Consular Reports of Birth and Marriage Abroad
The following information about reports of birth or marriage abroad is provided by the Department of State. Passport Express provides this information to assist US Citizens who need these forms to complete their passport applications.Two contact phone numbers are provided below in the final section, Additional Information. These numbers are for the consular record forms and searches described below ONLY. Do not contact these numbers for general passport questions.
Consular Reports of Birth and Marriage Abroad on file with the Department of State
Definitions:
Consular Report of Birth Abroad
This is a document issued by an American embassy or consulate reflecting the facts of a birth abroad of a child acquiring U.S. citizenship at birth through one or both parents being US Citizens at the time of the child's birth. This record, also known as an FS-240, along with the Certification of Birth, DS-1350, are acceptable as proof of birth and U.S. citizenship for all legal purposes. These documents may only be on file if the parent(s) registered the birth with the foreign embassy or consulate at the time of the birth.
Certificate of Witness to Marriage
This is a document issued by an American embassy or consulate reflecting the facts of a marriage abroad in which at least one party is an American Citizen. A consular officer must have attended the ceremony. This accommodation was discontinued in 1987.
How to Apply for a Certified Copy of One of These Reports
Submit a "Consular Vital Record Search Request Form" and a signed, written request including all pertinent facts of the occasion along with requester's return address and telephone number. Only the subject, parent, or legal guardian may request a birth record.
If the request is for an FS-240, the original FS-240 or a notarized affidavit attesting to its disposition must be included with the request. If a birth record is to be amended or corrected, appropriate certified documents supporting the request must be included.
Where to Write
U.S. Department of State
Passport Correspondence Office
1111 Nineteenth St., NW, Suite 510
Washington, D.C. 20524
Cost
$40.00 for one copy FS-240. $20.00 for first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy for DS-1350, Certificate of Witness to Marriage and Certificate of No Record.
Turnaround Time
Unlike passport agencies which receive all of the documentation needed from the applicant, most consular vital records must be retrieved from off site repositories, including the National Archives. Since the time required to retrieve these records varies significantly based upon the type of record and date of occurrence, it is impossible to give a definite turnaround time. However, most cases can be completed between four and eight weeks.
Expedite Service
Overnight delivery can save about ten days processing time, but there is no way to reduce the retrieval time. Overnight return via Federal Express is available for an additional $10.00 or the requester may provide a pre-paid airbill for the carrier of choice.
What to do if there is no birth record (FS-240 and DS-1350) on file.
You need to submit the Letter of No Record received from the Department of State after applying for a birth record.
You also must submit your foreign birth certificate, parents' marriage certificate, proof of citizenship of your parent(s), and affidavit from your US citizen parent(s) showing all periods and places of residence and physical presence in the United States and abroad before your birth.
If you were born in a foreign country to a US citizen parent or parents and your parent(s) did NOT register your birth in the form of a Consular Report of Birth FS-240, you can apply to your local office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service for a Certificate of Citizenship to document your US citizenship. If you submit satisfactory documentary proof that you acquired citizenship at birth, a Certificate of Citizenship will be issued in your name.
For more information, you can contact your local office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. You may consult your local phone book for the telephone number listed under the US Department of Justice.
Note: a U.S. passport, even if expired, also serves as proof of U.S. citizenship.
Additional Information
The Passport Correspondence Office can be reached at (202) 955-0307 or 0308. A clerk or caseworker will be pleased to assist you.
