Panamanian Civil Records in the U.S. — 2026 Guide

Registering a birth, marriage or death that happened in the United States is one of the more expensive consular procedures in this directory: the consulate charges $208 for a birth registration, paid by money order or certified check. Other registry documents are charged at $30 per document.

Quick facts

The consulate itself points out that you can register the birth directly in Panama instead, which is worth weighing against the consular fee if a trip home is likely.

What is required

Both parents must present valid Panamanian identification. Where one parent is not Panamanian, that parent presents their passport instead.

How to file

1. Order the original certificate or a certified copy from the state vital records office.
2. Have it apostilled where required.
3. Commission the translation from a certified translator.
4. Check that both parents’ identification is current.
5. Book the appointment and pay by money order or certified check.
6. Include a prepaid envelope for the return of your documents.

Required documents

• Original birth, marriage or death certificate, or a certified copy.
• Certified Spanish translation.
• Both parents’ valid Panamanian identity cards.
• Passport of the non-Panamanian parent where applicable.
• Money order or certified check for the fee.
• Prepaid return envelope.

Where to file

At the consulate covering your state, or directly with the civil registry in Panama.

Additional notes

Compare the two routes

At $208 plus translation, the consular route is not cheap. If someone is travelling to Panama anyway, registering there may cost less.

The identity card comes first for parents

An expired Panamanian card on a parent’s side blocks the file. Renew it before booking.

Marriages and deaths too

The same registry service covers marriages and deaths occurring in the United States, with the same translation rule.

Keep the originals

Ask what will be returned to you and include the prepaid envelope so it comes back.