, best to wait to apply for the new DL until after the passport application to avoid any issues.

 

Good Luck!

[new68 23]

I am in michigan too. I do remember that they staple a temporary one to the old id but wasn't sure if it would be ok for a Passport application because of the clipped corner.  Just erring on the side of caution, passport application is more important after all. Thanks everyone for your input.

[Fr8dog 401]

You don't need a license to apply for a passport. your certificate is a valid form of ID and proof or citizenship (see the instructions of the DS-11)

[OldUser 9,903]

7 hours ago, Fr8dog said:

You don't need a license to apply for a passport. your certificate is a valid form of ID and proof or citizenship (see the instructions of the DS-11)

Technically, it may be true, but I had to show both certificate and DL to apply for passport.

[mam521 2,508]

3 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Technically, it may be true, but I had to show both certificate and DL to apply for passport.

I'm sure it could be argued as @Fr8dog says, but the instructions also say additional evidence to establish identity may be required.  One could probably use a foreign passport in the absence of a current DL.  A certificate of naturalization that is being used as proof of citizenship, so infers one isn't "originally" American and likely has a foreign "passport of origin".   

[Fr8dog 401]

2 hours ago, mam521 said:

I'm sure it could be argued as @Fr8dog says, but the instructions also say additional evidence to establish identity may be required.  One could probably use a foreign passport in the absence of a current DL.  A certificate of naturalization that is being used as proof of citizenship, so infers one isn't "originally" American and likely has a foreign "passport of origin".   

 

The state department can request additional information. The post office employee cannot. Foreign passports are not on the list so that's a "no" also temporary licenses are specifically excluded on the instructions.

 

Pages 1 point 2 

https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds11_pdf.PDF 

[Fr8dog 401]

Also you do not have to sent your original certificate in. It clearly states in point 1 that a certified copy is allowed (obtainable at the field office as a "certified and true" copy). The person taking your application may not like it, but state department trumps post office clerk. And DS-11 trumps printed handout taped to monitor or desk.

[OldUser 9,903]

10 hours ago, Fr8dog said:

Also you do not have to sent your original certificate in. It clearly states in point 1 that a certified copy is allowed (obtainable at the field office as a "certified and true" copy).

True, but who and how often obtains a certified copy of Certificate of Naturalization?

 

Though archived, here's what USCIS had to say about it:

 

You do not need to obtain a Certified True Copy if the U.S. government asks for a copy of your certificate for official U.S. government business. You may use a normal photocopy of your certificate for legitimate U.S. government business. For example, when you apply for a U.S. passport, you must submit the original Certificate of Naturalization, and you should also submit a normal photocopy that has not been authenticated.

 

Source:

https://www.uscis.gov/archive/how-do-i-obtain-an-authenticated-copy-of-a-certificate-of-naturalization

 

Again, why would USCIS tell what do submit for passport application, if it's DOS problem, I'm not sure 😃

I guess that's why they archived it.

 

USPS expects to submit original, though certified copy technically is OK.

How does one get a certified copy? Have you done it personally?

 

Edited Saturday at 03:50 AM by OldUser

[Fr8dog 401]

1 minute ago, OldUser said:

How does one get a certified copy? Have you done it personally?

 

I needed it for the Dutch portion of my life. 

 

You call the USCIS party line. and then hope and prey you get somebody on the phone that actually knows what you want. (that was two calls for me). They set up an appointment for you at the nearest field office and then you get to go back to that place you thought you were done with. 

After realizing that they make citizens wait just as long as non citizens (about 40 minutes) you go to the desk and explain what you need and they print them for you. Now if anybody else ever goes through this ask them for 2 (you never know if and when you may need it).

You'll get a photocopy of your certificate with a certificate attached to it stating it is a true and certified copy.

 

I ended up going to DC to get my passport same day. And handed the woman the copy. "Now I know you did not drive all the way down here without the original so why don't you give me that one instead" was her reply. Followed by "yes it is allowed but if you get an intern upstairs you may have to wait for another 2 hours to get your passport" To which I replied "fair point" end handed her the original. (got it and my passport in hand about 2 hours later) 

[TBoneTX 47,503]

Geez.  I'm continuously thankful that I was born a USC.

[mam521 2,508]

On 7/18/2025 at 12:34 PM, Fr8dog said:

 

The state department can request additional information. The post office employee cannot. Foreign passports are not on the list so that's a "no" also temporary licenses are specifically excluded on the instructions.

 

Pages 1 point 2 

https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds11_pdf.PDF 

It doesn't say specifically that a foreign passport cannot be used for proving identity.  It lists accepted documents and states, in the fine print, further documentation may be necessary.  The fine print doesn't specify what does, or does not qualify.  It's pedantic in the same way you mention a post office employee can't ask, but the DoS can.  

 

I do find a lot of policy to be small minded and based on the assumption that everyone has a DL or state ID in the US.  

 

On 7/18/2025 at 10:49 PM, OldUser said:

True, but who and how often obtains a certified copy of Certificate of Naturalization?

I wish I would have gone the certified copy route because the Post Office defaced my naturalization certificate by stapling it when I applied for the kids' US passports.  Apparently the PO staff are told NOT to staple it but you know...unless you have to pay to replace a certificate, you don't truly appreciate what you're doing when doing it incorrectly 🙄.

 

That said, certified copies for certain things are definitely advantageous.  I had certified copies of my kids' Canadian passports so I could get them ITIN's years back when we came on my L visa.  There was no way I was sending their passports, the only piece of ID with their proof of status, away for an indeterminate amount of time for the ITIN's to be generated.  

[OldUser 9,903]

29 minutes ago, mam521 said:

I do find a lot of policy to be small minded and based on the assumption that everyone has a DL or state ID in the US.  

I think it's a fair assumption that somebody who lives in the US for 3+ or 5+ years and naturalizing would be fully integrated with US society and have state ID or DL.

[mam521 2,508]

11 minutes ago, OldUser said:

I think it's a fair assumption that somebody who lives in the US for 3+ or 5+ years and naturalizing would be fully integrated with US society and have state ID or DL.

If you don't drive, then why would you?  Especially if you have to do to DPS/DMV to get that piece of ID?  The cost of vehicle insurance is prohibitively expensive for a lot of people, so they don't bother because they'll never drive.  Heck...the number of people operating vehicles with no license and no insurance around these parts is what's driven up insurance rates to ridiculousness.  

 

The only reason Kid1 drives is because Texas doesn't believe in comprehensive public transit, so said child has no choice.  She MUCH prefers to be a Passenger Princess because it's bloody scary driving in the Houston metro area.