# 45 C.F.R. § 1626.6 (2026): Verification of citizenship

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_6

## Section

- **Citation:** 45 C.F.R. § 1626.6 (2026)
- **Heading:** Verification of citizenship
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 45 CFR: Public Welfare / Chapter XVI: LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION / Part 1626: RESTRICTIONS ON LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO ALIENS / § 1626.6: § 1626.6   Verification of citizenship.

## Text

(a) A recipient shall require all applicants for legal assistance who claim to be citizens to attest in writing in a standard form provided by the Corporation that they are citizens, unless the only service provided for a citizen is brief advice and consultation by telephone, or by other non-in-person means, which does not include continuous representation.
(b) When a recipient has reason to doubt that an applicant is a citizen, the recipient shall require verification of citizenship. A recipient shall not consider factors such as a person's accent, limited English-speaking ability, appearance, race, or national origin as a reason to doubt that the person is a citizen.
(1) If verification is required, a recipient may accept originals, certified copies, or photocopies that appear to be complete, correct, and authentic of any of the following documents as evidence of citizenship:
(i) United States passport;
(ii) Birth certificate;
(iii) Naturalization certificate;
(iv) United States Citizenship Identification Card (INS Form 1-197 or I-197); or
(v) Baptismal certificate showing place of birth within the United States and date of baptism within two months after birth.
(2) A recipient may also accept any other authoritative document, such as a document issued by DHS, by a court, or by another governmental agency, that provides evidence of citizenship.
(3) If a person is unable to produce any of the above documents, the person may submit a notarized statement signed by a third party, who shall not be an employee of the recipient and who can produce proof of that party's own United States citizenship, that the person seeking legal assistance is a United States citizen.

## Nearby sections

- [45 C.F.R. § 1626.1 (2026) § 1626.1   Purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_1.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 1626.2 (2026) § 1626.2   Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_2.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 1626.3 (2026) § 1626.3   Prohibition.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_3.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 1626.4 (2026) § 1626.4   Aliens eligible for assistance under anti-abuse laws.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_4.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 1626.5 (2026) § 1626.5   Aliens eligible for assistance based on immigration status.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_5.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 1626.6 (2026) § 1626.6   Verification of citizenship.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_6.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 1626.7 (2026) § 1626.7   Verification of eligible alien status.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_7.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 1626.8 (2026) § 1626.8   Emergencies.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_8.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 1626.9 (2026) § 1626.9   Change in circumstances.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_9.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 1626.10 (2026) § 1626.10   Special eligibility questions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_10.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 1626.11 (2026) § 1626.11   H-2 agricultural and forestry workers.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_11.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 1626.12 (2026) § 1626.12   Recipient policies, procedures, and recordkeeping.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_12.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P1626_S1626_6. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.