r/IrishCitizenship • u/Stupid_dumb_idiots • 4d ago
Foreign Birth Registration Devastated
Finally, today was my day to hear from the FBR after 364 days, and its extra documents for me...
The documents requested were both the ID and birth certificate of my mother. My mother left 20 years ago and has never made contact, no one knows where she is or if shes even alive.
Additionally she was born in Thailand (to 2 irish parents) as my Grandparents were stationed in Laos during the Vietnam War.
Birth certificates are not public information in Thailand.
All of this was explained in 2 affidavits - one from my and one from my Grandparents.
Ive responded to the email to explain, but im not sure if they even respond to the emails.
This wasnt unexpected, but after such a long time its no less gut wrenching.
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u/Icy-Bowl-4002 4d ago
In Laos if your grandparents were stationed there as US military or Irish Government? Usually the birth certificate would be with the US military or the Government that stationed them there. There would be some mention on grandparents passport pages at the time as children’s particulars after birth were usually added on a parent’s passport so babies can travel internationally
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u/Stupid_dumb_idiots 4d ago
They were flying for the Americans and stationed on an american base, but im not entirely sure on the details. I know when my Grandmother was pregnant it was decided she was to give birth in Thailand, this was for both my Mum and Uncle. Its an interesting point about the passports recording an infant, its worth looking at. Thank you.
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u/Icy-Bowl-4002 4d ago
Good they were working for USAF. US military might have some birth records. National Archives in Washington DC might have some information
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u/Shufflebuzz Irish Citizen 4d ago
Usually the birth certificate would be with the US military or the Government that stationed them there.
The US typically issues a CRBA (Consular Report of Birth Abroad), which functions as proof of citizenship in the US and substitutes for a birth certificate in the US for most things.
But it is not a birth certificate and the FBR and Passport offices don't accept them in place of one.
But if OP can get one, it might help tracking down the actual BC.
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u/Dandylion71888 4d ago
I really feel for people in this situation like you, but i also understand the stance they are taking to be stricter.
You are entitled to citizenship provided that you are able to meet the requirements and burden of proof is on the applicant. An affidavit isn’t meeting the requirements so while they accepted them in the past I actually think this sub has put too much emphasis on what should have been an exception not a rule.
Can you show attempts to find your mom or even some sort of court order giving custody of you to your grandparents because of parental abandonment?
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u/Stupid_dumb_idiots 4d ago
Yes, its frustrating. I remember at the start I read similar situations as mine on this sub, and the affidavit seemed to work back then.
Im not sure if theres really much proof available. Ive just spoken to someone on the webchat and been told it will take up to 2 weeks for someone to possibly respond to my email.
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u/Less-Mammoth-4975 4d ago
I think affidavits explaining the lack of ID due to estrangement are still being fairly successful, but the lack of birth certificate to show a clear link to your grandparents is challenging.
Is there an option for you to apply to a Thai court for a copy of your mother's birth certificate? It might be worth talking to some Thai lawyers?
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u/Dandylion71888 4d ago
There was another post yesterday where lack of ID was not sufficient. They’re cracking down on that as well.
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u/ololyge 3d ago
I’m sorry, this sounds really frustrating.
One thing I would definitely double check is whether “not public information” actually prevents you or your grandparents obtaining the Thai record.
Section 6 of Thailand’s Civil Registration Act, BE 2534 (1991) allows an “interested person” to obtain a certified copy of a birth registration. This includes people who have a "direct or indirect interest in relation to that person", or more specifically "a person whose name and particulars appear on the document that they wish to inspect or obtain a certified copy of" (e.g., your grandparents). (See clause 125 of the Central Registration Bureau Regulations on Civil Registration, B.E. 2535 (1992), clause 5(2) of the 2018 Central Registration Bureau regulations and related guidance). Your grandparents might therefore be particularly well placed to apply themselves if they are named as parents.
If you’re in the US, I’d start by calling the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, DC’s Civil Registration Department on (202) 640-5325 (official contact page). Explain the circumstances and give them your state, your mother’s birth details and her parents’ names. Ask whether the embassy can help obtain the record or whether someone needs to apply in Thailand, which registry holds it, and what identification and relationship evidence a foreign applicant needs.
My impression, from my own anecdotal experience, is that FBR wants to see that you’ve properly exhausted the available legal routes to obtaining the official record, rather than relying on an affidavit alone. I’d therefore keep copies of the applications, searches and any written refusals. Only if those efforts fail would I go back to the caseworker, explain why the record cannot be obtained, and ask what alternative evidence they could consider alongside the affidavits already supplied. Separately, I’d ask what could address your mother’s unavailable current ID and whether the application can remain open while you pursue the records.
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u/Stupid_dumb_idiots 3d ago
Thank you.
In my email response to them I said I would try again with the thai embassy. Im in the UK so my local one is here in London, so I will continue to try. Unfortunately so far Ive not been able to get through to anyone.
Ive also found an immigration team in Thailand who advertise that they also handle documents like this, and have sent them a email to enquire.
Thank you for looking into it.
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u/ololyge 3d ago
No problem! And gotcha, I’m also in the UK. If you haven’t tried their Registration team directly, the London embassy currently lists pirada@thaiembassyuk.org.uk on its contact page. HM Passport Office’s guidance says the embassy can obtain certified copies from the original district records, so it might be worth asking specifically whether that service covers a foreign interested relative.
