For SBA lenders
Short answer
Lenders must verify U.S. citizenship using documents like a passport or birth certificate, and legal permanent residency using a Green Card (Form I-551) for all 20% or more owners and guarantors.
All principals (20% or more owners) and guarantors must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Lenders are required to collect and retain copies of valid government-issued photo identification and documents such as a U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, U.S. birth certificate, or a valid Alien Registration Card (Green Card Form I-551) to verify this status.
For a U.S. citizen owner, the lender would obtain a copy of their valid U.S. passport. For a legal permanent resident owner, the lender would obtain a copy of their unexpired Green Card (Form I-551).
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Procedural Notice 5000-876626 - Revised Applicant Ownership, Citizenship and Residency
Policy Notice 5000-876441 - Citizenship and Residency Requirements
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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