U.S Citizenship can be acquired by being born or naturalized in the U.S. 

Additionally, a person born outside of the U.S. may be able to inherit U.S. citizenship.

• If both parents are U.S. citizens, the child can be registered as a U.S. citizen if either parent can prove physical presence in the U.S. prior to the child’s birth.
• If only one parent is a U.S. citizen (or national) and the other is not, and they are legally married, the child can be registered as a U.S. citizen if the U.S. citizen parent was physically present in the U.S. for at least five years prior to the child’s birth—two of those years over the age of 14.

A child born in Israel to a U.S citizen parent who does not meet the residency requirements may be able to acquire U.S. citizenship in the U.S. based on a grandparent’s residency. See here for more information on this process.

Consular Report of Birth Abroad and First-Time Child Passport

To register a child born in Israel as an American citizen, one should apply at the U.S Embassy or Consulate for a  Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and/ or U.S passport. 

This involves a two-step process:

• Step One: Complete an e-CRBA online application
• Step Two: Schedule and attend an Embassy appointment

At this appointment, one will be able to apply for a CRBA and first-time passport as well as apply for a Social Security number. See here for more information. 

Step One: Complete an E-CRBA

Before the appointment, an online CRBA application (e-CRBA) must be completed. This reduces waiting time and allows the embassy to determine whether a child is eligible for citizenship or not before even coming for an appointment.

Click here to begin the e-CRBA application process online.

Applicants can upload the following documents to the e-CRBA.  This is optional, as one is required to bring these original documents to the appointment in any case.

• The child’s teudat laida (birth certificate) from The Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) 
  • The E-CRBA may be submitted without the birth certificate, but it must be brought to the appointment.
• Proof of ID and U.S Citizenship for both parents (eg U.S Passport) 
• Parents’ marriage license 
• Proof of Physical Presence in the U.S (see below) 

Step Two: Schedule an Appointment

The US Embassy requires you to open an account on their online portal in order to access their services, such as booking appointments.

Click here to access the US Citizen Service Portal.

If you do not yet have an account, register and create a new profile, here.

Once you are logged in to your account:

Choose Israel from the drop down list (page 2 of list) and enter any additional required details.

Select the option of booking an appointment. Enter the applicant’s details if required.

Select appointment location (Jerusalem or Tel Aviv) and service Consular Report of Birth Abroad (this appointment will include applications for a first time US passport and social security number).

Click on “select date” and choose a date and time from the calendar and submit. You will receive email confirmation. If there are “no slots available”, try again later. 

See here for instructions on canceling or rescheduling. 

Step Three: At The Appointment

Be sure to arrive on time; if one arrives more than 15 minutes late, they will be asked to reschedule.  Given security screening, waiting and processing times, prepare for the appointment to take approximately two hours.

Baby carriages are not permitted inside the Embassy or Consulate.

• In Jerusalem, there is an outdoor area to leave them.
• In Tel Aviv, they may not be left unattended outside.

Large backpacks, cell phones, and other electronics are also prohibited.

• In Jerusalem, phones must be handed to security and will be held until the appointment is complete.  Security will generally not store electronics other than phones.
• In Tel Aviv, items (including strollers) must be left in your car or a rented locker in a store across the street.

Who Should Come

For a CRBA only: Preferably both parents should attend with the child.  If the parent attending is not the one passing on citizenship, the embassy may request additional documentation or that the second parent come in person at a later time.

For a passport: Both parents – American or not – must attend, or provide notarized consent of the passport’s issuance and original photo ID used for notarization.

The child must always be present.

What to Bring

1. Printed appointment confirmation email
2. Child’s original teudat leidah (Israeli birth certificate) from The Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) + 3 photocopies

3. Passport photo of the baby. When having the picture taken, specify that it is for an American passport. Photo must be 2×2 inches and the height of the head must be between 1-1 3/8 inch. A newborn baby (up to a few weeks) does not need to have his eyes open, but ears should be visible. 

4.  Parents original marriage license (or certified copy) in Hebrew or English, + 1 photocopy

5. If one parent was previously married: original divorce or death certificate 
6. U.S. Passports of both parents, signed + 3 photocopies of each

If a U.S citizen parent does not have a U.S passport: alternate ID + proof of citizenship (U.S. birth certificate) + 3 copies of each. 

