What is Form FS-240? The Official CRBA Certificate Guide (2026)
If you are researching how to document your child's U.S. citizenship while living overseas, you have likely come across the term FS-240.
While most parents refer to it as a "CRBA," the FS-240 form is the official name of the certificate issued by the U.S. Department of State. It is one of the most important documents a U.S. citizen born abroad will ever own.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the FS-240 is, how it differs from the application form, and how you can get one in 2026.
What is the FS-240?
The FS-240 (Consular Report of Birth Abroad) is the official record confirming that a child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth. It is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the time of the birth report.
Key Facts about the FS-240 Certificate:
- Legal Weight: It has the same legal weight as a U.S. birth certificate.
- Lifetime Validity: Unlike a passport, the FS-240 never expires.
- Primary Evidence: It is the primary document used to apply for a child's first U.S. passport and Social Security Number (SSN).
FS-240 vs. DS-2029: What’s the Difference?
There is often confusion between these two codes. Here is the simple breakdown:
- DS-2029: This is the Application Form. It is the document you fill out (now usually via the eCRBA portal) to request the citizenship report.
- FS-240: This is the Resulting Certificate. It is the high-security paper document you receive after a successful embassy interview.
You use the DS-2029 to get the FS-240.
How to Obtain an FS-240 Form in 2026
The process for obtaining an original FS-240 is now handled almost entirely through the eCRBA electronic system.
- Electronic Filing: Log into MyTravelGov and complete the digital application.
- Payment: Pay the $100 fee via Pay.gov.
- The Interview: Attend a mandatory in-person interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Issuance: Once approved, the FS-240 is printed in the United States and mailed to your international address.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged FS-240
If you already had an FS-240 but lost it, you cannot go back to the embassy to get a new one. Once the document is issued, all records are stored in the United States.
To get a replacement FS-240, you must submit a notarized request to the Department of State's Vital Records section in Washington, D.C. There is currently a $50 fee for each replacement copy.
The Biggest Hurdle to Getting Your FS-240
While the "FS-240 form" itself is straightforward, the bottleneck is always the Embassy Appointment. In high-demand locations like Manila, London, and Tokyo, the scheduling calendar often shows "No Appointments Available" for months at a time.
This is why we built CRBA Monitor.
Our software tracks embassy calendars 24/7 and sends an instant alert to your phone the second a slot opens up. Don't let your child's FS-240 issuance be delayed by a full calendar.