Last updated April 2026.
What Is a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)?
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is an official document issued by the U.S. Department of State to U.S. citizens born outside of the United States. Instead of receiving a traditional U.S. birth certificate, children born to American parents abroad are registered through their local U.S. embassy or consulate and issued a CRBA to establish their identity and prove U.S. citizenship.
When U.S. citizens give birth to a child in a foreign country, they must submit Form DS-2029 to register the child’s birth with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This registration is essential—without it, the child will not be recognized as a U.S. citizen by the federal government. The CRBA serves as both a birth certificate and citizenship document, functioning similarly to a standard U.S. birth certificate for most official purposes including school enrollment, driver’s license applications, passport applications, and other governmental processes.
Parents can often streamline the process by submitting applications for a Social Security number and U.S. passport simultaneously with their CRBA application. Once approved, the child receives the CRBA document, which remains a vital record throughout their lifetime.
CRBA vs Form FS-240 (They Are the Same Document)
One of the most common sources of confusion regarding the Consular Report of Birth Abroad is the relationship between a CRBA and Form FS-240. The answer is straightforward: they are the same document. Form FS-240 is the official name of the form that constitutes the Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
When you apply for a CRBA using Form DS-2029, the U.S. State Department processes your application and, upon approval, issues you Form FS-240—which is the actual CRBA document. The terms “CRBA” and “Form FS-240” are used interchangeably throughout official government documentation and everyday usage. You may see either term used to describe the same vital record, but they refer to the identical document issued by U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
For more information, see our detailed guide on Form FS-240.
Who Is Eligible for a CRBA?
To be eligible for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a child must meet specific citizenship requirements established by U.S. law. Generally, you are eligible if:
- You were born outside the United States to at least one U.S. citizen parent
- Your parent(s) meet residency requirements in the United States (typically, one parent must have lived in the U.S. for a specified period before your birth)
- Your birth was registered with a U.S. embassy or consulate
- Your parents provide proof of their U.S. citizenship and identity documents
Citizenship requirements can be complex and may vary depending on when and where you were born, as well as your parents’ citizenship status and marital status at the time of your birth. If you are unsure whether you qualify, the U.S. State Department recommends contacting the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance.
Additionally, individuals born in certain U.S. territories during specific time periods may have been issued a U.S. birth certificate instead of a CRBA. These areas include Puerto Rico (after April 10, 1899), U.S. Virgin Islands (after January 16, 1917), American Samoa (after February 15, 1900), Guam (after December 23, 1952), and others.
How to Apply for a CRBA
Applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad requires contacting the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the child was born, or the consulate that has jurisdiction over the area of birth.
Steps to apply:
- Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment
- Complete Form DS-2029 (Application for a U.S. Citizen Certificate of Birth Abroad)
- Gather required documents (see section below)
- Attend your appointment with original documents and valid identification
- Pay the applicable fees (fees vary by location)
- Receive your CRBA or Form FS-240 upon approval
Applications can typically be submitted in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Some consulates may allow mail-in applications, though in-person applications are generally preferred to verify documents and identities. Processing times vary by location but typically range from several weeks to a few months.
What Documents Are Needed?
When applying for a CRBA, you will need to provide several supporting documents to verify identity, citizenship, and the child’s birth. Required documents typically include:
- Completed Form DS-2029 (Application for a U.S. Citizen Certificate of Birth Abroad)
- Original birth certificate or certified copy of the local birth record
- Valid passport or other government-issued photo ID for the applying parent(s)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship for the parent(s) (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable, and certified copy if not in English)
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)
- Evidence of parental custody (if applicable)
- Payment for processing fees
All documents not issued in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The U.S. embassy or consulate can provide a list of approved translators. Original documents should be brought to your appointment; photocopies are typically acceptable for most supporting materials.
CRBA vs U.S. Birth Certificate
While a CRBA serves many of the same functions as a U.S. birth certificate, there are important differences between the two documents.
| Feature | CRBA | U.S. Birth Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Issued to | Children born outside the U.S. to American parents | Children born within the U.S. (including territories after certain dates) |
| Issuing agency | U.S. Department of State (embassy or consulate) | State or local vital records office |
| Proves citizenship? | Yes, directly establishes U.S. citizenship | Suggests citizenship (birth location presumed to establish citizenship) |
| Accepted for passport? | Yes, primary citizenship document for passport application | Yes, standard citizenship document for passport application |
| Where to get replacement | U.S. embassy or consulate that issued the original | State or local vital records office where birth was registered |
How to Replace a Lost CRBA
If your CRBA has been lost, damaged, stolen, or otherwise needs to be replaced, you can request a duplicate copy from the U.S. embassy or consulate that originally issued it.
To request a replacement CRBA, you will need to provide:
- A notarized request letter that includes your full, legal name at birth and any adoptive names
- Place and date of birth
- Your passport information, if available (number, date of issuance, expiration date)
- Parents’ or legal guardians’ full, legal names
- CRBA serial number, if known
- Your current mailing address and contact information
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- Payment for processing fees
If you are requesting a replacement on behalf of a minor child and you are their legal guardian, you must also provide a certified copy of the court order granting you guardianship. The request should be sent by mail or delivered in person to the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued the original document. Processing times vary, but duplicates are typically issued within several weeks to a few months.
FAQs
Can I get a U.S. birth certificate instead of a CRBA?
No. If you were born outside the United States to American parents, you will receive a CRBA (Form FS-240) rather than a traditional birth certificate. The CRBA serves the same purpose and is accepted for all official documents and applications requiring proof of birth and citizenship.
Is a CRBA valid for obtaining a U.S. passport?
Yes. A CRBA is one of the primary documents accepted by the U.S. Department of State for passport applications. In fact, for children born abroad to American parents, the CRBA is typically the preferred citizenship document for passport applications. Learn more about U.S. passports.
How long does it take to receive a CRBA?
Processing times for CRBA applications vary by location but typically range from 4 to 12 weeks. Consulates in busy locations or during peak periods may take longer. It is recommended to contact the specific embassy or consulate for their current processing times.
What is the difference between a CRBA and a Certificate of Citizenship?
A CRBA is issued to children born abroad to American parents and is registered at the time of birth or shortly after. A Certificate of Citizenship is a separate document obtained through the Immigration and Naturalization Service and is typically used for those who derived citizenship through naturalization or other means. Both serve to prove U.S. citizenship but are issued under different circumstances.
Can I apply for a CRBA years after birth?
Yes. While it is ideal to apply for a CRBA shortly after birth, applications can be submitted at any time. However, you may need to provide additional documentation to establish the child’s citizenship retroactively if significant time has passed since birth. Contact the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate for specific guidance.
Related Terms
- Form FS-240
- U.S. Passport
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Proof of Citizenship
- Certified Birth Certificate Copy