U.S. Embassy in Montenegro

Congratulations on your child’s birth!

A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent(s) may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth if certain legal requirements are met. If eligible, the Department of State will issue a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), which serves as proof of U.S. citizenship.

When to Apply:
Apply for a CRBA as soon as possible after your child’s birth. Applications must be submitted before the child’s 18th birthday.

Where to Apply:

Your child must have been born or reside in Montenegro to apply for a CRBA.

How to Apply:

1. Complete the CRBA application online through the MyTravelGov portal. MyTravelGov is a secured, encrypted portal. Watch this video to learn more about creating your account.
2. Upload all required documents and submit the $100 fee online.
3. Email PodgoricaACS@state.gov with the subject line “CRBA Request” and include the child’s full name and both parents’ names. We will schedule an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica.

Both parents (if available) and the child must attend the interview with original documents. Documents in foreign languages must include English translations.

The Interview: On the day of the CRBA appointment, the child and both parents must appear. In many cases, the approval for the CRBA can occur during the course of that interview and the parent(s) may wish to then apply for a U.S. passport for the child at the same time that they apply for a CRBA. Both parents must be present or if one cannot be present, MUST provide original, notarized DS-3053 consent to apply for the U.S. passport.

Required Documents:

• Child’s original foreign birth certificate;
• Proof of citizenship for each parent (U.S. passport for U.S. citizens; valid passport for non-U.S. citizens).
• Proof of sufficient physical presence in the United States by the transmitting parent;
• Original marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • If either parent was previously married, original or a certified copy of the divorce decree or other document;

Additional documents may be requested during the interview.

The Interview:
During the appointment for Consular Report of Birth Abroad, the consular officer will review your application. If approved, you may also apply for your child’s U.S. passport at the same time. If one parent cannot attend, they must provide an original, notarized DS-3053 consent form for the passport application.

To apply for the child’s first passport: Additional documents required for a U.S. passport are listed below.

• Please bring with you completed Application for a U.S. Passport (DS-11).
• One passport photo (must be 5 cm X 5 cm) with a white background.
  • Photo must be from within the last 6 months; a full front view; no glasses allowed.
• $135.00 fee (paid online)
• Please see requirements on passport applications for minors

Need Help?

For detailed instructions You can view an application how-to-guide.

Other Important Information

Social Security Number applications can only be submitted after receiving the original CRBA and passport.

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 at the Embassy Athens’ website.

Evidence of Parent’s U.S. Citizenship

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship can be demonstrated by the following: A full validity U.S. passport (currently valid or expired); Certified U.S. birth certificate (should have a seal, registrar’s signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar’s office – hospital birth certificates are not acceptable); Consular report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240/FS-1350); Certificate of Naturalization; Certificate of Citizenship. Military ID cards and social security numbers are NOT proof of citizenship.

Affidavit of Parentage, Physical Presence and Support (DS-5507)

• Parents who were not married at the time of the child’s birth also need to bring in evidence of their physical presence together at the time of the child’s conception (i.e. passport stamps, military travel orders) as well as proof of their relationship prior to the child’s birth (i.e. letters, photos).

Evidence of physical presence

• If only one of the parents is a U.S. citizen, he or she must bring proof of physical presence in the United States prior to the child’s birth. Primary evidence that may establish your physical presence in the U.S. include: Transcripts from high school and/or college, and Wage Statements, DD214 Separation Statement (for Military Members). Secondary evidence includes: Credit Card Bills, Utility bills, Tax forms, Airline ticket stubs, former/current passport showing stamps.

Schedule Your Appointment 

Please let us know when you are ready by sending us an email to PodgoricaACS@state.gov with service type in subject line and your full name (for each person required to attend) in body of an email and we will schedule an appointment for you.

Third parties may attend appointments at post for passport or CRBA services. To proceed with your request to be included on the visitors list as a third party, please email us at PodgoricaACS@state.gov with your full name, the customer’s full name, and the date and time of the scheduled appointment at least 24 hours in advance. This information will help us accommodate your request.

*Please note that all documents required must be prepared and applicable form must be filled out prior to your appointment.

Visit the local information section to make an appointment and learn how to pay the application fees.

Updated: September 2025