How to Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate When You Were Born in Another Country

If you are one of the many people living in the U.S. who were born in another country, you more than likely were issued a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. This is an official birth certificate issued to children who are rightful U.S. citizens born overseas. If your original Consular Report of Birth Abroad is lost or destroyed, you will not be able to get a new one. The State Department simply does not provide copies of this document. You can, however, get a replacement "Certification of Report of Birth" as acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship.

• 1

  Write a letter to the Department of State that has your full name at birth, any adoptive names, you place of birth, the name of your parents, and your signature.

• 2

  Write down the reason why you are making this request. The Department of State will want to know if the original document was lost, stolen or damaged.

• 3

  Sign the letter with your signature in front of a notary. This letter must be notarized in order for the Department of State to issue a replacement Certification of Report of Birth Abroad.

• 4

  Make a copy of your identification such as your driver's license and include that copy with your letter.

• 5

  Write a check or obtain a money order for $50 written out to the Department of State.

• 6

  Mail your letter of request, with your notarized signature, a copy of your ID and your check or money order to the Department of State.

  Department of State

  Passport Services

  Vital Records Section

  Room 510

  1111 19th Street, NW

  Washington, DC 20036