Civil Records for India citizens in the United States — 2026

Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the India authorities. Essential for citizens of India living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.

India consulates processing civil records

What can be registered?

• Birth registration: children of India parents born in the U.S. can be registered as India nationals
• Marriage registration: marriages of India citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
• Death registration: death of India nationals in the U.S.
• Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in India

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 India
• Passport and ID of the India citizens involved
• Application form completed

How to register

Most India consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the India 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 India can take additional months.