Issuing Authority
What Is an Issuing Authority?
An Issuing authority is a government entity that issues official documents. These entities include:
- Departments
- Government offices
- Agencies
It can also be a representative, like the treasurer of a state.
These documents prove someone's identity, status, or give authorization.
What Is an Example of an Issuing Authority?
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.
Individuals with Issuing Authority
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.
Start your Free Child Travel Consent Form now
Helpful Resources:
What Is an Issuing Authority?
An Issuing authority is a government entity that issues official documents. These entities include:
- Departments
- Government offices
- Agencies
It can also be a representative, like the treasurer of a state.
These documents prove someone's identity, status, or give authorization.
What Is an Example of an Issuing Authority?
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.
Individuals with Issuing Authority
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.
Start your Free Child Travel Consent Form now
Helpful Resources: