Two Tunisian documents do most of the work, and both are cheap. The embassy issues a Tunisian birth certificate for $5, and a consular card for $12 to applicants over 18. Registering with the mission is how you become visible to the consular system, and it is the foundation for everything else.
Quick facts
For consular registration the embassy asks for a copy of your Tunisian identity card, proof of your legal status here, and documents matching your situation: a business licence for business owners, or an enrolment letter, the immigration form and a copy of the student visa for students.
Fees breakdown
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tunisian birth certificate | $5 | Issued at the embassy |
| Consular card | $12 | Money order to the embassy |
| Identity card pledge form | $8 | Lost, damaged, expired or never held |
| Parent’s authorisation for a minor | $8 | Notarised, with parents’ ID copies |
| Return envelope | Paid in advance | Express Mail, exact name and address |
Note the age rule on the consular card: it is issued to applicants over 18 only, so a family file handles adults and children differently.
How to file
- Gather a copy of your Tunisian identity card.
- Add proof of your legal status in the United States: passport, residence card or immigrant visa.
- Include the document that matches your situation, such as a business licence or enrolment letter.
- Buy a money order for $12 naming both yourself and the embassy.
- Enclose a prepaid Express Mail return envelope with your exact full name and address.
- Order a birth certificate at the same time if you will need one.
Required documents
- Copy of the Tunisian identity card.
- Proof of legal status in the United States.
- Business licence, enrolment letter or equivalent by situation.
- Notarised parent’s authorisation for minors.
- Money order naming sender and recipient.
- Prepaid Express Mail return envelope.
Where to file
At the embassy in Washington or the consulate general in New York.
Additional notes
Order the birth certificate here
At $5 from the embassy, there is no reason to write to a registry in Tunisia and wait.
Contact them first if status is an issue
Where you cannot document your legal status here, the embassy asks you to contact the consulate before applying. The file then needs ministerial approval and takes longer.
Names in three alphabets
Tunisian names appear in Arabic, French transliteration and English forms. Settle one spelling and use it consistently.
Keep copies
Every later procedure asks for the identity card and the birth certificate again.