How do you obtain a birth certificate from Mexico?

Question

I'm trying to help a friend get a birth certificate for her daughter that was born in Mexico. She is a US born citizen herself. She has a hospital certificate, no BC. Without that, the child is technically "undocumented" and qualifies for no services and this will prove to be a bigger issue when she's older and looking at getting a job or going to college. So- we want to help her get it fixed now.

The hospital she was born at is General Hospital in Ensenada. She says she has gone there in person, made phone calls and got no where. I've been calling around trying to help and also haven't gotten far. I've been trying to go through the US Embassy in Mexico since this is a matter involving a US citizen. But- I was hoping someone here might have an address, idea, or point of contact that might be quicker or more direct.

All helpful answers appreciated.

Answer 1

It shouldn't be too hard, definitaly doable. But yeah, obtaining any kind of official documentation in Mexico is generally a serious PAIN with a capital 'P' !! Been there.

My son was born in Guadalajara Mexico and I lived down there for many years. My wife is also from there and took care of most of it, but you need to have that hospital certificate for sure. That is Numero Uno. There is a designated place where they do this, but I can't remember exactly because they have a different office for EVERYthing there. Have your friend call or search online for 'Registro Civil' and if thats not what you need they should at least be able to point you in the right direction.

I just know that it is a multi-step process. Your friend will have to go there (with the father) and fill something out that describes biographic and geographic info for the mother and father of the child and will have to show legal stuff like their own passports / Birth Certificates, etc... That, with the original Hospital Certificate, should do it.

Small chance she might be able to do this or at least get info from her local Mexican Consulate within the United States (you said she is living in the US right?). Definitely worth looking at first, but don't expect a LOT of help from them. If the child is not already a US citizen (b/c she was born in Mexico you will want to do that too, but that comes after you get the BC and that part IS all through the US consulate). But that you should be able to do within the US (if she can get the child in, that is).

It's not going to be fun, but she'll get there!

Add: Well if I'm clear on the situation, it's not going to happen by mail or by phone. If the child is not a US Citizen (I can't imagine that she could be without a Birth Certificate), then the other poster is incorrect, because she needs to obtain a Mexican BC before anything else. Best bet would be to check at the Mexican consulate in your area before anything else. Good Luck!

Answer 2

The US Embassy or Consulate is the correct place to go.

See this webpage