The Hague application form is available in English and Spanish. You can either print a blank form to fill out by hand or fill it out online and then print it.

• Submit TWO completed applications for EACH child. One copy may be a photocopy.
• Type or print all information in black or blue ink.
• Please check the box indicating whether you are seeking the return of your child or access to your child (court-ordered visitation).
• Provide as much information as possible, using an additional sheet of paper if you need more space.
• Translation of the supporting documents into the official language of the receiving country may be necessary and can speed up the process, even when they are not required.

View additional guidance on how to complete the application form

Download Hague Application in ENGLISH

Descargar la aplicación de la Haya en ESPAÑOL

Baixar o aplicativo da Haia em PORTUGÛES

Along with your application form, you'll need to submit supporting documentation. Requirements vary by country. Check with your country officer for country-specific document requirements.

• Birth Certificate for EACH child. May need to be certified copy.
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable). May need to be certified copy.
• Divorce Decree (if applicable). May need to be certified copy.
• Evidence of Custodial Right (For example: a custody order, a copy of state statute, an affidavit of law regarding presumption of custody order under state law, or an Article 15 determination by a court or relevant administrative authority).
• Other relevant legal documents.
• Photographs of taking parent and child. (Please note that these will not be returned if sent by mail).
• Statement regarding the circumstances of removal or retention.
• Other documents specifically required by receiving country. This may include, but is not limited to, an Article 28 statement or Power of Attorney to foreign Central Authority).
• Translations of the above documents into the language of the receiving country (if applicable).
• Application for legal assistance (if applicable).

Before submitting your application, we recommend you consult with an attorney to confirm that your application is complete.

Contact a country officer:

1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. & Canada
1-202-501-4444 from abroad

Hablamos español. Llamenos para obtener ayuda.

Your Country Officer will inform you if you can submit the application by email or if you will need to mail it. If you have access to email, please scan and email your application to your country officer. 

If you need to mail it, please send your completed application to the U.S. Central Authority through a mail service with tracking options to:

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's Issues
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709

Note: Be sure to sign and date your application form.

Your country officer will review your application for completeness. Once complete, the country officer will forward it to the foreign Central Authority.

Stay in frequent contact with the country officer responsible for cases involving the country where your child is located and let our office know if your contact information changes so that we may reach you as your application is processed.

As the U.S. Central Authority, the Department of State will accept Hague applications. Once we receive your Hague application, we will review it for completeness. After this review, we will send your application to the foreign Central Authority. That foreign Central Authority is responsible for processing your application. Operations and procedures vary by country. 

Your country officer can explain the process in the country where your child is located. They will update you as your child's case progresses through the foreign legal system. But, keep in mind that a country officer cannot provide you with legal advice. It is best to speak with an attorney before taking any action on your child's case.

Many Hague cases do go to trial. However, there are other possible ways these cases end. To avoid further civil action, the taking parent may return the child voluntarily. The taking parent may also be open to mediation. 

In some countries, you may need to hire an attorney. In other countries, the foreign Central Authority files the case in court. In these countries, if you hire a private attorney, this may prevent them from proceeding. In countries where the foreign Central Authority files the case in court, it may only represent the Hague application. In these cases, the foreign Central Authority may not represent your interests. Your country officer can explain the role of the Central Authority and hiring an attorney in specific countries. U.S. Government officials cannot act as an agent or attorney in legal proceedings. This includes your country officer and Embassy employees.

If the other parent does not voluntarily agree to return your child, you may want or need to attend a legal proceeding in the foreign court. It is a good idea to make sure you have the ability to travel to that country. This includes having a valid passport and visa, if necessary. You should secure these documents early as you may have short notice for the travel.

Learn how to retain a foreign attorney

Find an attorney abroad familiar with abduction cases