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Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

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Last updated: November 9, 2025.

By Asel Williams, Esq. · Columbia Law School · Licensed immigration attorney

When a child is born outside the U.S. and has at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, proper documentation must be obtained to establish the child as a U.S. citizen.

One document is the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).

This article will cover what a CRBA is, who is eligible, how to apply, and the process for obtaining a replacement.

What is Consular Report of Birth Abroad?

The CRBA (Form FS-240) is issued by the U.S. Department of State. It documents the birth of a child who was born to U.S. citizen(s) parent(s) outside the U.S. The CRBA serves a few purposes:

  • Proof of Citizenship: The CRBA is the primary document used to verify that a child is a U.S. citizen from birth. It is often required when applying for a U.S. passport or other citizenship-related services.
  • Access to Benefits: The CRBA is needed to access various U.S. government benefits, such as healthcare and education.
  • Travel Documentation: The CRBA is used as a supporting document when applying for a U.S. passport, which is essential for international travel.
  • Legal Record: It provides an official record of the child’s birth and citizenship status, which is important for legal and administrative purposes.

Who is Eligible for Consular Report of Birth Abroad?

To qualify for a CRBA, the following criteria must be met:

  • U.S. Citizen Parent(s): At least one parent must be a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth. The U.S. citizen parent must also meet specific residency requirements.
  • Birth Outside the U.S.: The birth must be registered with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the child was born.
  • Proof of the Relationship: The parents must provide evidence of their relationship to the child (birth certificate and marriage certificate). 
  • Physical Presence Requirement: In most cases, the parent(s) must have been in the U.S. for at least five years before the child’s birth. However, this requirement will be based on the birthdate of the child. Documentation demonstrating the parent’s physical presence in the U.S. is usually required.

How to Apply for Consular Report of Birth Abroad

1. Gather Required Documents

  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship: U.S. passports or US birth certificates of the parent(s).
  • Proof of Birth Abroad: The child’s foreign birth certificate, plus English translation.
  • Proof of Parents’ Marriage: If applicable, provide a marriage certificate.
  • Proof of Physical Presence: Documentation showing the U.S. citizen parent’s physical presence in the U.S. prior to the child’s birth.
  • Passport Photos: Recent passport-sized photos of the child.

2. Complete or  

If both parents are U.S. citizens, the application for a CRBA is made using Form DS-2029, Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America. If one parent is not a U.S. citizen or not present, complete Form DS-5507, Affidavit of Physical Presence or Residence, Parentage, and Support. These forms gather details about the child, parents, physical presence history, and the birth.

3. Schedule an Appointment

Contact or visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for submitting the application.

4. Submit the Application

At the appointment, submit the completed Form DS-2029 and Form DS-5507 (if applicable) along with all other required original documents. A consular officer will review the documents and determine if an interview is necessary. Checklist of required documents for each US consulate is provided below in this article.

5. Pay the Fee

A typical CRBA fee is $100. The cost varies by location and can be subject to change, so check with the specific embassy or consulate for the current fee.

6. Receive the CRBA

The CRBA will be issued, typically within a few weeks or a few months. The document may be sent to you or available for pick-up at the embassy or consulate.

Consular Report of Birth Abroad Replacement

If a CRBA is lost, stolen, or damaged, obtaining a replacement is necessary.

1. Report the Loss

Immediately report the loss or theft of the CRBA to the U.S. embassy or consulate where the original document was issued.

2. Complete Application for Replacement

To request a replacement, file Form DS-5542.

3. Submit Required Documents

Submit the completed application form along with a statement detailing the loss or damage of the original CRBA. Include any other required documents as per the embassy or consulate’s instructions.

4. Pay the Fee

The fee is usually $50, but can vary based on location.

5. Receive the Replacement

After processing, which can take several weeks, the replacement CRBA will be issued. This will be sent to you or picked up at the embassy or consulate.

Consular Report of Birth Abroad checklist of documents

Below are the checklists of documents required for a CRBA application for each U.S. Embassy/Consulate:

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

Y

Z

How long does it take to obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad?

The CRBA processing time depends on the several factors:

  • Availability of CRBA appointments at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate;
  • Completeness of all required CRBA documents.

Some U.S. Embassies/Consulates allow scheduling CRBA appointments online. This online scheduling service can give you an idea how quickly you can book a CRBA appointment. In general, you can expect to complete the CRBA application process within 1-3 months. 

Does my child need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad?

Yes. If your child meets the CRBA requirements, you must apply for CRBA as soon as possible after the child’s birth. Based on an issued CRBA, you can apply for a child’s U.S. passport. The child cannot travel without a valid U.S. passport. CRBA cannot be used as a travel document.

If your child is not eligible for CRBA, you might be required to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, instead. After Form I-130 is approved, your child can apply for an immigrant visa which allows the child to enter the U.S. and subsequently apply for U.S. citizenship certificate.

Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) FAQs

How do I get a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)?

File Form DS-2029 and Form DS-5507 (if applicable) online or at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Then, schedule a consular appointment, submit the application at the appointment, pay the required fee, and receive the CRBA.

How do I get a U.S. birth certificate if I was born abroad?

The CRBA ensures that children of U.S. citizens born while the parents are outside of the U.S. are granted citizenship at birth. The U.S. government understands that birth outside of the U.S. may occur due to travel, military service, etc., and the CRBA aims to protect the citizenship rights of children born abroad.

Is a CRBA the same as a certificate of citizenship?

While similar, these are not the same documents. However, the CRBA can be used to prove citizenship in the same way as a U.S. birth certificate.

How long does it take to process a CRBA?

This will vary based on your location. Typically, processing time will range anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.