The Service Tree lists all services in "branched" groups, starting with the very general and moving to the very specific. Click on the name of any group name to see the sub-groups available within it. Click on a service code to see its details and the providers who offer that service.
Records/Licenses/Permits
Programs that maintain and, where appropriate, provide copies of birth certificates, i.e., documents which certify the date and place of a person's birth as well as his/her parentage. Available in most jurisdictions are authorized copies which are required to obtain a driver’s license, passport, Social Security card and other services related to an individual’s identity; and informational copies which cannot be used to establish a person’s identity. Only individuals designated by law have access to authorized copies of a person's birth certificate.
Programs that issue permits which authorize individuals to carry guns, knives, tasers and other personal protection devices on their body and in their vehicle. The specific nature of the weapons which require a carry permit varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Programs that issue, maintain and, where appropriate, provide access to or copies of documents that relate to an individual's death.
Programs that issue permits which provide written authorization for an individual to operate a motor vehicle on public roads and highways following successful completion of a written and/or driving examination and a vision test. These programs also renew driver licenses that are about to expire, replace driver licenses that are lost or stolen, and process name and address changes.
Programs that establish facilities where people can come to take their written driver's examination and/or road test. Some sites may be limited to a particular type of test, e.g., a weighing station that provides testing for commercial drivers. Included are both the sites where examinations are conducted and the organizations that oversee them.
Programs that issue permits which provide written authorization for individuals to purchase rifles, automatic revolvers, shotguns and other portable firearms. Included are programs that license the use of firearms for hunting and other recreational purposes as well as for personal protection.
Programs that issue permits that provide written authorization for individuals to take fish from public waters during approved fishing seasons.
Freedom of Information Requests
Programs that accept and act upon requests from the public for access to government records (or other government information) that falls within the scope of federal, state or local statutes which require the disclosure of government records upon receipt of a written request. Some public records, such as court records, are explicitly exempted in the legislation.
Programs that issue permits that provide written authorization for individuals to pursue, shoot, kill, capture, trap, snare or net game birds, game fowl or game animals during approved hunting seasons. Included are licenses for archery hunting using a bow and arrow; hunting with muzzle loading firearms, rifles, shotguns or handguns; crossbow hunting (which may be illegal in some jurisdictions); and trapping game using traps, deadfalls or other devices. Hunting license requirements vary from state to state and may include provisions for completion of hunting/trapping safety courses.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers
Tax processing numbers issued in the United States by the Internal Revenue Service to certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who are unable to get a Social Security Number (SSN). Applicants must complete and submit a Form W-7 with required documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and the individual's true identity. Applicants may either mail the documentation, along with the Form W-7, to the closest IRS Service Center, present it at an IRS walk-in office, or process the application through an Acceptance Agent authorized by the IRS. Applicants not currently in the U.S. can apply from abroad.
Programs that maintain and, where appropriate, provide access to records and/or files kept by federal, state or local police agencies, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the courts or other agencies that relate to the investigation of individuals or organizations suspected of criminal activity; the commission and reporting of crimes; the arrest of criminal suspects; the indictment, conviction and sentencing of criminal offenders; and/or the confinement, probation/parole and release of offenders.
Programs that issue permits, which are usually addressed to the minister or magistrate who is going to perform the ceremony, that provide written authorization for two people to marry. Also included are programs that maintain copies of marriage licenses and make copies available upon request.
Programs that issue special decals or other official devices that authorize the bearer to park his or her vehicle in specified restricted areas. Included are parking stickers for people who have disabilities; overnight, weekend or special events parking passes; and other similar permits.
Facilities that take and supply photographs for individuals who are applying for passports. Two color photos must be submitted that have been taken within the past six months, are 2x2 inches in size, between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the chin to the top of the head, provide a full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background and the individual must be wearing normal street attire. People may not wear dark glasses, a hat or a uniform (unless it is religious attire that is worn daily); and should only wear prescription glasses, a hearing device or a wig if they wear them normally.
Public sector offices known as passport acceptance facilities that have been authorized by the U.S. Department of State to accept and verify the documents, applicant signatures and identity for passport applications; place all of the documents and required photos into a specially sealed, tamperproof envelope that may only be opened by State Department officials; and forward them for processing. This is required for ALL passport applicants for a new adult passport, child (minor) passport, or lost, stolen or damaged passport applications. Most passport acceptance facilities are found in local post offices, county clerk's offices and some library locations. Passports are official documents which identify citizens, serve as written authorization from government authorities for citizens to travel abroad and, in effect, request foreign powers to allow bearers to enter and pass freely and safely. U.S. passports can be renewed by mail provided that the old passport was issued within the last 15 years, that the individual was age 16 or older at the time, and that, if applicable, proof of name change is provided. The old valid passport, a color passport photo, a completed DS-82 form and a check or money order for the fee must be submitted.
Programs that provide Social Security cards for people who need to register for employment, report their taxes and track their Social Security benefits. Also included are programs that replace Social Security cards when they are lost or stolen.