A first US passport is applied for on Form DS-11, with evidence of citizenship. For someone born in the US that is a US birth certificate, already in English. For someone born abroad who is a citizen through a parent, the evidence can include a foreign birth certificate, and the DS-11 instructions ask for a translation when that certificate isn't in English.
Who usually needs a translation
- People born abroad who are citizens through a US citizen parent and don't have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
- People who became citizens when a parent naturalized, who show their foreign birth certificate with the parent's naturalization certificate.
- Anyone whose name changed through a marriage or court order recorded in another language.
What the translation should include
- Every field and stamp on the certificate, including both parents' full names - they are what connects you to your US citizen parent.
- The translator's signed statement that the translation is complete and accurate.
- Names spelled as they appear on your other documents, with a note wherever the original spells them differently.
The instructions call for an “official translation”. In practice that is a complete translation with the translator's signed certification of accuracy - the same kind USCIS accepts. If you're unsure what your acceptance facility or passport agency will take, ask them before you apply.
Before you apply
- Check whether you have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Citizenship.
- Get the long-form birth certificate that lists both parents, where the issuing country has one.
- Have it translated in full, and keep the translation with the certificate.
- Follow the DS-11 instructions on originals and photocopies; the translation goes with them.
With Verdacert
Upload the certificate and tell us how the names appear on your US documents. The certified translation arrives as a PDF you can print, and you can add a hard copy signed in ink and mailed to you.