If one parent is not a U.S citizen: Valid ID (e.g. passport or teudat zehut) + 3 copies

7. Child’s Israeli or other passport (if applicable) + 1 copy
8. Original signed and dated statement that the child has not been issued a Social Security number by the Social Security Administration.  If the child has already been issued a Social Security number, skip this form and include his/her Social Security number on the passport application form
9. Email received upon submission of the E-CRBA or report summary
10.  Form DS-11: Application for U.S. Passport, completed online only (handwritten forms are no longer accepted), printed and not signed

11. Israel Post is responsible for delivering documents on behalf of the U.S. Embassy. Click here to arrange and pay for a pre-paid postage label from the Doar. Print this out and bring it to your appointment.

12. Receipt of payment of passport fee of $135

Click here to pay the passport fee online.

13. Form SS-5-FS: Application for Social Security Number – recommended to use a U.S. mailing address. See our article on Social Security Applications for more details on the process.

14. Proof of physical presence in the United States: The U.S. citizen parent(s) must prove that s/he was a U.S. citizen prior to the child’s birth and bring proof of time spent in the U.S. 

Acceptable proof of physical presence includes W-2 forms, immunization and medical records, and employment records. School transcripts may be accepted as proof when combined with others.

• Acceptable proof of physical presence includes W-2 forms, immunization and medical records, and employment records. School transcripts may be accepted as proof when combined with others.
• If both parents were born and raised in the U.S., a passport and driver’s license may suffice.
• If only one parent is a U.S. citizen, they must bring proof of at least five years of physical presence, two of which are over age 14.

If Only One Parent is a U.S. Citizen, or if Both Are U.S. Citizens but Only One or Neither was Born in the U.S., the U.S. citizen parent(s) must fill out an affidavit of physical presence.

A Note on Social Security

If not applying for Social Security at the initial CRBA appointment, one must apply separately at a later date or from within the U.S. See here for more information.     

The passport and CRBA will be delivered by Israel Post.

See here for more information on delivery and tracking passports. 

Passport Renewal

Children Under Age 16

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment 

The US Embassy requires you to open an account on their online portal in order to access their services, such as booking appointments

Click here to access the US Citizen Service Portal.

If you do not yet have an account, register and create a new profile, here.

Once one already has an account, log in to schedule an appointment. The correct service to select is “DS11 – interview required”. 

Choose Israel from the drop down list (page 2 of list) and enter any additional required details.

Select the option of booking an appointment. Enter the applicant’s details if required.

Choose the appointment location (Jerusalem or Tel Aviv) and service (DS11 – interview required).

Click on “select date”, choose a date and time from the calendar and submit. You will receive email confirmation. If there are “no slots available”, try again later. 

For information on canceling or rescheduling appointments, click here.

Step 2: At The Appointment

Be sure to arrive on time; if one arrives more than 15 minutes late, they will be asked to reschedule.  Given security screening, waiting and processing times, prepare for the appointment to take approximately two hours.

Baby carriages are not permitted inside the Embassy or Consulate.

• In Jerusalem, there is an outdoor area to leave them.
• In Tel Aviv, they may not be left unattended outside.

Large backpacks, cell phones, and other electronics are also prohibited.

• In Jerusalem, phones must be handed to security and will be held until the appointment is complete.  Security will generally not store electronics other than phones.
• In Tel Aviv, items (including strollers) must be left in your car or a rented locker in a store across the street.

Who Should Come

Both parents – American or not – must be present, or provide notarized consent of the passport’s issuance along with the original photo ID used for the notarization.

The child must be present.

What to Bring

1. A printed copy of the appointment confirmation email
2. Child’s most recent U.S. passport, plus a copy
3. Child’s original birth certificate plus a copy (If the child was born in Israel, this refers to the original birth certificate issued by Misrad Hapnim)
4. Child’s original Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) plus a copy
5. Proof of ID for both parents, such as a passport, valid driver’s license, or teudat zehut, plus a copy of each 
6. Documentation of any name changes (e.g. a marriage certificate) if the child’s or parent’s name does not match the birth certificate
7. One updated photo of the child on a white background. When having the picture taken, specify that it is for an American passport. Photo must be 2×2 inches and the height of the head must be between 1-1 3/8 inch.  
8. Form DS-11, completed online only (handwritten forms are no longer accepted), printed and not signed
   • If the child does not have a Social Security number, enter zeros in that field and submit an original signed and dated statement that the child has not been issued a Social Security number.  
9. Israel Post is responsible for delivering documents on behalf of the U.S. Embassy. Click here to arrange and pay for a pre-paid postage label from the Doar. Print this out and bring to your appointment.
10. Receipt of payment of passport fee of $135

Click here to pay the passport fee online.

