Consular Reports of Birth Abroad

If a child is born abroad to an U.S. citizen parent, the parent or an authorized representative should file an "Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America" (Form FS-579/SS-5), as soon as possible. Under current procedures, a report of birth may be issued to children up to the age of eighteen.

Upon approval of the Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America, the Consular Officer completes the Consular Report of Birth (FS-240). The top copy of the report of birth, which resembles an American birth certificate, is issued to the child or his/her parent and serves as primary evidence of American citizenship. In the U.S. this document can be used in place of a birth certificate. The second copy of the report of birth, along with supporting documentary evidence, is forwarded to the Department of State for permanent filing. The Embassy's Consular Section does not retain copies of Reports of Birth so additional copies of the original are not available.

The service fee is $65.00, which covers the Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (FS-579/SS-5) and the Consular Report of Birth (FS-240). Documents required for execution of these forms are as follows:

1. A certified copy of the child's local birth certificate;
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship of parent(s);
3. A certified copy of the parents' marriage certificate; and
4. If a parent was previously married, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate of prior spouse.
5. If only one parent is American, the parent will have to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Consular Officer (with documentary evidence), the required physical presence in the United States.

When a Consular Report of Birth is lost, stolen, mutilated, or accidentally destroyed, a person may obtain a replacement from the Department of State upon writing to: U.S. Department of State, Passport Services, Correspondence Branch (CA/PPT/PS/PC), Suite 510, 1111 19th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20522-1705. Requests should be made in writing and must include the child's name, date and place of birth, name(s) of the parents, location of the Consular office that recorded the birth, and serial number of the Consular Report of Birth, if known. The request must include an affidavit setting forth the circumstances surrounding the loss, theft, or mutilation of the previous document. The child or his/her parent may request the replacement document upon payment ($10.00) by check or money order made payable to "Passport Services".