When your child is born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent, the official U.S. government record of that birth isn't a standard state-issued birth certificate. Instead, the Department of State issues a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), also known as Form FS-240. This document serves as the legal equivalent of a U.S. birth certificate for all federal purposes. Without it, your child cannot obtain a U.S. passport, register for school in the U.S., or claim Social Security benefits. The application must be completed before the child turns 18, and the entire process requires careful document preparation, an online application through MyTravelGov, and an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Key Rule: A CRBA is not a birth certificate from the country of birth. It is a U.S. citizenship document that proves your child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth. You must apply for the CRBA before the child's 18th birthday, and the U.S. citizen parent must have met the physical presence requirements in the U.S. prior to the child's birth.
Who Qualifies for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad?
Eligibility for a CRBA hinges on whether the child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The determination depends on several factors, including the U.S. citizen parent's physical presence in the United States, the marital status of the parents, and the laws in effect at the time of the child's birth.
General eligibility requirements include:
- Child born abroad — The birth occurred outside the United States or its outlying possessions.
- At least one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of the child's birth.
- U.S. citizen parent meets physical presence requirements — For most single U.S. citizen parents, this means at least five years of physical presence in the U.S., with at least two of those years after the age of 14. The requirements differ for married couples and military service members.
- Child is under 18 years of age — Applications must be filed before the child's 18th birthday.
- Biological or gestational relationship — The U.S. citizen parent must have a genetic or gestational connection to the child.
Step-by-Step Guide to the CRBA Application Process
The U.S. Department of State has modernized the CRBA application process. As of 2026, most new applications must be submitted online through the eCRBA system. Here is the complete step-by-step workflow:
- Create a MyTravelGov account. Visit MyTravelGov and set up your secure, encrypted portal account.
- Complete the eCRBA application online. Fill out all required fields, upload digital copies of your supporting documents, and review your information carefully.
- Pay the CRBA fee ($100) online. The system will prompt you to pay once your application is complete.
- Complete the child's passport application (DS-11) simultaneously. The State Department strongly recommends applying for the child's first U.S. passport at the same time.
- Schedule your in-person interview. Book an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Most posts require you to wait at least five business days after payment before scheduling.
- Attend the interview with both parents and the child. Bring all original documents — not copies — for verification.
- Receive the CRBA. If approved, the consular officer will issue the CRBA. Processing and mailing times vary by post.
Required Document Checklist for CRBA Submission
Gathering the correct documents is the most critical step in the CRBA process. Missing or incorrect paperwork is the leading cause of application delays. Below is the comprehensive checklist:
| Document | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Child's foreign birth certificate | Must show both parents' names. If not in English, provide a certified translation. |
| U.S. citizen parent's proof of citizenship | Valid U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or previous CRBA. |
| Non-U.S. citizen parent's ID | Valid foreign passport or national photo ID. |
| Evidence of U.S. citizen parent's physical presence | School transcripts, employment records, military records, tax returns, or rental agreements. |
| Marriage certificate (if applicable) | Official copy; translated if not in English. |
| Divorce decrees (if applicable) | For previous marriages; translated if not in English. |
| Child's recent photo | Passport-style photo meeting U.S. passport standards. |
For children born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen father, you must also complete Form DS-5507, which must be signed before a U.S. consular officer, notary public, or local official who registers births.
CRBA Fees, Processing Times, and Expedited Options
Understanding the costs and timelines helps you plan your child's citizenship documentation without unnecessary stress. Below is a breakdown of current fees and processing expectations as of July 2026:
| Service | Fee (USD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| CRBA (Form FS-240) | $100 | Varies by post; typically 2–4 weeks |
| Child's first U.S. passport (under 16) | $135 (plus execution fee) | 2–3 weeks routine; expedited available |
| Combined CRBA + passport (recommended) | $235 (approx.) | Varies; apply together to save time |
| Replacement CRBA copy (Form DS-5542) | $50 per copy | 4–8 weeks; no expedited service |
Expedited options: The CRBA itself does not have an official expedited processing option. However, you can request expedited service for the child's U.S. passport by paying an additional $60 and selecting expedited delivery. For replacement CRBAs, the Department of State does not offer expedited service under any circumstances.
Common Mistakes That Lead to CRBA Rejection or Delay
Even small errors can derail your CRBA application. Based on consular officer feedback and frequent applicant errors, here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:
- Insufficient physical presence evidence. The U.S. citizen parent must prove they spent the required number of years physically present in the U.S. prior to the child's birth. Vague statements or incomplete records are the number one reason for denial.
- Submitting photocopies instead of originals. You must bring original documents to the in-person interview. Photocopies uploaded to eCRBA are for pre-screening only.
- Missing translations. All foreign-language documents must be accompanied by certified English translations. Uncertified or self-translated documents will not be accepted.
- Applying too late. While you have until the child's 18th birthday, waiting until the last minute leaves no room for delays. The State Department recommends applying as soon as possible after birth.
- Not scheduling the appointment after payment. You must complete the eCRBA application and pay the fee before scheduling your interview. Many applicants schedule first and are turned away.
- One parent missing without proper consent. If one parent cannot attend the interview, they must submit a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) along with a copy of their ID.
Translation, Notarization, and Apostille Rules for CRBA Documents
When using a CRBA outside the United States — for example, to register your child's birth in the country of residence or to apply for a foreign visa — you may need additional authentication.
Translation requirements: All documents submitted to the U.S. embassy for the CRBA application that are not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The translator must include a signed statement attesting to the accuracy of the translation and their qualifications.
Notarization: Certain forms, such as the DS-5507 (for out-of-wedlock births) and DS-3053 (parental consent), must be notarized. This can be done at the U.S. embassy, a U.S. notary public, or a local official who administers oaths.
Apostille for CRBA: The CRBA itself is a federal document issued by the U.S. Department of State. If you need to use it in a country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you can request an apostille from the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications. This is a separate process from the CRBA application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a CRBA and a U.S. birth certificate?
A: A CRBA (Form FS-240) is the Department of State's official record of a child born abroad to U.S. citizen parents. It serves as the functional equivalent of a U.S. birth certificate for citizenship and federal benefits. A U.S. state-issued birth certificate is only available for children born inside the United States.
Q: Can I apply for a CRBA after my child turns 18?
A: No. CRBA applications must be submitted before the child's 18th birthday. If the child is already 18 or older, they must apply for a Certificate of Citizenship through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form N-600.
Q: How long does it take to get a CRBA after the interview?
A: Processing times vary by embassy or consulate. Most posts take 2 to 4 weeks to issue the CRBA after the in-person interview. However, mailing times can add additional weeks, especially if you are in a remote location.
Q: Do I need to translate the foreign birth certificate?
A: Yes. If the child's birth certificate is not in English, you must provide a certified English translation along with the original. The translation must include a signed statement from the translator.
Q: Can I get an apostille for my child's CRBA?
A: Yes. The CRBA is a federal document, so you must request an apostille from the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications, not from a state secretary of state. This is typically required if you plan to use the CRBA in another Hague Convention country.
Q: What happens if the U.S. citizen parent cannot attend the interview?
A: The U.S. citizen parent must attend the interview. If they absolutely cannot, they must submit a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) along with a copy of their valid photo ID. The non-appearing parent must also provide all required physical presence evidence.