Form FS-240 Guide: How to Get Your Consular Report of Birth Abroad
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.