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