Civil Records for Ireland citizens in the United States — 2026

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

Ireland consulates processing civil records

What can be registered?

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

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

How to register

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