Obtaining Record from the United States

The Consulate keeps no files of the different documents we issue, such as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), or documents dealing with the death of an American in China. These records are instead filed in Washington, D.C. We also do not keep any files of Chinese civil documents, such as records of marriages and divorces in China. These records are held by the Chinese government. Other records, such as birth certificates for people born in the United States, are stored in the state of origin.

This page is designed to help you locate the vital record documents you need. The Embassy cannot obtain documents on your behalf, and cannot provide translations of documents issued in China.

Documents that Must Be Ordered from the Department of State in Washington

Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
A document issued by an American embassy or consulate reflecting the facts of a birth abroad of a child acquiring U.S. citizenship at birth through one or both parents. This record, also known as an FS-240, along with the Certification of Birth, DS-1350, are acceptable as proof of birth and U.S. citizenship for all legal purposes.

Please go to the State Department's web page on consular records for complete details on obtaining a copy of a CRBA.

Report of the Death of an American Citizen Abroad (ROD)
A document issued by an American embassy or consulate reflecting the facts of a death abroad of an American citizen. The document is based upon the local death certificate.

Please go to the State Department's web page on consular records for complete details on obtaining a copy of a Report of Death of An American Citizen.

Documents that Must Be Obtained from a U.S. State

Birth, Death or Marriage Certificate

Vital Records are documents such as birth, death or marriage certificates. In the U.S., such records are usually held by state, county or city governments, depending on location. Here is some information to assist you in obtaining copies of such records.

Follow this link for an on-line source of more information about obtaining vital records in the U.S., such as birth certificates.

There are also on-line services that will help you obtain records for a fee.

One such service is VitalChek (800-255-2414), which allows you to request birth, death, and marriage certifications online, by phone, or by fax.

Another service called usbirthcertificate.net can help you obtain or amend a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, in addition to obtaining a birth certificate. You must have a physical street address to use this service (no APO's, FPO's, or PO Boxes).

For American Citizen Services (ACS) inquiries, please e-mail us at: guangzhouacs@state.gov