Register your US-born child with your consulate
A child born in the United States is a US citizen — but most Latin American countries also grant nationality by descent, so you can register your US-born child with your home-country consulate and give them your country’s nationality too (usually dual nationality). This page explains why it matters, what you need, and the steps.
Why register the birth
| Benefit | What it means |
|---|---|
| Dual nationality | The child is both a US citizen and a national of your country |
| Home-country passport | Easier travel, residence, and re-entry to your country |
| Rights back home | The ability to live, study, work, inherit, and own property |
| Future documents | A clear nationality record makes later paperwork far simpler |
Many countries permit dual nationality — but a few do not, so confirm your country’s rule.
Documents you typically need
- The child’s US birth certificate — often a certified copy with an apostille from the US state of birth.
- The parents’ passports or IDs.
- The parents’ own birth certificates or proof of nationality.
- A marriage certificate, if applicable.
Many consulates require the US birth certificate to be apostilled by the Secretary of State of the state where the child was born. Request that apostille before your consular appointment if your country requires it.
How to register (general steps)
- Find your consulate for the US state where you live.
- Confirm the document list and whether the birth certificate must be apostilled.
- Get the apostille from the issuing US state, if required.
- Book an appointment and bring originals plus copies.
- Register and pay the fee — you typically receive a home-country birth registration and can then apply for the child’s passport.
Related information
- Consulates in the US by country
- Matrícula consular (consular ID)
- Consular power of attorney (poder)
- Vital records (US birth certificates) by state
Official source: check your own country’s consulate website for exact birth-registration requirements, apostille rules, and fees.
Last verified: 2026-06-04.
General procedural information, not legal advice. Nationality-by-descent and dual-nationality rules vary by country and change over time. Confirm requirements with your consulate before applying.