Issuing Authority
What Does it Mean to Issue Authority?
Issuing authority refers to the government office, department, or agency that has the legal power to issue an official document. The term also can refer to the representative of a legal entity, such as the treasurer of a state.
These documents help establish an individual’s identity, status, or authorization.
What Is an Example of Issuing Authority?
Here are some examples of issuing authorities in the United States and what types of documents they are able to issue.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): The DMV in each state issues identification for people licensed to operate motor vehicles. States also issue cards as official identification for adults who do not drive.
Social Security Administration (SSA): This agency issues cards and numbers for Social Security and tax purposes.
State Vital Records Offices: These offices issue birth, death, and marriage certificates.
U.S. Department of State: This department issues travel documents (passports and passport cards) that certify someone’s identity and citizenship.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): The CBP issues Trusted Traveler Program Cards that can provide expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers at U.S. borders.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): This entity issues Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to foreigners permitted to work in the U.S. temporarily and Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) to foreigners who have been granted permanent residence in the U.S
Transportation Security Administration (TSA): This agency issues Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cards to people needing unescorted access to secure ports, airports, and other transportation facilities.
Department of Defense (DoD): The DoD issues Military Identification Cards to active-duty armed forces and reserve members, retirees, and dependents. They offer access to benefits.
Veterans Administration (VA): The VA issues Veteran Identification Cards to honorably discharged veterans that offer access to certain benefits.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): The CMS issues cards to those eligible for Medicare, a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older.
Native American Tribal Authorities: This agency issues Tribal Membership Cards that can serve as proof of tribal affiliation and offer membership rights.
Financial Institutions: Banks and other financial institutions issue credit and debit cards that allow customers to access their accounts and make purchases.
Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities issue Student Identification Cards that verify enrollment. The cards may also grant access to some campus services and facilities.
The issuing authority in legal documents can typically be found in a prominent space on the form. For example, the issuing authority of a passport is printed on the lower right of the photo page. The issuing authority for a U.S. birth certificate is listed at the top of the document.
Individuals with issuing authority
Another example of an issuing authority in legal documents occurs when a minor child needs to travel without a parent or legal guardian.
In this case, the parent or guardian is the issuing authority for child travel consent. This legal document allows a child to take a trip without parental supervision. There are two legal forms used for this purpose – one for domestic travel and another for international travel.
Start your Free Child Travel Consent Form now
Helpful Resources:
What Does it Mean to Issue Authority?
Issuing authority refers to the government office, department, or agency that has the legal power to issue an official document. The term also can refer to the representative of a legal entity, such as the treasurer of a state.
These documents help establish an individual’s identity, status, or authorization.
What Is an Example of Issuing Authority?
Here are some examples of issuing authorities in the United States and what types of documents they are able to issue.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): The DMV in each state issues identification for people licensed to operate motor vehicles. States also issue cards as official identification for adults who do not drive.
Social Security Administration (SSA): This agency issues cards and numbers for Social Security and tax purposes.
State Vital Records Offices: These offices issue birth, death, and marriage certificates.
U.S. Department of State: This department issues travel documents (passports and passport cards) that certify someone’s identity and citizenship.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): The CBP issues Trusted Traveler Program Cards that can provide expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers at U.S. borders.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): This entity issues Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to foreigners permitted to work in the U.S. temporarily and Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) to foreigners who have been granted permanent residence in the U.S
Transportation Security Administration (TSA): This agency issues Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cards to people needing unescorted access to secure ports, airports, and other transportation facilities.
Department of Defense (DoD): The DoD issues Military Identification Cards to active-duty armed forces and reserve members, retirees, and dependents. They offer access to benefits.
Veterans Administration (VA): The VA issues Veteran Identification Cards to honorably discharged veterans that offer access to certain benefits.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): The CMS issues cards to those eligible for Medicare, a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older.
Native American Tribal Authorities: This agency issues Tribal Membership Cards that can serve as proof of tribal affiliation and offer membership rights.
Financial Institutions: Banks and other financial institutions issue credit and debit cards that allow customers to access their accounts and make purchases.
Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities issue Student Identification Cards that verify enrollment. The cards may also grant access to some campus services and facilities.
The issuing authority in legal documents can typically be found in a prominent space on the form. For example, the issuing authority of a passport is printed on the lower right of the photo page. The issuing authority for a U.S. birth certificate is listed at the top of the document.
Individuals with issuing authority
Another example of an issuing authority in legal documents occurs when a minor child needs to travel without a parent or legal guardian.
In this case, the parent or guardian is the issuing authority for child travel consent. This legal document allows a child to take a trip without parental supervision. There are two legal forms used for this purpose – one for domestic travel and another for international travel.
Start your Free Child Travel Consent Form now
Helpful Resources: