Can I Get a Passport If I Was Born Abroad?

Being born outside the United States doesn't prevent you from getting a U.S. passport — but it does mean the application process may involve additional steps to establish your citizenship.

Many travelers born abroad face unique challenges when applying for a passport, particularly around documentation that proves their citizenship status. The process can vary depending on when and where you were born, your parents' citizenship status at the time, and what documentation is available.

Common Situations for Travelers Born Abroad

Travelers born outside the U.S. contact us for many reasons:

• Born to U.S. citizen parents living abroad
• Born on a military base outside the U.S.
• Naturalized as a U.S. citizen and applying for a first passport
• Born abroad and adopted by U.S. citizens
• Need to prove citizenship that was acquired at birth
• Have citizenship documentation but aren't sure if it's sufficient
• Previously held a U.S. passport but it's now expired
• Need to apply for a child's passport when the child was born abroad

What Can Affect Your Options

The passport process for travelers born abroad depends on:

• How your U.S. citizenship was acquired (birth, naturalization, etc.)
• What citizenship documentation you have available
• Whether your parents' citizenship status is documented
• Whether you were born in a U.S. territory or foreign country
• Whether you were naturalized and have the relevant documentation
• Your travel timeline and urgency
• Whether additional documentation needs to be obtained

Why These Cases Can Be Complicated

Born-abroad passport applications can encounter unique challenges:

• Citizenship documentation may be difficult to obtain or verify
• Records from the birth country may be in a different language
• Parents' citizenship status at the time of birth may need verification
• Multiple types of citizenship documentation may exist
• The process may take longer than standard applications
• Missing or incomplete documentation can cause significant delays

Born Abroad and Need a Passport?

If you were born outside the United States and need a U.S. passport, a passport specialist can help you understand what documentation may be required and which process applies to your specific citizenship situation.

Getting the right guidance early can prevent delays and ensure your application is complete the first time.