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U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

Replace or Certify Documents

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Requesting a Life Event Record as a U.S. Citizen

Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Photo of Consular Report of Birth Abroad

As a U.S. citizen, you can request copies of birth, death, and marriage records issued by the U.S. Department of State. These records include:

Contact Vital Records

Use this form to request a status check only if you have already submitted your Form DS-5542. Provide as much detail as possible. We will only respond to you within the next two weeks (14 days) if you have a question that is not answered on our website. Do not submit another request while waiting for a response.

Complete this Form

*Required Fields

Which of the following records have you requested from our office? *

First Name *

Your must enter your first name here

Middle Name

Last Name *

Your must enter your last name here

Are you requesting information about your consular record or someone else's record? *

My consular record Someone else's consular record

List other names used on the consular record

First Name *

Your must enter a first name here

Middle Name

Last Name *

Your must enter a first name here

First Name

Your must enter a first name here

Middle Name

Last Name

Your must enter a first name here

First Name

Your must enter a first name here

Middle Name

Last Name

Your must enter a first name here

First Name

Your must enter a first name here

Middle Name

Last Name

Your must enter a first name here

First Name

Your must enter a first name here

Middle Name

Last Name

Your must enter a first name here

Date of birth, death, or marriage (MM/DD/YYYY) *

You must enter your email address here.

Place of birth, death, or marriage (City, Country) *

You must provide tracking number if sent by mail, date of in-person drop off, or a note that the application has not been submitted yet.

Do you need an apostille attached to the vital record? *

Yes No

Enter the country where they need to use the apostille. *

You must provide tracking number if sent by mail, date of in-person drop off, or a note that the application has not been submitted yet.

Select the reason(s) why you are contacting us: *

I would like an update on my current request for a consular record.

My case has been suspended. I have questions about the information you need from me.

I have questions about amending the information listed on my consular record.

Brief Description of Your Inquiry *

Email Address *

You must enter your email address here.

Contact Phone Number *

You must enter your phone number

Mailing Address *

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You have successfully submitted your inquiry to Vital Records. Thank you!

Due to a technical issue, we did not receive your inquiry. Please try to submit your inquiry again. If you cannot submit your inquiry using this form, email VitalRecordsPublicInquiries@state.gov or by calling 202-485-8300.

Last Updated: March 11, 2023

Checklist to Request a Record

1. Notarized, completed Form DS-5542

2. Photocopy of the front and back of your valid photo ID.

3. Check or money order. The cost is $50 for each record you request.

Make payable to the "U.S. Department of State"
Include a complete mailing address on the check.
Checks and money orders must be payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank.
The Department is not responsible for cash lost in the mail.

4. Mail Form DS-5542, a photocopy of the ID, and payment to:

    U.S. Department of State
    Passport Vital Records Section
    44132 Mercure Cir.
    PO Box 1213
    Sterling, VA 20166-1213

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