Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Benin authorities. Essential for citizens of Benin living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.
Benin consulates processing civil records
What can be registered?
- Birth registration: children of Benin parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Benin nationals
- Marriage registration: marriages of Benin citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
- Death registration: death of Benin nationals in the U.S.
- Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Benin
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 Benin
- Passport and ID of the Benin citizens involved
- Application form completed
How to register
Most Benin consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Benin 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 Benin can take additional months.