Birth registration when a U.S. citizen’s child is born abroad, outside the U.S.

A U.S. citizen parent should, as soon as possible, go to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to file a report of birth abroad in order to receive the child’s Consular Report of Birth Abroad. This report can only be processed at a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad, and cannot be requested once the child turns 18. This document serves as proof that the child is a U.S. citizen. Please refer to the Consular Report of Birth Abroad website for the application process.

If the child holds dual U.S./Korean citizenship (one parent holds Korean citizenship), you must register the child’s birth at your local community center within 30 days of the birth date. If the child does not hold dual U.S./Korean citizenship, you must register the birth with the Korean immigration office within 90 days of the birth date. Since these regulations may change, please check directly with the relevant Korean agency for the most current information.