The application must be supported by evidence to establish the child's U.S. citizenship. Usually, the following documents are needed:

1. the child's birth certificate
2. evidence of the U.S. citizenship of the parent(s) such as a certified copy of a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
3. evidence of the parents' marriage, if applicable
4. affidavit(s) of the physical presence of the parent(s) in the United States

Each document should be certified as a true copy of the original by the registrar of the office that issued the document. Other documents may be needed in some cases. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for details on what evidence is needed.

When the application is approved, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (Form FS-240) is given to the applicant. This document, known as the Consular Report of Birth, has the same value as proof of citizenship as the Certificate of Citizenship issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

A Consular Report of Birth can be prepared only at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas, and only if the person who is the subject of the report is under 18 years of age when the application is made. A person residing abroad who is now 18 years of age or over, and whose claim to U.S. citizenship has never been documented, should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance in registering as a U.S. citizen.

As of November 1, 1990, the U.S. Department of State no longer issues multiple copies of the Consular Report of Birth. However, a replacement Consular Report of Birth may be issued if the original document is lost or mutilated. The U.S. Department of State also issues certified copies of the Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1365), which contains the same information as on the Consular Report of Birth. The DS-1365 serves most needs and can be issued in multiple copies. Documents are issued only to the subject of the Consular Report of Birth, the subject's parents or legal guardian, or a person who submits written authorization from the subject.

To request copies of the DS-1365 or a replacement FS-240, write to Passport Services, Correspondence Branch, U.S. Department of State, 1111 19th Street NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20522-1705. Please include the following items:

1. the full name of the child at birth (and any adoptive name)
2. the date and place of birth
3. the names of the parents
4. the serial number of the FS-240 (if the FS-240 was issued after November 1, 1990)
5. any available passport information
6. the signature of the requestor and the requestor's relationship to the subject
7. a check or money order for $40.00 for the FS-240, $20.00 for the first DS-1350 and $10.00 for each additional issued at the same time per document requested, made payable to the U.S. Department of State
8. if applying for a replacement FS-240, a notarized affidavit by the subject, parent, or legal representative that states the name, date and place of birth of the subject, and the whereabouts of the original FS-240

To obtain a Consular Report of Birth in a new name, send a written request and fees as noted above, the original (or replacement) Consular Report of Birth, or if not available, a notarized affidavit about its whereabouts. Also, send a certified copy of the court order or final adoption decree which identifies the child and shows the change of name with the request. If the name has been changed informally, submit public records and affidavits that show the change of name.

Records of birth and death occurring on vessels or aircraft on the high seas

When a birth or death occurs on the high seas, whether in an aircraft or on a vessel, the record is usually filed at the next port of call.

Information is provided courtesy of the
National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)