Questions, answered.

Yes. DS-10 (Birth Affidavit) is an official State Department form. Secondary evidence is a published, accepted category in 22 CFR § 51.42. The SSN-zeros procedure is in the State Department’s own published instructions for Form DS-11. We’re walking you through documented federal procedures — nothing more, nothing less.

Yes. Both procedures are documented and published by the federal government. The DS-10 / 22 CFR § 51.42 path handles the no-birth-certificate side. Form DS-11 Field 5 has a published procedure for applicants without an SSN — enter nine zeros and submit a signed statement attesting that no SSN has ever been issued. The State Department processes thousands of applications under this combined approach every year.

No. The State Department doesn’t require a birth to be registered. They require evidence that the birth occurred in the United States. Home birth, private birth, free birth, and unassisted birth all qualify — the evidence comes from witnesses, religious records, family records, and other secondary sources documented in the playbook.

That’s your private right. The Social Security Act doesn’t require parents to apply for an SSN at birth. The Playbook walks you through completing DS-11 with the SSN-zeros procedure and the required signed statement. If your child later needs a tax ID for banking or financial reasons, the Bonus module covers the ITIN path (IRS Form W-7) — which gives a tax ID without entering the Social Security system.

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is issued by the IRS to people who need a US tax ID but don’t have or don’t want an SSN. It’s a separate number system from Social Security. Many parents use ITINs for their children for banking, dependent claims, and any situation where a tax ID is requested. The Bonus module in the Playbook walks you through Form W-7 to get one.

Yes. Many parents use this path because their state vital records office runs months of delay. The DS-10 process runs in parallel — you don’t have to wait for your state’s bureaucracy.

Any age. Younger is generally easier because secondary evidence is fresher. If your child is older, the Playbook includes additional evidence strategies for older minors.

Common. Most acceptance agents process maybe one DS-10 case per year, or fewer. We give you the script, the citation to the State Department’s own guidance, and the response strategy for when an agent is unfamiliar. The Playbook also helps you find agents who’ve handled cases like yours.

Most rejections are paperwork issues, not eligibility denials. The Playbook covers the most common rejection reasons and exactly how to respond. Reapplication with corrected evidence is straightforward.

No. An approved DS-10 application results in a normal US passport. There’s no special category, no flag, no list. It’s the same passport every other child gets.

The Playbook focuses on minors because the secondary evidence requirements are easier when you have fresh records. Adults can use a similar process but with additional documentation. We may release an adult-specific guide in the future.

A US passport satisfies all REAL ID requirements for domestic flights. You don’t need to deal with the DMV at all. This is one of the major advantages of starting with a passport.

All sales are final. Because the products are immediately delivered digital files (PDFs, .docx templates, official forms, and — for the DWY tier — scheduled consulting time), we cannot offer refunds once a purchase is complete. Results may vary and depend on how the customer uses the materials. Please review the product pages and FAQ thoroughly before purchasing.

Yes. Our Done With You (DWY) tier — $997 — includes three 1-hour calls with our team, ongoing email and message coaching, personal help with any correspondence from the State Department or your state vital records office, and Baptism + Baby Naming Certificates for your child. Full details on the DWY page.