Contributing 

How do I get a copy of my birth certificate if I was born abroad?

Leia Doyle

How do I get a copy of my birth certificate if I was born abroad?

To get a copy, contact the nearest foreign embassy or consulate for that country. If you need an authenticated copy and it’s not in English, ask the embassy for help to get it translated. If you were adopted from another country by a U.S. citizen, you should have copies of your naturalization/citizenship papers.

WHO issues certificate of birth abroad?

A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, or Form FS-240) is a document that certifies a child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth. You should report the birth of a child born abroad at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas. The U.S. embassy or consulate will issue you a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).

Is a Consular Report of birth Abroad a birth certificate?

A Consular Report of Birth Abroad is the equivalent of a US Birth Certificate. While birth certificates are issued to US citizens born on US soil, a CRBA is issued to US citizens born on US military bases or outside US territory.

How do I replace a Consular Report of birth Abroad?

To Replace a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), You Must Submit:

  1. A notarized written (or typed) request that includes all of the following information: Full name of the child at birth.
  2. A copy of requester’s valid identification.
  3. A $50.00 check or money order.
  4. Mail to:

Is Consular Report of birth Abroad a birth certificate?

How much does a Consular Report of birth Abroad Cost?

There is a $100 application fee that applies for Consular Report of Birth Abroad. You pay this fee at your appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Step 3 – Report the birth. You must report your child’s birth as soon as possible at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.

How long does it take to get a Consular Report of birth Abroad?

Once your application and interview are complete, the processing time for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad and first passport is approximately 15 working days. Note: There is no expedited service for a CRBA, but in case of emergency or urgent travel, we may be able to issue an emergency passport.

Can you lose your American citizenship if you live in another country?

No Longer Can One Lose U.S. Citizenship By Living in Another Country. At this time, no penalties exist if a naturalized U.S. citizen simply goes to live in another country. This is a distinct benefit of U.S. citizenship, since green card holders can have their status taken away for “abandoning” their U.S. residence.