The passport will be delivered to your home address.

For delivery and tracking, click here.

First Passport Over Age 16

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment 

Click here to access the US Citizen Service Portal.

If you do not yet have an account, register and create a new profile here.

Once an account is set up, log in and schedule an appointment. The correct service needed is “DS11 – interview required“. 

Choose Israel from the drop down list (page 2 of list) and enter any additional required details.

Select the option of booking an appointment. Enter the applicant’s details if required.

Choose the appointment location (Jerusalem or Tel Aviv) and service (DS11 – interview required).

Click “Select Date”, choose a date and time from the calendar and submit. An email confirmation will be sent to the email provided.

Click here for instructions on canceling or rescheduling appointments. 

Step 2: At The Appointment

Be sure to arrive on time; arrivals more than 15 minutes late will be asked to reschedule. Given security screening, waiting and processing times, prepare for the appointment to take approximately two hours.

Baby carriages are not permitted inside the Embassy or Consulate.

• In Jerusalem, there is an outdoor area to leave them.
• In Tel Aviv, they may not be left unattended outside.

Large backpacks, cell phones, and other electronics are also prohibited.

• In Jerusalem, phones must be handed to security and will be held until the appointment is complete.  Security will generally not store electronics other than phones.
• In Tel Aviv, items (including strollers) must be left in your car or a rented locker in a store across the street.

Who Should Come

The applicant must attend.

For applicants aged 16–18: One parent must accompany them or send along written consent and a copy of the parent’s photo ID.

For applicants aged 18+:  Parents will not be allowed in.

What to Bring

1. Printed copy of the appointment confirmation email
2. Applicant’s most recent U.S. passport, + 1 copy

If never issued a passport or the passport expired more than 3 years ago, also bring:

• Proof of U.S citizenship – Consular Report of Birth Abroad, U.S. birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship or expired US passport when relevant. 
• Proof of identity – Valid foreign passport, driver’s license or teudat zehut 

3. Form DS-11, completed online only (handwritten forms are no longer accepted), printed and not signed

4. One recent passport photo on a white background. When having the picture taken, specify that it is for an American passport. Photo must be 2×2 inches and the height of the head must be between 1-1 3/8 inch.  

5. Israel Post is responsible for delivering documents on behalf of the U.S. Embassy. Click here to arrange and pay for a pre-paid postage label from the Doar. Print this out and bring to your appointment.
6. Receipt of payment for passport fee of $165  

Click here to pay the passport fee online.

The passport will be delivered by Israel Post to your home address.

Click here for delivery and tracking information.

Adult Passport Renewal

If one’s current passport was issued when s/he was over 16 years old and within the last 15 years, it must be renewed by mail or via the drop box (located outside the Jerusalem Embassy). 

If one does not meet these requirements, follow the steps above for a “first passport over age 16”. 

An appointment is required to submit passport renewals via the drop box in Jerusalem only. Please see here for details on booking an appointment. When booking, select: “DS-82 or DS-5504 Passport Application”.

Prepare the following documents in one envelope:

1. Completed form DS-82, completed online only, printed and signed (handwritten forms are no longer accepted)

2. Current U.S. passport + photocopy (do not shrink or enlarge)

3. One current U.S. passport photo

4. If there has been a name change, include documented proof (i.e., an original marriage license or three other legal proofs of name change (e.g., school records, property deeds, driver’s license, teudat zehut, medical card, insurance records).
5. Israel Post is responsible for delivering documents on behalf of the U.S. Embassy. Click here to arrange and pay for a pre-paid postage label from the Doar. This should be printed and submitted along with your other documents.
6. Receipt of payment for passport renewal of $130 – the U.S embassy only accepts online payments for adult U.S. passport book renewal applications. Pay online via pay.gov. Print and include the payment confirmation page with your renewal application. Keep a copy for your records.
7. When using the drop box, bring along printed confirmation of your appointment.

 There are 2 options for submitting the application:

1. By Mail – Place all items in an envelope addressed to either the Jerusalem Embassy or Tel Aviv Branch Office. Bring it to any Doar Yisroel/Israel location. Ask to send it to the U.S Embassy (specify Jerusalem or Tel Aviv) via overnight registered mail (Doar Shlichim). Save your tracking number. 
2. At the Embassy
   • Jerusalem – An in-person appointment is required (choose appointment type: DS-82/DS-5504).
   • Tel Aviv – no appointment required, one can leave it in the drop box near the security outside.

