How do you obtain your birth certificate if you were born overseas?

Question

My wife was born in Turkey at a U.S. airbase. She lost her birth certificate while moving. Does anyone know what process we have to go through to get a new one? Your answers are greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

united states state department

Answer 2

If, as you say, she was born on a US base, then she is a US citizen. A base regardless of where it is, is considered US territory.

she would apply through the US embassy in the country where you are at present, ot the washington embassey. She would have to have proof of parents, but her birth would have been documented at the base hospital in turkey.

Answer 3

If she was born to American parents and one of her parents was in the U.S. military at the time, make an inquiry to that branch of the military about who issues birth certificates to American babies born on foreign air bases.

Answer 4

Her actual birth certificate would have to be obtained through the Turkish authorities.

The copy of the certificates her parents got for her from the US State Department is available as follows....

http://www.travel.state.gov/family/famil...

Documentation of U.S. Citizens Born Abroad

Documentation of United States Citizens Born Abroad Who Acquire Citizenship At Birth

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE

Consular Report of Birth (FS-240)

On November 1, 1990, the Department of State ceased issuing multiple copies of the Consular Report of Birth (FS-240). As of that date, a new format for the FS-240 went into effect. All previously issued FS-240s are acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship (Public Law 97-241 - Aug. 24, 1982). To obtain a replacement for a lost or mutilated document, please submit a notarized written request including the original FS-240 or a notarized affidavit concerning the loss of the FS-240 and a $30 fee, payable to the “Department of State.” Mail it to the address below. The affidavit must contain the: 1) name, (2) date, and (3) place of birth of the subject; (4) a statement regarding the whereabouts of the original FS-240; and (5) be signed by the subject, parent, or legal representative.

Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350)

If the birth was recorded in the form of a Consular Report of Birth, a Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350) can be issued in multiple copies. The DS-1350 contains the same information as that on the new format Consular Report of Birth and is acceptable for all legal purposes. The DS-1350 is not issued overseas and can be obtained only by writing to the address below.

AMENDING/CORRECTING THE CONSULAR REPORT OF BIRTH

To amend or correct a Consular Report of Birth, submit a written request - accompanied by certified copies of all documents appropriate for effecting the change (e.g., foreign birth certificate, marriage certificate, court ordered adoption or name change, birth certificates of the adopting or legitimating parents, affidavits, etc.). The original FS-240 or replacement FS-240, or a notarized affidavit concerning its whereabouts, also must be included.

OBTAINING COPIES OF THE FS-240, DS-1350, AND PANAMA CANAL ZONE BIRTH CERTIFICATES

The DS-1350 or a replacement FS-240 can be obtained by writing to:

Vital Records Section

Passport Services

1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 510

Washington, D.C. 20522-1705

A written request must be notarized and must include a copy of valid photo identification of the requester. The written request must include:

(1) full name of child at birth (plus any adoptive names)

(2) date and place of birth

(3) names of parents

(4) serial number, if known, of the FS-240 (on those issued after November 1, 1990) if known

(5) any available passport information

(6) signature of requester and

(7) notarized affidavit for a replacement FS-240 (if applicable).

Note: For Panama Canal Zone (PCZ) birth certificates, just include items (1) through (3).

The fee for an FS-240 is $30. The fees for DS-1350 and PCZ certificates are $30 for the first copy, $20 each additional copy . Make check or bank draft drawn on a bank in the United States, or money order, payable to the "Department of State." The Department will assume no responsibility for cash lost in the mail. Documents will be provided to the person who is the subject of the Report of Birth, the subject’s parents, the subject’s legal guardian, authorized government agency, or a person who submits written authorization from the subject of the Report of Birth.

Answer 5

Go with Yak Rider's answer. He knows his stuff.