Documenting American Citizens

Children Born in Spain to U.S. Parents

Children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents may have a claim to U.S. citizenship. If the parent(s) meets the transmission requirement, a child's birth may be reported at this Embassy and a U.S. passport and social security number may be obtained for him or her.

We strongly recommend that the birth of your child be reported to this Embassy as soon as possible after the birth. It is not possible to report the birth of a child over the age of 18. Even if your child holds nationality of a country other than the U.S., if your child has a claim to citizenship, he or she must be in possession of a valid U.S. passport to enter and exit the United States.

The following information will assist you in determining whether or not your child is a U.S. citizen and will provide assistance in the steps you are required to take to register the birth and obtain his or her passport.

Eligibility for citizenship

Reporting The Birth of a Child to U.S. Citizen Parent(s) in Spain

If your child has a claim to U.S. citizenship, it will be necessary for the U.S. citizen parent to execute an application for a "Consular Report of Birth Abroad" before a consular officer. This Report is official evidence of citizenship issued to a person under the age of 18 who was born abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s) and acquired citizenship at birth. At the time you report the birth of your child, you may also submit an application for his or her U.S. passport.

The child must accompany the parents to the Embassy. If the child was born out of wedlock and the father is the U.S. citizen parent, the child's mother must also appear at the appointment. If your child is under age 16 and you are also applying for his/her passport, please ensure you read the additional requirements carefully.

Note: If only one parent is a U.S. citizen, and that parent is not presently in this country, please contact this office for further instructions.

Phone: 91 5872240
E-mail: askACS@state.gov

Application Requirements for the Report of Birth

1. CRBA Checklist. Please print out and complete checklist (PDF - 173K). 
2. Application form DS-2029: Do not sign!
3. Passport application. Completed Form DS-11, Passport Application. Do not sign! For children under the age of 16 both parents’/legal guardians’ are required to come in person. If one parent/guardian is absent from country we will need to see original notarized consent in English. 
4. Application for Social Security Number. If your child is under the age of five, please may submit Form SS-5 (PDF - 237K) to apply for a Social Security Number Card for your child. The Federal Benefits Unit of this Embassy will process the application. It is important to note that your names as on file with the Social Security Administration must match the names used on the application for a number for your child.
5. Spanish Literal Birth Certificate: Please bring the child's long-form birth certificate, which is issued by the local Civil Registry. This document shows both parents' names. A translation must be provided (PDF - 6,9K). Bring original and 1 photocopy. 
6. Marriage Certificate: Original certificate issued by local, state, or national government authorities. If married in the United States, please provide a state certificate issued by the civil authorities. If your marriage certificate is in a language other than English, a translation must be provided (PDF - 6,6K). Bring original and 1 photocopy. 
7. Divorce Decrees/Death Certificates: It will be necessary to show termination of all prior marriages for both parents (and certified translations, if appropriate). Bring 1 photocopy of decree/certificate. 
8. Evidence of Parents' Citizenship and Identity: Parents' current U.S. passports, or foreign passport or national ID must be submitted at time of application. Note: Military members in active duty status may present the following evidence if not in possession of a U.S. passport:
   
   
   1. U.S. birth certificate issued by the state in which you were born bearing a raised state seal; or
   2. Certificate of naturalization; or 
   3. Certificate of citizenship; or 
   4. Consular Report of Birth (form FS-240 or FS545), if parent was born outside the United States; and 
   5. U.S. military ID card. 
   6. Bring 3 photocopies of parent’s identity.
9. Fees: The fee for a Consular Report of Birth is U.S. $100 (or 80€). The fee for a child's passport under 16 is $105 or $135 (84€ or 108€) for children over 16. Accepted payment methods are: Cash - either dollars or Euros; or Credit card - Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or Diners Club. Please note you can only pay with a credit card if you are applying in Madrid or Barcelona. Consular agencies can only accept payment in cash. 
10. Proof of your physical presence in the U.S. before the child's birth: Please submit as evidence school transcripts or tax returns. DS-5507: Affidavit of Parentage, Physical Presence and Support (PDF - 165K).
11. Photos: One passport photograph is required. Passport photos can also be taken at the Consular Section waiting room. The cost of photos is €5 in coins.
12. Self-addressed envelope: Please bring a self-addressed, return envelope with postage to cover registered mail, to fit unfolded A4 papers. Address it to a parent.

Method of Application

You are required to make an appointment online prior to coming in person. Please ensure you have read the information provided above and have the required documents before you make your appointment online. Please note that only one appointment is necessary when requesting the report the birth and the child's first passport.

Remember to bring copies of your documents. The fee for each photocopy made in the Consular Section is $1 or the Euro equivalent.