The new and old, invalidated passport will be returned via Israel Post.

Click here for more information on delivery and tracking. 

Mailing Addresses

• American Citizen Services, U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, P.O. Box 290, Jerusalem 9100201
• American Citizen Services – Passports, U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv, 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 6343229

Scheduling, Canceling or Rescheduling Appointments

Scheduling 

The US Embassy requires you to open an account on their online portal in order to access their services, such as booking appointments.

Click here to access the US Citizen Service Portal.

If you do not yet have an account, register and create a new profile, here.

Once one already has an account, log in to schedule an appointment.

Choose Israel from the drop down list (page 2 of list) and enter any additional required details.

Select the option of booking an appointment. Enter the applicant’s details if required.

Choose the appointment location (Jerusalem or Tel Aviv) and service required.

Israel Post is responsible for delivering documents on behalf of the U.S. Embassy. Click here to arrange and pay for a pre-paid postage label from the Doar. Print this out and bring to your appointment, or send along with your mail-in application.

Click on “select date”, choose a date and time from the calendar and submit. An email confirmation will be sent to the email provided.

With the new online system, it is also possible to cancel or reschedule one’s appointment.

Canceling

An appointment can be canceled by logging in to one’s account, selecting the appointment(s) and then choosing “cancel”.  If one cannot attend their appointment they must cancel in advance. Failure to show up may result in being denied future appointments.

Rescheduling 

One can also reschedule an appointment by logging into one’s account, selecting the appointment, choosing “reschedule” and then selecting a new date and time from the calendar.

Delivery and Tracking 

To track your package, please visit https://doar.israelpost.co.il/deliverytracking or call 076-8870580/81.

Emergency Passport

When to Come

Both the Jerusalem Embassy and Tel Aviv Branch Office offer walk-in service Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.  

This service is available for first-time applicants and those who are not eligible to renew their passport by mail (e.g., children or those whose passport was issued more than 15 years ago). 

Applicants must arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 am.  Passports issued at these appointments will be valid for one year only. The passport should be ready for pick up between 2:00 – 2:30 pm.

At this time, it is not possible to book an appointment for an emergency passport.

However, if one already has a scheduled appointment, they may request an emergency passport at that time. 

If one has already applied for a full-validity passport but has not received notification that the passport has arrived, one may apply for an emergency passport via a walk-in. Resubmit all required documentation, including the form and photos.

What To Bring

Emergency passport applications require the same documentation as regular passport applications (see here).  They are also the same price. 

If applying for an emergency passport as a first-time passport, include a completed Affidavit of Physical Presence (DS-5507). 

Exchanging an Emergency Passport

An emergency (limited validity) passport can be exchanged for a full-validity passport free of charge within one year of issuance, either by mail or by drop box at the entrance to the Embassy.

An appointment is required to submit passport renewals via the drop box in Jerusalem only. Please see here for details on booking an appointment. When booking, select: “DS-82 or DS-5504 Passport Application”.

If twelve months have passed since date of issuance, a new application must be submitted in person, as outlined here.

If the emergency passport was issued to a child who does not yet have a CRBA and Social Security number, do one of the following:

1. Apply for a CRBA and Full-Validity Passport: Book a CRBA appointment. Submit the DS5504 form (completed online only, printed and signed), the emergency passport itself plus a photocopy and an updated passport photo.
2. Exchange the emergency passport by mail (as detailed below) – With this option, one must book a CRBA appointment at a later date.

To exchange an emergency passport with a full-validity one, prepare the following documents in one envelope:

1. The applicant’s emergency passport plus a photocopy (do not shrink or enlarge)

2. A new passport photo

3. Form DS-5504, completed online only, printed and signed (handwritten forms are no longer accepted)

If the applicant is under age 16, one parent must sign the form on their behalf. 

4. Israel Post is responsible for delivering documents on behalf of the U.S. Embassy. Click here to arrange and pay for a pre-paid postage label from the Doar. This should be printed and submitted along with your other documents.
5. If the applicant does not have a Social Security number (common for babies), include this signed and dated statement that they were  not yet issued a Social Security number.
6. When using the drop box, bring along printed confirmation of your appointment.

