Foreign Born Birth Records

Reporting and Obtaining Birth Records

Learn how to report and obtain birth records for U.S. citizens born outside the United States, as well as how to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship.

On the Alien Birth Records page, you can also find out how to obtain records for:

  • Alien Children Adopted by U. S. Citizens
  • Records of Births and Deaths Occurring on Vessels or Aircraft
  • Records Maintained by Foreign Countries

Reporting a Birth Abroad

Births of U. S. citizens in foreign countries should be reported to the nearest American consular office as soon after the birth as possible on the Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240).

This report should be prepared and filed by one of the parents. However, the physician or midwife attending the birth or any other person having knowledge of the facts may prepare the report.

Documentary evidence is required to establish citizenship. The U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs offices provide complete information on what evidence is needed.

Obtaining the Report of a Birth Abroad

To obtain a copy of a report of the birth in a foreign country of a U. S. citizen, write to:

U.S. Department of State
Passport Correspondence Office
1111 Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 510
Washington, D.C. 20524

See also Consular Reports of Birth, Death and Marriage.

For copies of death records see the Foreign Death Records page.

Certificate of Citizenship

U. S. citizens who were born abroad and later naturalized or who were born in a foreign country to a U.S. citizen (parent or parents) may apply for a certificate of citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Section 341 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Apply for this document in the United States at the nearest office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). The INS will issue a certification of citizenship for the person if proof of citizenship is submitted and the person is within the United States. The decision whether to apply for a certificate of citizenship is optional; its possession is not mandatory because a valid U. S. passport or a Form FS-240 has the same evidentiary status.

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