Which type of document is a passport categorized as?

A passport is categorized as federal identification because it is issued by the national government of a country, specifically by the federal agency responsible for managing passports. This document serves as proof of a person's identity and nationality, allowing them to travel internationally.

Unlike state identification, which is typically issued by individual states and is primarily used for domestic identification purposes, a passport is universally recognized across borders. It is also distinct from local identification, which would refer to documents issued by local authorities or municipalities, and private identification, which generally refers to any identification created by non-government entities. The federal government's authority in issuing passports underscores their role as a standard, reliable form of identification for citizens traveling outside their home country.