Consular Services
Reporting A Birth Abroad
A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent usually acquires U.S. citizenship at birth. Parents should contact the Consular Section as soon as possible after the child's birth. Several documents are required for the issuance of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, which becomes the child's proof of U.S. citizenship and can be used to receive a U.S. passport. For more information regarding a Consular Report of Birth, please visit the following website: http://travel.state.gov/law/family_issues/birth/birth_593.html.
To apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America and to make an appointment, please click here
The American citizen parent(s) and the child must appear in person. Please provide the documents and forms listed below:
1. Child’s birth certificate: one original and one certified copy, with English translation.
2. Proof of parents’ citizenship:
For American citizen parent(s):
- U.S. passport; or
- U.S. birth certificate, showing filing date and issuing office’s seal; or
- U.S. Naturalization Certificate; or
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
For alien parent:
- identity document (passport, citizenship id card, etc.)
3. Parent’s marriage certificate (if married): one original and one certified copy, with English translation
4. Applicable forms, photos, fees:
- Completed application for Consular Report of Birth, Form DS-229/SS-5, (do not sign it, as your oath will be taken by the consul)
- Completed passport application, Form DSP-11 (do not sign it, as your oath will be taken by the consul)
- Two identical passport photos, 2”x 2” (5cm x 5 cm), color or black/white with light background, taken within the past six months.
- Fees of $150. CRBA fee- $65, passport fee- $85
5. Proof of parent’s ability to transmit U.S. citizenship:
When a child has one U.S. citizen and one alien parent, the Consular Section will need proof of the U.S. citizen parent’s extended residence in the U.S. Such proof may be in the form of school, tax, employment, travel, or other records. The Consular Section can provide additional details