Giving birth in the United States: checklist

Prepare before the birth; apply for an SSN at the hospital, obtain the official birth certificate, and then apply for the child’s passport.

YOUR NEXT STEP

1. Have the mother’s and father’s names written exactly as in the Turkish records

Make sure that the mother’s and father’s names you provide to the hospital are exactly the same as in your Turkish civil registry records.

1. Have the mother’s and father’s names written exactly as in the Turkish recordsMake sure that the mother’s and father’s names you provide to the hospital are exactly the same as in your Turkish civil registry records.
2. Plan the baby’s name for the Turkish registrationKeep in mind that the name will be written in Turkish letters, with no more than three given names and without hyphens or periods, when registered in the Turkish civil registry.

3. Provide the birth registration informationProvide the hospital with the mother’s, father’s, and baby’s information so that the birth notification can be submitted to the state vital records office.
4. Request an SSN for the babyIndicate on the same form that you want an SSN; the application is completed free of charge at the hospital through the Enumeration at Birth system.
5. Keep the SSN receiptKeep Form SSA-2853 provided by the hospital; the estimated delivery time for the card is stated on the receipt.

6. Request a copy of the official birth certificateRequest a certified copy online, by mail, or in person from the vital records office of the state or county where the birth occurred.
7. Obtain multiple certified copiesRequest multiple copies because separate original documents are required for U.S. passport and Turkish consulate procedures.
8. Correct errors in the document immediatelyIf the name or date is incorrect, have the document corrected without delay; an uncorrected document may delay the passport and Turkish civil registry registration.

9. Complete Form DS-11 and print it single-sidedPrepare it using the form-filling tool and do not sign it until the acceptance agent asks you to.
10. Prepare the passport documentsPrepare the original and a copy of the certified birth certificate, the parents’ identification, and a compliant photograph.
11. Apply in person with the childAs a rule, both parents must come with the child; the parent who cannot come must sign Form DS-3053 before a notary.
12. Pay the passport and acceptance fees separatelyPay the passport fee to the State Department and the acceptance fee to the location where you apply.