Can I use documents not on the acceptable document list?

Simple answer:

Unfortunately, we cannot proceed with any document that is not on the acceptable document list at this time. Only documents on the approved list can be used, as IAL-3 requires federally defined identity documents that meet strict security and verification standards.

If you are having difficulty obtaining another form of acceptable documentation, please notify your sponsor.

Detailed explanation:

Why Document Options Are Restricted in IAL-3 Proofing

At the Identity Assurance Level 3 (IAL-3), every applicant’s identity must be verified to the highest degree of confidence, following the requirements established in NIST Special Publication 800-63A and FIPS 201-3.

Because of this, the list of acceptable identity documents is intentionally limited to those that meet specific strength and validation criteria. Each document on the list has been evaluated to ensure that it:

1. Includes robust physical security features (e.g., holograms, embedded microprinting, or tamper-resistant materials).

2. Contains machine-verifiable data, such as a 2D barcode (AAMVA standard) or MRZ zone, which can be validated electronically with authoritative sources.

3. Is active and non-expired, meaning the issuing authority still recognizes it as a valid proof of identity.

Documents that fall outside this list — such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, temporary or expired IDs, or credentials issued by entities not bound by NIST or FIPS standards — do not provide the same level of assurance. Accepting those would lower the verification strength below the IAL-3 threshold and make the process non-compliant with FedRAMP High and/or related security frameworks.

In short, the restriction is not arbitrary — it is a requirement to maintain compliance and ensure that every identity verified under this program meets the same stringent, federally recognized standard of proofing.