How can I tell if my Birth Certificate is acceptable Proof of Citizenship?

• Be issued by the office of vital statistics of the state, country, or the city where your birth occurred;
• Show your full name at birth;
• Indicate your date and place of birth;
• List the full names of your parent(s);
• Bear the embossed, impressed, multicolored, or raised seal and signature of the issuing authority; and

If you were born outside the United States, but the child of US Citizens, you may provide one of the following as a primary Proof of Citizenship:

• Foreign birth certificate

OR

• Proof of the citizenship of your US citizen parent AND
• An affidavit of your US citizen parent showing all periods and places of residence or physical presence in the United States and abroad before your birth. Depending on the year of your birth, there are minimum US residence requirements for your US parent for the years preceding your birth.

If the final adoption decree has not been attained yet, you will need:

• Certified foreign birth certificate with certified English translation;
• Certified foreign adoption certificate with certified English translation;
• Child's foreign passport with US visa and I-551 stamp (or with child's permanent resident alien card/green card);
• Proof of US Citizenship of adopting parent(s); AND
• Proof of identity of adopting parent(s)

Note: The documents listed above are considered secondary proof of US citizenship. The US Department of State reserves the right to request additional information and documentation. Each application is handled on a case-by-case basis.