CRBA in Germany

Check citizenship before forms

The State Department says a CRBAConsular Report of Birth Abroad, the U.S. birth record for a child born outside the United States. documents that a child was a U.S. citizen at birth. It is for children under 18 who were born abroad and got U.S. citizenship or nationality at birth through a parent.

The same official page says a CRBAConsular Report of Birth Abroad, the U.S. birth record for a child born outside the United States. is not a birth certificate and is not proof of legal parentsA parent who is recognized by law for official records and paperwork. or custody. A birth on a U.S. military base in Germany is still treated as a birth abroad for this process.

• Which parent had U.S. citizenship or nationality at the time of birth?
• Which physical presenceTime the U.S. parent was actually in the United States or its territories before the baby was born. or residence rule applies?
• Is the case affected by marriage, parentageThe legal facts about who is treated as the child's parent., or a missing parent at the appointment?
• If the answer is not clear, ask the U.S. office or a qualified expert before filing.

Gather the supporting documents

The CRBAConsular Report of Birth Abroad, the U.S. birth record for a child born outside the United States. application form is DS-2029The paper form for the U.S. birth record.. Depending on the family situation, the U.S. office may also ask for DS-5507A U.S. parent statement form used for some citizenship questions. or other records.

First gather the supporting documents. Then complete the forms, submit the birth-record application, and arrange the visit through your confirmed office. Check the appointment instructions again before attending.

For Germany, read the current U.S. Mission Germany instructions before booking. Current Germany guidance says passport applications can be accepted during the CRBAConsular Report of Birth Abroad, the U.S. birth record for a child born outside the United States. appointment, but parents should confirm that on the current embassy or consulateThe U.S. government office abroad that handles U.S. citizen services and newborn document questions. page before relying on it.

• German birth certificate or other accepted birth record for the child.
• Parent relationship records.
• Document showing the parent has U.S. citizenship or nationality.
• Physical presenceTime the U.S. parent was actually in the United States or its territories before the baby was born. or residence records for the U.S. parent.
• Any post-specific form, consent, or appointment confirmation.

Handle the first passport separately

For a child under 16, the State Department says the child must appear in person. Both parents or guardians usually need to attend, and DS-11The U.S. passport application form. should not be signed until the official asks for the signature.

If one parent cannot attend, extra consent or custody papers may be needed. DS-3053The U.S. passport consent form used when one parent cannot attend. is one common consent form, but the right document depends on the reason the parent cannot attend and on the custody facts.

• Check whether the child must attend.
• Check whether both parents or guardians must attend.
• Check DS-3053The U.S. passport consent form used when one parent cannot attend. or custody proof rules if one parent cannot attend.
• Keep copies of what you submitted, plus the appointment confirmation.

Handle Social Security separately

The Social Security numberThe U.S. Social Security number. request is separate and goes through SSAThe U.S. Social Security Administration, which issues Social Security numbers and cards.. SSAThe U.S. Social Security Administration, which issues Social Security numbers and cards. says it has no Social Security offices outside the United States. For Germany, SSAThe U.S. Social Security Administration, which issues Social Security numbers and cards. service information points applicants to the Federal Benefits UnitThe U.S. Social Security Administration team that handles some work for people abroad. in Frankfurt.

SSAThe U.S. Social Security Administration, which issues Social Security numbers and cards. names SS-5-FSThe Social Security number application form used abroad. for applying outside the United States and says original or issuing-agency certified copiesAn official copy that an agency treats like the original. are required. For a U.S. child born abroad, SSAThe U.S. Social Security Administration, which issues Social Security numbers and cards. may use a CRBAConsular Report of Birth Abroad, the U.S. birth record for a child born outside the United States. or U.S. passport as citizenship proof and the foreign birth certificate as age proof.

• Ask the Frankfurt Federal Benefits UnitThe U.S. Social Security Administration team that handles some work for people abroad. how to start the child SSNThe U.S. Social Security number. from Germany.
• Check which original or certified documents must be sent or shown.
• Ask which of the child passport, CRBAConsular Report of Birth Abroad, the U.S. birth record for a child born outside the United States., and German birth certificate the SSAThe U.S. Social Security Administration, which issues Social Security numbers and cards. needs.
• Keep a full copy of the packet you send.

What to keep

Keep the German birth certificate, CRBAConsular Report of Birth Abroad, the U.S. birth record for a child born outside the United States., copies of the first U.S. passport, appointment confirmations, and a copy of each packet you submitted. The State Department also says not to laminate life-event documents.