If you are a U.S. citizen who has just welcomed a child overseas, one of the most important things you need to do is register that birth with the U.S. government. The document you are after is called a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, often referred to as the FS-240 form . This is not just a piece of paper; it is the official U.S. government record that proves your child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of attestation service as it stands in 2026, helping you understand the requirements, the online application steps, and what to expect.
What Exactly is a Consular Report of Birth Abroad?
A consular report of birth abroad is a formal document issued by the U.S. Department of State. It certifies that a child born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent (or parents) has acquired U.S. citizenship at birth under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Think of it as the foreign-born equivalent of a U.S. birth certificate. It is recognized by U.S. law as proof of citizenship for obtaining a passport, enrolling in school, and other official purposes.
Am I Eligible to Apply?
To apply for a CRBA, the child must generally be under the age of 18, and at least one biological parent must have been a U.S. citizen or U.S. non-citizen national at the time of the child’s birth. It is strongly recommended that you apply as soon as possible after the birth, though the official deadline is before the child turns 18.
The All-Important Step: The Online Application (eCRBA)
A key change in recent years is that usa certificate attestation is now submitted electronically. This streamlined process is called the electronic certificate of birth abroad (eCRBA). Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:
- Create a MyTravelGov Account: The entire process starts on the U.S. government’s secure portal. You will need to create a MyTravelGov account to access the eCRBA system.
- Complete the Online Form: Once logged in, you will fill out the online application. The system will provide step-by-step instructions.
- Upload Required Documents: During the online process, you will be asked to upload digital copies or scanned images of all your supporting documents. This helps the consular officers review your case ahead of time.
- Pay the Fee: The application fee for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad is $100. You will pay this online through the eCRBA portal.
- Schedule the In-Person Interview: After your payment is processed, the system will allow you to schedule your mandatory in-person interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
The Mandatory In-Person Interview
A critical part of this process is the in-person interview on born overseas birth certificate. You cannot skip this step. Both parents and the child must appear in person at the embassy or consulate for the interview. During this appointment, a consular officer will review your case, verify your original documents, and ask questions about the child’s birth and the parents’ history.
It is important to bring all original versions of the documents you uploaded online. Original documents will be returned to you after verification. You must also bring a passport photo for the child if you plan to apply for a passport at the same time, which is highly recommended.
Gathering Your Documents: What You Will Need
The exact documents can vary, but here is a general checklist of what you will typically need to upload and bring to your interview:
- Child’s Original Birth Certificate: This is the official Consular Birth Certificate from the country where the child was born. If it is not in English, you will need to provide an English translation.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: The U.S. citizen parent’s most recent U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization.
- Parents’ Identification: Valid passports or government-issued IDs for both parents
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable): If the parents are married, you will need the official marriage certificate.
- Evidence of Physical Presence: This is one of the most crucial parts. You must provide evidence that the U.S. citizen parent was physically present in the United States for the required amount of time (often at least five years, with two of those years after the age of 14). Acceptable documents include school transcripts, employment records, tax returns, and rental leases.
- Other Documents: If the parents were divorced or remarried, you will need the relevant divorce decrees. In some cases, if one parent is not present, a notarized DS-5507 form (Affidavit of Physical Presence) is required.
How Long Does It Take?
Applying for a CRBA requires some patience. The standard processing time is often cited as 5 to 7 weeks after the interview . It is always best to plan ahead and apply as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Consular Report of Birth Abroad?
It is a U.S. government document that serves as official proof of U.S. citizenship for a child born abroad to U.S. citizen parents.
Is the CRBA application process online?
Yes, in 2026, applications are submitted electronically through the eCRBA system via a MyTravelGov account.
Can I apply for my child’s passport at the same time?
Yes, you can and should apply for the child’s first U.S. passport during the same appointment at the embassy.
How much does a Consular Report of Birth Abroad cost?
The application fee is $100 .
What documents do I need for the interview?
You need the child’s birth certificate, parents’ passports, marriage certificate, and proof of the U.S. parent’s physical presence in the U.S., among others.
Do both parents need to be present for the interview?
Generally, yes. Both parents and the child are required to attend the in-person interview. If one parent cannot attend, you must bring a special notarized form.
What is the “physical presence” requirement?
The law requires the U.S. citizen parent to have lived in the U.S. for a certain period (often 5 years, with 2 after age 14) before the child’s birth.
What if my documents are not in English?
You must provide English translations for any documents that are in a foreign language .
How long does it take to get the CRBA after the interview?
Typical processing time is approximately 5 to 7 weeks.
Can I get the CRBA if my child is over 18?
No. A CRBA must be applied for before the child’s 18th birthday. If the child is 18 or older, they must apply for citizenship through a different process.