There are 2 options for submitting the application:

1. By Mail: Mail all of the above to the Jerusalem Embassy or Tel Aviv Branch Office via Doar Yisroel/Israel post. Ask to send via overnight registered mail (Doar Shlichim). Save the tracking number. 
2. At the Embassy:
   • Jerusalem – An in-person appointment is required (choose appointment type: DS-82/DS-5504).
   • Tel Aviv – no appointment required, one can leave it in the drop box near the security outside.

See here for more information on delivery and tracking. 

Contact Information 

See here for the website of American Citizen Services in Israel. 

To contact the U.S embassy with any citizenship or passport related questions, email jerusalemacs@state.gov or telavivacs@state.gov. 

The Embassy in Jerusalem is located at 14 David Flusser Street. 

Mailing Addresses

• American Citizen Services, U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, P.O. Box 290, Jerusalem 9100201
• American Citizen Services – Passports, U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv, 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 6343229

Social Security

Applicants under Age 12

The application can be submitted either in-person or by mail, either in Israel or in the US.

In Person in Israel:

When applying for a CRBA and first-time passport, applicants can also apply for a Social Security number by submitting form SS-5-FS (see CRBA guide for more details).

Processing time for Social Security applications, when applied for within Israel is approximately 4 – 12 months.

Currently the Embassy is not offering separate Social Security appointments. Therefore this is your opportunity to apply in-person and not be required to submit original documents at a later time.

In Person in the US:

Processing time for Social Security applications, when applied for in person, is approximately 2 – 4 weeks.

To apply for a new Social Security number in the US, see this link to schedule an appointment. You will be required to create or login to a login.gov portal. See here for required documents. 

By Mail in Israel:

Processing time for Social Security applications when applied for by mail within Israel is approximately 4-12 months.

To apply by mail within Israel the following documents should be prepared:

1. Application form SS5-FS. (include U.S. mailing address in section 16)
2. Proof of citizenship –  signed US passport or CRBA of child
3. Proof of age – CRBA (foreign birth certificate might be accepted)
4. Proof of ID for parent and child
   • For child: signed passport (US or foreign)
   • For parent: signed passport or valid driver’s license
5.  The original documents will be returned via Israel post.  Click here to arrange and pay for a pre-paid postage label from the Doar. This should be printed and submitted along with your other documents. The Social Security Card will be delivered for free to the address on your application form. 

Mail the application with registered mail, Doar Shlichim, to :

Save your tracking number. 

By Mail in the US:

Processing time for Social Security applications, when mailed within the US, is approximately 2 – 4 weeks. 

The requirements can differ from branch to branch. Please see  here or contact the Social Security branch directly before mailing in the application. 

The following documents are generally required and can be mailed with FedEx from within the US:

1. Application form SS5-FS (include U.S. mailing address in section 16)
2. Proof of citizenship – signed US passport or CRBA of child
3. Proof of age – CRBA (foreign birth certificate might be accepted)
4. Proof of ID –
   • For child: signed passport (US or foreign)
   • For parent: signed passport or valid driver’s license

If the child does not have a passport: Send a letter from a US doctor (or school when relevant) on official stationary, with the child’s name, date of birth, and names and details of parents. Include the child’s CRBA to prove citizenship.  

Mail to the nearest Social Security Administration. Find the address of your local branch here. Clarify with the branch first if they accept mail-in applications as some branches (ie. Monsey) do not!

Applicants Ages 12-18

Applicants over age 12 must apply in person with one parent at the Social Security Administration.

If you would like to apply in Israel, request an appointment by emailing FBU.Jerusalem@ssa.gov. As it is extremely difficult to receive an appointment, include a scan of your child’s passport, CRBA and proof of your child’s residency in Israel. 

At the appointment, submit the following original documents plus a copy of each: 

1. Proof of citizenship – signed US passport or CRBA of child
2. Proof of age – CRBA (foreign birth certificate may be accepted)
3. Proof of ID of child: signed passport (US or foreign)
4. If a parent signs the application: parent’s ID (U.S. or foreign unexpired and signed passport, driver’s license; or photo ID card)

Replace or Amend Social Security Card

If you would like to apply for a Social Security number in the US, see this link to schedule an appointment. You will be required to create or login to a login.gov portal. See here for required documents. 

To replace or amend a social security card within Israel, email FBU.Jerusalem@ssa.gov for information. To do the process in the United States, see here.

Learn more about Social Security in Israel here.