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