U.S. Citizen Services

Citizenship and Birth Abroad

Most children born abroad to a U.S. Citizen parent or parents may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth. The American citizen parent must meet certain residency requirements in the U.S. to transmit citizenship.

As soon as possible after the birth, the U.S. citizen parent should contact the Consular Section in La Paz or the Consular Agencies in Cochabamba or in Santa Cruz in order to register the child.

Upon presentation of required documentation and determination that the child has acquired U.S. citizenship, a consular officer prepares a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.  This document is recognized by U.S. law as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship and is acceptable evidence of citizenship for obtaining a passport.