Birth Certificate: Submit a certified birth certificate or previous passport. A birth certificate must include your given name and surname, date and place of birth, date the birth record was filed, and seal or other certification of the official custodian of such records. Please contact A.P.E if your birth certificate was filed more than a year after your birth. Uncertified photocopies and notarized copies not accepted for any citizenship proof listed on this page.

		Photocopies made by you, even when notarized, are UNACCEPTABLE.
		Hospital birth records/certificates are also UNACCEPTABLE.
		Applicants born in California MUST submit a Long Form Birth Certificate; short forms or abstract birth certificates are UNACCEPTABLE.
		All official copies of documents are returned with the new passports.

If you do not have a copy of your birth certificate then you may contact the state you were born in and request a copy of your birth certificate. Inform the person you speak to that you need the Birth Certificate Expedited. See Vitalcheck.com for more information and options on getting your birth certificate quickly.
 
IF NO BIRTH RECORD EXISTS, submit registrar's notice to that effect. Also submit an early baptismal or circumcision certificate, hospital birth record, early census, school, or family Bible records, newspaper or insurance files, or notarized affidavits of persons having knowledge of your birth (preferably with at least one record listed above). Evidence should include your given name and surname, date and place of birth, and seal or other certification of office (if customary) and signature of issuing official.

APPLICANTS BORN OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES:Submit previous US passport or Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship, or a Report of Birth Abroad, or evidence described below.

IF YOU CLAIM CITIZENSHIP THROUGH NATURALIZATION OF PARENT(S), submit the Certificate(s) of Naturalization of your parent(s) your foreign birth certificate, and proof of your admission to the United States for permanent residence.

IF YOU CLAIM CITIZENSHIP THROUGH BIRTH ABROAD TO US CITIZEN PARENT(S), submit a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth (Form DS-1350 or FS-545), or your foreign birth certificate, parents' marriage certificate, proof of citizenship of your parent(s), and affidavit of US citizen parent(s) showing all periods and places of residence/physical presence in the United States and abroad before your birth.