Frequently Asked Questions
I need to apply for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for two children, how many appointments should I make?
An appointment is required for each child being documented. Thus, for two children you will need to book two CRBA appointments.
I know I need to make an appointment for each child's Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA), but there are no consecutive appointment slots available. What should I do?
We allot multiple CRBA appointments each day. If you are looking to book two appointments, don't book the earliest appointment available. Instead, try looking for a day a bit further out, perhaps even another week out. If you are attempting to book three or more appointments, we suggest first attempting to book a date the furthest out. Another option is to book appointments on two different dates. If all else fails, and you are traveling a great distance to get to the consulate, or have an urgent need for a CRBA, please email us for assistance, stating your circumstances.
I've heard Consulate security will open sealed envelopes. Why is this done?
Please do not bring a sealed envelope into the consulate. Should you do so, our security will open the envelope to ensure that it conforms to our safety standards.
When I apply for my child's Consular Report of Birth Abroad, do I also have to apply for my child's Social Security number?
You are not required to apply for a SSN at the same time. However, we offer this service as a courtesy to parents at the time of the CBRA appointment only. The nearest Social Security office is in Bellingham, Washington, for all others. Please refer to the Social Security Administration website for rules and regulations regarding Social Security Numbers.
I need to get my passport as soon as possible, so do I pay the expedite fee?
Expedited passport processing is only available at U.S. domestic passport agencies. The closest passport agency is in Seattle at the Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Suite 992, Seattle, WA 98174-1091. Applicants requiring a passport for extreme emergencies may report directly to the Consulate without an appointment.
Am I allowed to smile for my passport photo?
Yes, Americans are allowed to smile in their passport photographs.
What happens if I forget to bring in my pre-paid Express Post envelope?
Once you have completed your appointment, we will ask you to go across the street, purchase a regional Express post envelope, and return to the consulate. This will lengthen the time required for your appointment.
What happens if I use an "out of date" passport form?
We will require you to fill out a new form online, which will lengthen the time you spend at the consulate, and possibly bump your position in our queue.
When filling in the passport application form on-line, I am having a problem entering my passport book number. What should I do?
When entering a passport book number of less than 9 digits, add an extra zero to the end of the number.