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