If a customer is NOT a U.S. citizen, an acceptable form of identification, pursuant to the Customer Identification Program (CIP), is?

The correct answer highlights the important concept that a non-U.S. citizen can provide a U.S. tax ID number as a form of identification. This is particularly relevant in the context of the Customer Identification Program (CIP), which requires financial institutions to verify the identity of their customers under the USA PATRIOT Act. A U.S. tax ID number, which can be issued to individuals and businesses regardless of their citizenship status, serves as a significant identifier within the U.S. financial system.

When dealing with customers who are not U.S. citizens, the emphasis is often on making sure that the identification meets regulatory standards while also being accessible to foreign nationals. A U.S. tax ID helps ensure that the customer is integrated into the U.S. tax system, which is a crucial aspect when evaluating their identity and financial behavior.

Other forms of identification, such as a passport from their home country, a driver's license, or a Social Security number are either not universally applicable or restricted in their use for non-citizens, which makes the tax ID number a more suitable option under the guidelines established by the CIP.