Applying For a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

If you are a U.S. citizen and the parent of a child born outside of the United States, you will need to document your child’s citizenship with a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. This document is used in the United States like a certified copy of a birth certificate, and it is acceptable evidence of citizenship for obtaining a U.S. passport and entering school.  Although the application forms and final documents are the same everywhere, our embassies and consulates have different procedures to get them.  Please note that you still need to acquire a birth certificate from the country of birth of your child. For example, if your child was born in Mexico, your child will need a Mexican birth certificate, as well as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).

Application Forms

You will use the same application form -the DS-2029 (PDF 52.3KB)- no matter where you apply for the "Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)."

To make an appointment

To apply for a CRBA at the Consulate General in Monterrey, please schedule an Internet appointment.

Supporting Documents

You will need all of the following:

1. The child’s foreign birth certificate.
2. Proof of citizenship of the U.S. citizen parent(s).  Your current passport is the preferred form of proof. Your U.S. birth certificate or naturalization certificate is also acceptable.
3. Proof of the relationship between the U.S. citizen parent(s) and the child.  Your child’s birth certificate with both parents’ names on it is the best form of proof. 
4. If you are married, we need to see proof.  If you have prior marriages, we need to see proof of how those marriages ended, and proof of your current marriage.
5. A statement from either U.S. citizen parent and evidence that she/he lived in the U.S. long enough to transmit citizenship to her/his child.  The statement you give is called an Affidavit of Parentage, Physical Presence, and Support (PDF 165KB).

How long is long enough?  This will depend on whether the parents are married, and whether one or both is a U.S. citizen. Learn more about transmitting citizenship here. 

How you prove you were physically present will depend a lot on your situation.  There is no one-size-fits-all answer.  Some examples of acceptable evidence include school transcripts, old passports, income tax returns, utility bills in the name of the parent, employment records, military records, and or medical records.  The more you can provide, the easier it will be for the consular officer to approve the CRBA.

Fees

We charge fees for this service.  The current fee is $100.

The American Citizen Services Unit can be reached by email at MonterreyACS@state.gov or by phone at (81) 8047-3145 on weekdays between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. with the exception of American and Mexican holidays, and on the following dates.

*Please note that electronic equipment, this includes cellular telephones, cameras (photo or video), radios, and computers, are not permitted inside the Consulate.  Suitcases, food, firearms, or any liquids including gel disinfectants are also not permitted.