Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

A Consular Report of Birth (CRBA) is official evidence of United States citizenship issued to a child under age 18 who was born abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s) and acquired U.S. citizenship at birth. Please check whether you qualify for transmitting citizenship to your child, and evidence needed to submit with the application.

Once you have checked that you qualify, please follow the instructions below and click on the links to download relevant forms.

Application for the CRBA must be made before the child’s 18th birthday. It is recommended to apply for the CRBA as soon as possible after the child’s birth, as it is usually easier to obtain the supporting documentation needed. (For applicants older than 18, who have never been issued a CRBA, please refer to Possible Derivative Claim to U.S. Citizenship).

You must bring your child with you when you apply.

Please disregard the instructions and addresses listed on the online version of the forms and submit your application in person with your child at the Consulate General serving your area. You will be required to make an appointment.

Completing the CRBA application

• Please type or print legibly in black ink.
• Please complete all sections EXCEPT Section 16. You need to sign this in front of the Consular Officer.
• Please be sure to complete all forms, and bring all required supporting documents and evidence in original format.

To be presented in person at the Consulate:

1. Completed (but not signed) CRBA application (Form DS-2029). Please see notes on downloading forms.
2. Applicant (child)
3. At least one parent (preferably the American Citizen Parent)*
4. Child’s Birth Certificate**
5. American Citizen Parent(s)’ evidence of U.S. Citizenship**
6. Completed (but not signed) Affidavit of Physical Presence and Parentage**
7. American Citizen Parent’s evidence of physical presence**
8. If applicable — Parents’ marriage certificate**
9. If applicable — Evidence of termination of any previous marriages**
10. Completed Application for Social Security Number (Form SS-5) (This is not mandatory, but is recommended. No extra fee applies).
11. Applicable Fee (All fees are subject to change without notice)
12. (Optional) Pre-paid self-addressed Express Post Platinum or Registered Post envelope (minimum A4 size) for return of your documents. If you do not provide an envelope, you must collect your child’s CRBA in person from the Consulate General at which you applied.

*Parents are encouraged to apply for their child’s first U.S. Passport at the same time as applying for their CRBA. To do so, please refer to Passports for applicants under 16 years of age. Both parents’/guardians’ consent is needed for passport application.

** Please read information regarding supporting documents and Transmitting Citizenship carefully.

How to obtain a replacement Consulate Report of Birth Abroad.

Helpful hints for applications made via the Melbourne Consulate:

• Make an extra copy of all documents to leave with us or be prepared to pay USD 1 for each photocopy (if you are also applying for a Social Security Number, please make 2 copies of each supporting document);
• If you have followed all instructions, you may now make an appointment. Please make sure you print your configuration;
• Upon arrival at the U.S. Consulate Melbourne, show your appointment confirmation to the Security Guards.

Tips for a smooth consular visit

Last update Friday, 11 April 2008