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What is DS-5507 Affidavit of Physical Presence or Residence, Parentage, and Support?

Form DS-5507 is an Affidavit parents use to help prove a child’s right to U.S. citizenship or nationality when born abroad. The document records details about a parent’s physical presence, residence history, parentage, and financial support, all essential for confirming a child’s eligibility.

It’s most often required when a child is born outside the United States to U.S. citizen or national parents. Submitting this affidavit helps establish the legal connection between a parent and child, strengthening claims to U.S. nationality or citizenship.

If your child is born overseas, you should report the birth quickly at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. There, parents may apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, the official document recognizing a child’s U.S. citizenship or nationality.

DS-5507 Affidavit often supports the CRBA process, serving as sworn evidence that protects and confirms the child’s citizenship rights abroad.

What is a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)?

A Consular Report of Birth Abroad is an official document proving a child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth outside the United States. Parents can apply for a CRBA at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if at least one parent is a U.S. citizen. The CRBA is issued only to children under 18 who gained U.S. citizenship or nationality at birth through eligible parents.

Key facts about a CRBA:

• Confirms a child was a U.S. citizen at birth when born in a foreign country.

• Lists parents with a genetic or gestational connection to the child.

• Requires the U.S. citizen parent’s name, while allowing inclusion of the non-citizen parent with approval.

• Serves as proof of nationality, but not a birth certificate or evidence of custody rights.

Who Needs to File a DS-5507 Affidavit?

DS-5507 Affidavit is required in specific cases where parents or individuals must prove a child’s eligibility for U.S. citizenship abroad.

Those who may need to file include:

• Parents of a child born abroad to U.S. citizens who must document the child’s claim to citizenship.

• Individuals applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, where DS-5507 often supports the application.

• U.S. citizens born outside the United States who need official documentation confirming their citizenship status.

When Do You Need To Complete a DS-5507 Affidavit?

DS-5507 Affidavit is required in certain situations when proving or supporting a child’s U.S. citizenship or nationality claim abroad.

You may need to complete DS-5507 Affidavit in the following scenarios:

• When a U.S. citizen parent is absent during the Consular Report of Birth Abroad application, to record their physical presence in the United States.

• When only one parent is a U.S. citizen, and additional documentation is required to prove citizenship eligibility for the child.

• When a child is born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen father, to acknowledge paternity and agree to financial support.

What Is Considered Physical Presence?

Physical presence is the actual time an individual spends inside the United States during the required statutory period before filing for citizenship. It differs from continuous residence, but both requirements must be met separately when establishing a child’s U.S. nationality or citizenship.

What Counts as Physical Presence in the US?

Physical presence means the days physically spent in the United States, excluding any travel abroad, even short vacations or temporary trips. Parents should be ready to provide documentation proving this time, since it supports a child’s eligibility for U.S. citizenship.

How to Prove Physical Presence in the United States?

Several documents can help demonstrate physical presence within the United States, including:

• Military records showing service performed in the U.S.

• School transcripts verifying education at U.S. institutions.

• Tax filings or W-2s documenting income earned in the United States.

• Valid U.S. passport or driver’s license as government-issued proof.

• Lease agreements or utility bills confirming U.S. residence.

• Pay stubs from U.S. employers verifying employment inside the country.

Information to Include When Completing DS-5507 Affidavit

When completing DS-5507 Affidavit, you must provide details about parents, children, and supporting information. The form is divided into the following three parts:

Part I – Parent and Child Information

The U.S. citizen or non-citizen U.S. national parent (the affiant) must provide:

• Full name and marital status.

• Citizenship or nationality status.

• Child’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth.

• Parent’s physical presence or residence history in the United States.

• Parent’s physical presence or residence abroad.

• Other biological parent’s name, citizenship status, and U.S. residence details.

Part II – Acknowledgment of Paternity

• Required only if the child was born out of wedlock and claims U.S. citizenship through the father.

• The U.S. citizen father must sign, acknowledging paternity and agreeing to support the child.

Part III – Signature and Contact Information

• Parent must sign the Affidavit, providing a complete street address and telephone number.

• This section must be signed under oath before a Consular Officer, Passport Specialist, or Acceptance Agent.

• Additional evidence may be requested to confirm biological relationship or physical presence in the United States.

Does DS-5507 Affidavit Need to be Notarized?

You’re required to have a DS-5507 Affidavit notarized. Notarization involves signing the Affidavit in front of an authorized official, such as a notary public.

During notarization, you swear or affirm that the information provided is true and accurate. The notary verifies your identity and confirms you are the legal parent or guardian completing the Affidavit.

Notarizing a DS-5507 Affidavit is mandatory because it:

• Prevents fraud by ensuring the signature belongs to the correct parent.

• Protects against disputes by confirming paternity, parentage, and financial support obligations.

• Validates citizenship claims by strengthening the child’s eligibility for U.S. nationality.

With us, you can notarize your DS-5507 Affidavit online in just 7 minutes, from wherever you are. To learn more, see our step-by-step guide on preparing for an online notary appointment.

Draft Your DS-5507 Affidavit Today

DS-5507 Affidavit is required when proving a child’s U.S. citizenship or nationality through parentage, residence, and physical presence abroad. This Affidavit provides sworn, notarized evidence that supports your child’s eligibility for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or citizenship documentation.

Your DS-5507 Affidavit must be notarized to verify your identity, confirm accuracy, and safeguard against fraud or parentage disputes.

Ready to complete your child’s citizenship application? Book an online notary appointment with us today and notarize your DS-5507 Affidavit in minutes, anywhere.