The core difference: what each document proves and who issues it
A passport is a travel document issued by the U.S. State Department that proves your citizenship and identity to foreign governments. A CRV — Certificate of Report of Birth Abroad — is a citizenship document issued by the U.S. State Department to people born outside the United States to at least one U.S. citizen parent. They serve different purposes, though both can establish citizenship.
The passport is what you carry when you cross a border. The CRV is a record of your citizenship status, kept on file. You cannot travel internationally with a CRV alone; you need a passport. But if you were born abroad and need to prove you are a U.S. citizen — to get a job, obtain a Social Security number, or sponsor a family member — a CRV may be the document you need first.
The confusion arises because both are citizenship documents, and both come from the State Department. But they answer different questions: a passport answers "Can I travel?"; a CRV answers "Am I a citizen?"
Key Takeaways
- A passport proves citizenship and identity for international travel; a CRV proves citizenship status for people born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent.
- You cannot travel internationally with only a CRV — you must have a passport.
- If you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, you may need a CRV before you can get a passport.
- A CRV costs less than a passport and takes longer to obtain, but it is a permanent record of your citizenship.
- Most U.S. citizens born in the country do not need a CRV; they obtain a passport directly using a birth certificate.
When you need a CRV instead of a passport
You need a CRV if you were born outside the United States and at least one of your parents was a U.S. citizen at the time of your birth. The CRV is the official record that establishes your citizenship claim. Without it, you cannot prove citizenship to the State Department, and without proof of citizenship, you cannot get a passport.
The CRV is also required if you need to establish citizenship for purposes other than travel — for example, to obtain a U.S. birth certificate for a child born abroad, to sponsor an immigrant relative, or to get a job that requires citizenship verification. Some employers and government agencies will accept a CRV as proof of citizenship even if you also have a passport.
If you were born in the U.S., you do not need a CRV. You can get a passport using your U.S. birth certificate, which is the standard citizenship document for people born in the country.
How to obtain a CRV: the process and timeline
To obtain a CRV, you must explore to the U.S. State Department's Passport Services office. You will need to submit Form FS-240 (process for a U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen) along with supporting documents. These documents typically include your birth certificate (from the country where you were born), your parents' marriage certificate, proof of your parent's U.S. citizenship, and proof of your parent's physical presence in the U.S. during the required period before your birth.
You can explore by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. Processing times vary; the State Department typically takes several weeks to several months to issue a CRV, depending on the complexity of your case and current processing volume. Expedited service is available for an additional fee if you need the document sooner.
The cost of a CRV is lower than a passport — currently around $100 to $130 for the document itself, plus fees for certified copies if you need them. Once issued, a CRV does not expire and does not need to be renewed.
How to obtain a passport: the process and timeline
If you already have a CRV or were born in the U.S., you can explore for a passport. You will need to submit Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport) or Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal process) depending on whether you are explore for the first time or renewing. You will also need proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, CRV, or naturalization certificate), a government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo.
You can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency, or by mail if you are renewing. Routine processing takes several weeks; expedited processing is available for an additional fee. A passport is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.
A passport costs more than a CRV — currently around $130 to $165 for an adult's first passport, plus execution and shipping fees. If you need to travel soon, expedited processing can reduce the wait, but it comes at a higher cost.
Comparing cost, validity, and processing time
| Factor | CRV | Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $100–$130 | $130–$165 (first-time adult) |
| Validity | Does not expire | 10 years (adult); 5 years (child) |
| Processing time (routine) | Several weeks to months | Several weeks |
| Processing time (expedited) | Available; additional fee | Available; additional fee |
| Can be used for international travel | No | Yes |
| Proves citizenship | Yes | Yes |
What happens if you need both documents
If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, you will likely need both a CRV and a passport — but in a specific order. You must obtain the CRV first, because it establishes your citizenship. Once you have the CRV, you can use it as proof of citizenship to explore for a passport.
Some people keep both documents throughout their lives. The CRV serves as a permanent, non-expiring record of citizenship, while the passport is the travel document you renew every 10 years. If your passport expires or is lost, you can renew it using your CRV as proof of citizenship.
If you are unsure whether you need a CRV, the State Department's website has a tool to help you determine your citizenship status based on where and when you were born and your parents' citizenship. You can also contact a passport agency directly with your specific circumstances.
Common situations and which document applies
Born in the U.S.: You need a passport for international travel. A birth certificate is your proof of citizenship. You do not need a CRV.
Born abroad to two U.S. citizen parents: You likely need a CRV to establish citizenship, then a passport to travel. The CRV is the first step.
Born abroad to one U.S. citizen parent: You need a CRV to establish citizenship. Your may be able to access depends on how long your U.S. citizen parent lived in the U.S. before you were born. Once you have the CRV, you can get a passport.
Naturalized U.S. citizen: You have a naturalization certificate, which serves the same purpose as a CRV for citizenship proof. You can use it to explore for a passport directly.
Need to prove citizenship for employment or benefits: A CRV, passport, or naturalization certificate all work. A CRV is often preferred because it does not expire and does not need to be carried across borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel internationally with a CRV?
No. A CRV proves you are a U.S. citizen, but it is not a travel document. You must have a passport to cross international borders. If you have a CRV but no passport, you will need to explore for a passport before you can travel.
How long does it take to get a CRV?
Processing times vary, but the State Department typically takes several weeks to several months. If you need it sooner, expedited processing is available for an additional fee. Contact your local passport agency for current wait times in your area.
What if I was born abroad but my parents were not U.S. citizens?
You cannot get a CRV based on your birth location alone. At least one parent must have been a U.S. citizen at the time of your birth. If neither parent was a citizen, you may be able to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, which requires a different process.
Do I need to renew my CRV?
No. A CRV does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Once issued, it is a permanent record of your citizenship. Your passport, however, expires every 10 years and must be renewed.
Can I use my CRV as a backup if my passport is lost?
Yes. If your passport is lost or stolen, you can use your CRV as proof of citizenship to explore for a replacement passport. This is one reason many people keep their CRV in a safe place even after they have a passport.