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eCRBA is the Department of State’s new online application for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). eCRBA does not require any new information or processes – applicants enter the same information in eCRBA as in the paper application. This new application method, however, will allow you to enter your data, upload required documents, pay the fees and schedule your appointment all online. Additionally, you will be able to check the status of your application online.
Submitting your application electronically is more efficient than paper processing. It saves time by allowing you to upload your documents, pay your fees, and schedule your appointment all in one convenient online location. Further, it is more transparent as you will be able to check the status of your application at any time.
Yes. Security is an important priority for all services provided by the Department of State. Electronic processing is very secure and has been developed with stringent security considerations built into each design and development step. Only authorized users will be able to access the online CRBA application and supporting documents.
To be eligible to apply for a CRBA online, you MUST answer all the following criteria with YES.
Yes, you will still be able to complete a paper application (DS-2029).
You will start by opening a MyTravelGov account. Once you have an account, you can create an eCRBA application, which will guide you step by step through the process of applying online, including uploading supporting documents to ensure that the application is complete. Once the application is complete, you need to pay the eCRBA fee online. Once the payment is complete, you will be prompted to schedule an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy or a consulate in Japan. You must bring the child and the originals of all supporting documents to the in-person interview, where a consular officer will interview you to verify the information provided, review the original documents, and decide whether to approve the application.
A “MyTravelGov” account is an online service that applicants can use to request consular services. You must register for such an account to use the eCRBA application.
The eCRBA application will guide you through the process and will help you understand which documents to provide, as well as what type of documents are acceptable. You must provide supporting documents to show:
• Record of child’s birth
• Evidence of biological relationship between the child and parents
• Parents’ citizenship
• Parents’ identification
• Evidence of parents’ marriages and/or termination of marriages by death or divorce
• Evidence of legal relationship and financial support (only in certain cases)
• Residence and physical presence in the United States, its outlying territories, or qualifying U.S. government service overseas prior to the child’s birth
You can scan, save, and upload documents in each section of the eCRBA application. You must bring the originals to the in-person interview where a consular officer will verify all original documents.
Throughout the eCRBA application, there are several places where you can provide documents by uploading a file from your computer. The maximum allowable file size is 10MB. You can click “attach a file” or “add” to bring up a document upload pop-up and then click the “select a file” button to choose the file you wish to upload.
You will need access to the internet and the ability to scan, save, and upload documents in the eCRBA application. eCRBA also works through a mobile phone or a tablet, using your device’s camera to create images of documents to upload.
If you don’t have a computer or internet connection at home, a local library, university, or internet café may provide computers and internet for a small fee. You can also use the computers provided in any American Center. Local charities or religious organizations may also have computers to use for the application process.
eCRBA requires payment using the U.S. government’s official payment site “pay.gov”, which accepts payments in U.S. dollars from a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover) or U.S. bank account.
The payment system is secure. The payment occurs through “pay.gov”, an online payment system used by many U.S. government agencies.
If you are not able to pay online, then you must complete a paper CRBA application and pay the fees at the U.S. Embassy Tokyo during your interview.
If you cannot complete the online payment, then you must complete a paper application and submit it along with your payment in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
After successfully submitting an eCRBA application and payment, you will see a confirmation screen. You will also receive a follow-up email, confirming receipt of your application.
You won’t be able to access your application online after it is submitted. If you need to make subsequent changes, you must contact the U.S. Embassy Tokyo for help. You can also let consular staff know of changes during your interview.
After completing the online application and making a payment online, you will be directed to the U.S. Embassy Tokyo website to schedule an appointment. Please allow 5 working days between payment submission and CRBA interview appointment time. This provides time for your payment to be processed.
Yes, you can schedule one appointment for a passport and CRBA. Other services may require separate appointments.
If you schedule your appointment online, you will receive a confirmation that includes instructions on how to cancel or reschedule your appointment online.
No. Applicants cannot apply for a passport or a Social Security number through the eCRBA application at this time. However, at the end of the eCRBA application, you will be directed to online resources detailing the process for completing the passport and Social Security number applications separately. Passport application can be submitted in person at the time of the interview. Please note that an application for a Social Security Number can only be submitted after receiving the original Consular Report of Birth Abroad and Passport. To obtain a Social Security Number for your child, see further details here.
Contact U.S. Embassy Tokyo for additional questions through our inquiry form.
Please call your nearest Consulate or Embassy:
Emergency Contact – All Locations Enroll in STEP International Parental Child Abduction Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Emergency Financial Assistance