The Official CRBA Checklist: Documents You Need for Your Appointment (2026)

There is nothing worse than waiting months for a U.S. Embassy appointment, traveling hours with a newborn, and then being turned away because you forgot one piece of paper.

It happens more often than you think.

While you submit digital scans during the eCRBA online process, the consular officer must inspect the original physical documents during your interview.

Use this checklist to pack your bag the night before.

1. The Basics

• [ ] Appointment Confirmation Page: Printed from the scheduling system.
• [ ] DS-2029 Application: It's smart to print a copy of your submitted form, just in case.
• [ ] Payment Receipt: The Pay.gov confirmation email for your $100 fee.
• [ ] Passport Photos: Two (2) identical 2x2 inch photos of the baby.
  • Tip: Eyes must be open. No glasses. White background.

2. Evidence of Birth

• [ ] Local Birth Certificate (Original): Must be the "long form" showing parents' names.
• [ ] Prenatal/Hospital Records: (Optional but recommended). Ultrasounds, hospital discharge papers, or vaccine books help prove the biological relationship if the birth certificate is questioned.

3. Evidence of Parents' Citizenship & ID

• [ ] U.S. Parent's Passport: Original, valid U.S. passport.
• [ ] Non-U.S. Parent's Passport: Or valid National ID card.
• [ ] Naturalization Certificate: If the U.S. parent was not born in the U.S.

4. Evidence of Relationship

• [ ] Marriage Certificate: Original.
• [ ] Divorce/Death Certificates: If either parent was married previously, you need proof that all prior marriages ended legally. This is strictly enforced.

5. Evidence of Physical Presence (The Big One)

This is the hardest requirement to prove. You need to show the U.S. parent was physically inside the USA for 5 years (usually) before the birth.

• [ ] School Transcripts: High school or college records are the gold standard.
• [ ] Employment Records: W-2s or pay stubs.
• [ ] Military Records: DD-214 forms.
• [ ] Entry/Exit Stamps: Old passports showing travel history.
• Note: Tax returns (Form 1040) are weak evidence because you can file taxes from overseas. Focus on documents that prove you were physically there (like a transcript).

6. If Applying for a Passport Too

Most parents apply for the baby's first passport at the same CRBA interview.

• [ ] Form DS-11: Completed but NOT signed. You must sign it in front of the officer.
• [ ] Passport Fee: An additional $135 (check your local embassy's payment methods; cash or card is usually fine).

Keep Track of it All

Feeling overwhelmed? We built a free, interactive tool to help you track these documents right on your phone.

Use Our Interactive Checklist Tool →