A Certificate of Identification is a travel document available for non-citizens legally residing in The Bahamas up to 18 years old.

The applicant should have been born in The Bahamas after 10th July, 1973 to non-Bahamian persons. All non-citizens must apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to obtain this travel document.

Eligibility

The applicant should have been born in The Bahamas after 10th July, 1973 to non-Bahamian parents.

Process

Fill out the application form and indicate on the form that he/she is applying for a Certificate of Identity.

Note: Children that are 10 years and over must sign the application form.

1. All persons 14 years and above must be fingerprinted.
2. Submit application form along with all relevant documents in support of your application to any of the offices listed below.
3. Once all document requirements have been met, the applicant must pay the relevant fees.
4. All first time applicants must be interviewed by a Passport Interviewing officer. Note: All babies must be seen by the interviewing officer. Lawful parent/Legal guardian must appear with the applicant for the interview.
5. Applicants must return to the Passport Office with the receipt for collection of Certificate of Identity. Note: A third party can collect on behalf of the applicant. The third party must have a letter of authorization from the applicant and photo ID (Driver’s Licence or Passport).

Application Form(s)

Application Form for Certificate of Identity

Please note: This form is used by persons applying for an Electronic Passport and/or a Certificate of Identity.

Supporting Documents

Originals and copies of original documents must be brought in.

Infant to 18 years old:

• 1 completed application form.
• 3 recent photographs 2 to 2 ½ inches by 1 ½ to 2 inches. One of the photographs must be countersigned by a Justice of the Peace/Lawyer/Pastor, along with the relevant field in application form.
• Applicant's original Birth Certificate/Affidavit of birth (in addition to translation if applicable).
• Immunization card or Baptismal certificate, if available.
• Mother's passport.
• When using father's documents: the registered marriage certificate (if foreign, English translation required); in addition to the Father's passport.

Adults 18 years and older:

• 1 completed application form.
• 3 recent photographs 2 to 2 ½ inches by 1 ½ to 2 inches. One of photographs must be countersigned by a Justice of the Peace/Lawyer/Pastor, along with the relevant field in application form.
• Applicant's original Birth Certificate/ Affidavit of birth (along with official translation if applicable).
• Immunization card or Baptismal certificate, if available.

All foreign documents must be Legalized (non-Hague Convention countries) or Apostilled (Hague Convention Countries) and officially translated (if necessary).

Turn-around time

Certificate of Identity usually takes a period of three to five weeks. Please note that this may vary during peak periods, so applicants are advised to refer to the date on the Auxiliary Receipt for the collection date.

Deadline

There is no deadline for this service.

Related Fee(s)

You must pay an application fee of BS$25.00. Payment may be made in the form of cash or by bank card (LINX) at any Foreign Affairs Office or Sub-Office in The Bahamas.

For more information please contact