The IRS requires specific identification documents to verify your foreign status and your identity. The main document required is a valid Passport.

1. Passport – the only document you can submit alone/without any other of the documents

Using your passport (either original or certified copy) is the most recommended, because using a passport, you do not need to submit any other documents.  You must use the physical, Original Passport, OR, you can use a Certified Copy of the passport by a Certified Issuing Agency.

• Original Passport
  Valid, Unexpired Original Passport Document
• Certified Copy of Passport
  • This is a copy of the document that the original issuing agency provides and certifies as an exact copy of the original document and contains an official stamped seal from the agency.
  • You may be able to request a certified copy of the documents

How do I get my passport copy certified?

You can have the copy of your passport certified by an official body or a professional:

• Consulate
• Embassy
• Town Hall
• Commissioning
• Notary
• Lawyer
• Banker

If you do NOT have a valid (unexpired) Passport, you must use 2 of the following documents in combination with each other. One document to prove your Foreign Status, and one document to prove your Identity. See the chart below on which documents can be used.

Listed below are the only documents that will be accepted by the IRS. An “X” in the Foreign Status and/or Identity column, indicates that the supporting documentation satisfies that category.
A valid (unexpired) passport is the only stand-alone document to prove both identity and foreign status.