Civil Records for Germany citizens in the United States — 2026

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

Germany consulates processing civil records

What can be registered?

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

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

How to register

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