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Replace or Amend a Consular Report of Birth Abroad

As a U.S. citizen, you can request a replacement or amended Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for yourself or your child born abroad.

A CRBA, also known as Form FS-240, is a record that shows you or your child got U.S. citizenship at birth. You can only get an original CRBA by reporting you or your child’s birth to the local U.S. embassy or consulate. Then the embassy or consulate will issue you a CRBA. 

We do not issue CRBAs to naturalized U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. 

You can only replace or amend a CRBA if you are:

  • The individual listed on the birth record, if age 18 or older
  • A parent of a child under age 18
  • An authorized government agency
  • A person with written authorization from the individual listed on the birth record

You can give permission to a family member or friend who has known you for at least 5 years. We need:

  • Your signed, written permission 

    • For example: "I, [write your name], give permission to [write your friend or family member's name] to request my Consular Report of Birth Abroad on my behalf."

  • A photocopy of your valid photo ID

  • A notarized statement from the person who is requesting your records

  • A photocopy of the front and back of the valid photo ID of the person making the request

An apostille certifies your document so countries in the 1961 Hague Convention will recognize it. 

You don’t need to pay for an apostille if you have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued within the last 5 years.

If you need an apostille on your record, you must submit a:

  • Notarized, completed Form DS-5542

  • Photocopy of a valid photo ID such as state-issued driver's license, passport, or military 

  • Check or money order. The cost is $50 if you need a new copy of your Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

    • Make it payable to the "U.S. Department of State."
    • Include a complete mailing address on the check.
    • Make it payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank.

Mail your notarized Form DS-5542, photocopy of your ID, and payment to:

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

Request a status check

Use our web form to request a status check if you have already submitted Form DS-5542. If you are changing your mailing address, dial 202-485-8300 instead of submitting the form.

Request a status check
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Last Updated: July 21, 2026

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