Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Bahamas authorities. Essential for citizens of Bahamas living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.
Bahamas consulates processing civil records
What can be registered?
- Birth registration: children of Bahamas parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Bahamas nationals
- Marriage registration: marriages of Bahamas citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
- Death registration: death of Bahamas nationals in the U.S.
- Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Bahamas
Required documents
- Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
- Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
- Certified translation to the official language of Bahamas
- Passport and ID of the Bahamas citizens involved
- Application form completed
How to register
Most Bahamas consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Bahamas civil registry office.
Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.
Costs and processing times
Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Bahamas can take additional months.