📄 Step 1: Birth Certificate (Vital Records Office)
Timeframe: 3–4 weeks after birth
Once the hospital submits the registration to the county or state’s Vital Records Office, the official birth certificate can be issued.
Families can usually:
- Request by mail or in person
- Order multiple certified copies (recommended 3–4 copies)
Average processing time:
- Walk-in: 2–5 business days
- Mail-in: 3–6 weeks
🧾 Step 2: Social Security Number (SSN)
Timeframe: 1–2 weeks after birth
If requested during hospital registration, the SSN card is automatically mailed to your home address by the Social Security Administration.
If not applied at the hospital, you can apply directly at a local SSA office with:
- Birth certificate
- Parent’s ID and presence (for verification)
Average processing time: 2–4 weeks
🧳 Step 3: U.S. Passport Application
Timeframe: After receiving birth certificate & SSN
Both parents (and the baby) must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office or county office).
Documents required:
- DS-11 application form
- Baby’s birth certificate (original + copy)
- Parents’ passports or valid IDs
- Baby’s passport photo (2x2 inch, recent)
- Passport fee (check or money order)
- Processing time:
- Routine: 6–8 weeks
- Expedited: 2–3 weeks
🌍 Step 4: China Travel Document (for Chinese parents)
Timeframe: After obtaining the U.S. passport
You can apply at the Chinese Consulate that covers your baby’s birth state (e.g., Los Angeles, New York, Chicago).
Required items typically include:
- Baby’s U.S. passport
- U.S. birth certificate (with Apostille if required)
- Parents’ Chinese passports and IDs
- Hospital documents and photos
Processing time: 10–15 business days (varies by consulate)
🪄 Step 5: Apostille & Notarization (If Needed)
Timeframe: 1–2 weeks
Some countries or institutions require U.S. documents to have an Apostille or Secretary of State authentication for legal use overseas.
Common Apostilled documents:
- Birth certificate
- DNA report (if applicable)
- Power of Attorney or court orders
Tip: MAR can help families coordinate Apostille submissions to save time and avoid mailing errors.
✈️
Step 6: Travel Preparation & Return Planning
Timeframe: Once all documents are ready
Now that your baby has the:
✅ Birth Certificate
✅ SSN
✅ U.S. Passport
✅ China Travel Document
✅ Apostille (if needed)
You can book your return flights and prepare for departure.
It’s recommended to allow 1–2 weeks of buffer time in case any document delays occur.
🕓 Total Estimated Timeline: 6–10 weeks (average)
Families who plan ahead and start document preparation early can often complete the process faster.
🤍 Gentle Tip from MiraBaby Resolution
While each state and consulate may differ slightly in timeline and requirements, the key is to start early, keep every document scanned and organized, and communicate clearly with your case coordinator.
At MiraBaby Resolution, we help families track every stage — from hospital paperwork to international documentation — ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience for both parents and baby.