Frequently Asked Questions
U.S. Birth Certificate
How Long Does It Usually Take to Receive the Birth Certificate for a Baby Born Through U.S. Surrogacy?
A: There is no uniform processing time for U.S. birth certificates. The procedures and timing vary by state and county. If a pre-birth parentage order has already been completed, the official birth certificate can usually be obtained approximately one to three weeks after the baby is born.
International families should allow sufficient time for the birth certificate and the subsequent passport and travel documents when planning their return trip.
How Do Pre-Birth and Post-Birth Parentage Orders Affect the Birth Certificate Process?
A: The key difference is whether the family must wait for the legal parentage process to be completed after the baby is born. A pre-birth order generally allows the birth registration process to proceed directly after birth, while a post-birth order requires additional time for the court process and amendment or processing of the birth record.
How Many Certified Copies of the Birth Certificate Should We Order? Is One Copy Enough?
A: International surrogacy families are generally advised to order four to six certified copies at one time for passport applications, travel documents, document authentication, and long-term recordkeeping.
If the Parents Have Not Yet Arrived in the United States, Can Someone Else Be Authorized to Apply for the Birth Certificate?
A: This is possible in some jurisdictions, but the rules vary by state and county. A power of attorney, notarization, or other supporting documents may be required. Families should confirm eligibility and document requirements before the due date.
U.S. Passport
How Soon After a Baby Is Born Through U.S. Surrogacy Can the Family Apply for a Passport?
A: The passport application can usually be prepared once the official U.S. birth certificate has been issued. If a post-birth parentage proceeding is required, the family should also account for the additional time involved.
Must the Newborn Be Present When Applying for a U.S. Passport?
A: Yes. A child under age 16 must appear in person when applying for a U.S. passport.
Must Both Parents Appear in Person?
A: They do not necessarily need to appear at the same time. A parent who cannot attend will generally need to provide consent in the required manner, such as by using Form DS-3053.
How Long Is the Baby’s U.S. Passport Valid?
A: A U.S. passport issued to a child under age 16 is valid for five years.