Guides · Mexico · Birth certificate
USCIS asks for a photocopy of your birth certificate, issued by the Civil Registry and naming at least one of your parents, plus a complete English translation with the translator's certification. The single-format acta (the green one) works, and so does the one you print from the internet on plain paper.
Updated October 26, 2026 · Sources · General information, not legal advice
The State Department's country-by-country document list (the Reciprocity Schedule) names the acta de nacimiento from the Civil Registry. Since 2016 Mexico has used a single green format, and actas in earlier formats are still valid.
The Form I-485 instructions point to that same list to find out how to get each country's birth certificate, and say USCIS only accepts a birth certificate that lists at least one parent.
The certificado de nacido vivo (proof of live birth) the hospital issues does not replace the acta; the State Department says so explicitly.
Online: at gob.mx/actas, which now leads to Mexico's National Civil Registry Platform. You need a Llave MX account, your CURP or the acta's details, and to pay online; the fee depends on the state (59 to 254 pesos). You get an official digital copy with no expiration date.
The State Department recognizes actas printed at home on plain white paper: they carry a QR code and an electronic identifier for online verification. The Mexican government says they have the same legal validity as copies on security paper.
In person: at Civil Registry offices or kiosks, even outside the place you were registered, if your acta is already in the system.
To verify it: use the Civil Registry's verification system with the electronic identifier or the verification code.
These are the labels of the single format, as shown in SEGOB's official guide. The parentage rows don't say "Father" or "Mother": they are two identical rows. Copy names, numbers and dates exactly as they appear.
| On the document | In English | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Estados Unidos Mexicanos | United Mexican States | Heading. |
| Acta de Nacimiento | Birth Certificate | |
| Identificador Electrónico | Electronic Identifier | Number that identifies each copy; used to verify it. |
| Folio de Impresión | Print Folio No. | Control number of the printed sheet. |
| Clave Única de Registro de Población (CURP) | Unique Population Registry Code (CURP) | Keep the acronym CURP. |
| Número de Certificado de Nacimiento | Birth Certificate Number | |
| Entidad de Registro | State of Registration | State where the acta was recorded. |
| Municipio de Registro | Municipality of Registration | |
| Oficialía | Civil Registry Office No. | |
| Fecha de Registro | Date of Registration | |
| Libro | Book | |
| Número de Acta | Record No. | |
| Datos de la Persona Registrada | Information on the Registered Person | |
| Nombre(s) | Given Name(s) | Names are not translated: Juan stays Juan. |
| Primer Apellido / Segundo Apellido | First Surname / Second Surname | Don't drop the second surname. |
| Sexo | Sex | |
| Fecha de Nacimiento | Date of Birth | |
| Lugar de Nacimiento | Place of Birth | |
| Datos de Filiación de la Persona Registrada | Parentage Information of the Registered Person | The parents' details. |
| Nacionalidad | Nationality | |
| Anotaciones Marginales | Marginal Notes | Changes made to the original record. Translate them in full. |
| Certificación | Certification | Legal basis and issue date of the copy. |
| Firma Electrónica Avanzada | Advanced Electronic Signature | |
| Código de Verificación | Verification Code | |
| Código QR | [QR code] | Shown in brackets. |
| Director General de Registro Civil | Director General of the Civil Registry | The signer's title varies by state. |
Also translate everything that isn't on this list: seals, signatures, codes, handwritten notes and margin notes. Describe anything without words in brackets, for example [seal] or [signature].
Yes. The State Department lists actas from gob.mx/actas printed on plain white paper as a valid way to get certified copies, with a QR code and electronic identifier. The Mexican government says they have the same legal validity as copies on security paper.
Yes. The State Department says actas in earlier formats remain valid.
The Form I-130 and I-485 instructions ask for a legible photocopy and a complete English translation certified by the translator, and don't mention an apostille. USCIS can ask for the original at any time. Other foreign authorities may ask for one.
No, unless they ask for it. The instructions call for legible photocopies; if you send originals that weren't requested, USCIS may destroy them. The complete certified translation goes with the copy.
According to the Mexican government, the acta de nacimiento has no expiration date, though some procedures ask for a recent issue date. The I-485 instructions on birth certificates set no minimum issue date.
