Apostille for China · Apostille guide

CRBA for China: Checklist for Replacement Copies, Apostilles and Translations

Consular reports of birth abroad are records issued by the U.S. Department of State and cannot be confused with state birth certificates or U.S. passports.

CRBA, foreign birth certificate, and passport are not the same document

The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, usually FS-240) is a consular record issued by the U.S. Department of State. A birth certificate issued by the government of the place of birth records the fact of local birth; a U.S. passport is a travel and nationality document. Whichever item is required by the Chinese receiving unit must be confirmed in writing first.

Replace if lost or need a new copy

If the original CRBA is lost, damaged, or the information needs to be corrected, you should first apply for a qualified copy according to the U.S. Department of State's Vital Records procedure. Regular scans or home printouts do not automatically replace certified copies. After receiving the document, first check the name, date of birth, parent information, date of issuance and official signature.

Why the Federal Pathway

CRBAs are issued by the U.S. consular officer system and are different from birth certificates issued by state health departments. The U.S. Department of State's instructions for Federal Document Apostille require that originals or certified copies be used and that original signatures and seals be retained. Do not send the CRBA to the Secretary of State in the state where you currently reside.

Recommended document package sequence

1. Material requirements of the Chinese receiving unit;
2. Original or certified copy of CRBA;
3. Apostille corresponding to the document;
4. Complete translation including title, seal and text on the back;
5. Translator's instructions or other attachments (only when requested by the receiving party).

Final check before submission

Confirm that the Apostille attachment is indeed the current submitted version and not another old copy. When there is a difference between the Chinese and English names, you should first ask the recipient what kind of explanation is needed, and do not write on the original CRBA or re-notarize it without authorization.