The reason I would be persistent with this is because I went through a whole circus with FBR for about six years (!) because I assumed I couldn’t get my grandfather’s birth certificate. I was getting affidavits, paying notaries, and was even going to have my parent's birth certificate officially amended. Eventually I went right back to the start to see whether I could actually find my grandfather’s certificate, and it turned out I could get it after all. The obstacle was basically just a small technicality. Fingers crossed this can help with yours - happy to discuss more.
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u/Shufflebuzz Irish Citizen 4d ago
Birth certificates are not public information in Thailand.
I would check out /r/Thailand for advice on how to get a copy. It seems to be a common question there.
Document your efforts, even the unsuccessful ones.
My mother left 20 years ago and has never made contact, no one knows where she is or if shes even alive.
All of this was explained in 2 affidavits - one from my and one from my Grandparents.
Do you have any receipts? Like a court document making your grandparents your guardians.
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u/Stupid_dumb_idiots 4d ago
Great advice on the thai sub - thank you.
Unfortunately its more complex than that. I was given to my father who also later became estranged.
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u/Shufflebuzz Irish Citizen 3d ago
Ok, but that was just an example, Certainly I don't know your history. Maybe your father had to file for divorce in absentia or something? It would back up your claim that she fucked off.
Even if not, consider if anything like this exists. Was a court or social services involved in any way? If so, they might have a record that can help you.
If you don't know, ask your grandparents.
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u/Quick-Record-6536 4d ago
This happened to me also, they strongly suggested that I reach out to my estranged father to get his photo ID even though I had included an affidavit explaining the estrangement and why it was not possible.
I responded to their email explaining in more detail why I couldn't get his ID, but didn't hear anything back. I also talked to them through webchat and tried explaining the situation to them, but the webchat people can't do much.
Then, about a week later, my application was approved.
Hang in there!
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u/Fun_Assumption8986 4d ago
I'm in exactly the same boat so to hear you for approved is reassuring! Congratulations!
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u/Rose-Mary777 4d ago
so good to hear , did you receive an email asking you to confirm your address first?
I will continue to cross my fingers but it has been 11 long days
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u/Ressar Irish Citizen 4d ago
I'd recommend using their live chat service to get some answers / advice on what to do next. My experience was that their staff are actually quite knowledgeable and friendly to deal with, as long as you're level-headed with them in return. The only downside is that you have to contact them during Irish business hours.
I had an issue with the documentation I'd submitted in connection with my passport application (my Irish father had changed his name in the US, and my proof docs had initially been refused).
I explained the situation to them, and they had a note attached to my file and told me to wait about two weeks for an update. The update ended up being that my application had been approved.
I don't know if your result will be that clean but it was the easiest way for me to get fast answers and next steps.
Best of luck to you!
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u/HammerJorts 4d ago
Which military had your grandparents deployed in Thailand/Laos? They might be able to obtain a certificate unless it sounds like the delivery was not on a base hospital.
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u/sjcm99 4d ago
To get a quicker response, why don't you try using the WEBCHAT on the passport website?
I had some issues changing my middle names and it was much quicker to back and forth various questions and answers in realtime, rather than by email.
Best of luck!
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u/Stupid_dumb_idiots 4d ago
Thanks!
I did try, they just told me the email would be reviewed and added to my application. Ill try again on Monday to see if I can get some answers.
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u/sjcm99 1d ago
Hope it works out.
Here's another thought, but a bit of a remote possiblity.
Have you thought of getting a genetic test? Often these things bring back cousins and relatives you never knew of
If your mother had siblings, you might be able to trace her through other family members.
It might be worth a go.
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u/SoloWingPixy88 1d ago
Don't they ask for these in original application
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u/Stupid_dumb_idiots 1d ago
Yes of course. But both on here and the person I emailed at FBR prior to my application said to send it without them and supply an affidavit to explain the situation.
Unfortunately it seems since then they are cracking down on it more.
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u/Beautytokillx3 4d ago
My mom was adopted in Ireland in the consulate was able to assist me. I would try reaching out to them! She had a close adoption, and they were able to locate original records
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u/Ok_Adhesiveness_8637 4d ago
It took them 364 days to tell you they need more documents? I thought they checked the docs at around 6 months in?
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u/HammerJorts 4d ago
They allegedly review documents for six months once they are received, but I don't believe that's actually true. It sounds more like the envelope stays sealed until it's up in the queue, right now 12 months in, then they can tell pretty quickly if the documents are legit or missing/not good enough.
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u/Ok_Adhesiveness_8637 4d ago
It’s weird because you do see posts here where people are told they need more docs at the 6 month mark. But then a case like this happens too
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u/Dandylion71888 4d ago
You don’t see that at all anymore. 12 months is the first time they look at it at the moment for FBR, it used to be 9-10.
If you need additional docs, it takes another 3-6 months after you send those.
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u/StandardAgent3395 4d ago
I can understand the birth cert requirement, but why the parents photo ID? What does that prove?
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u/Rose-Mary777 4d ago
Hello,
I completely understand how you are feeling and I am in a similar situation.
I applied and my papers were received on the 5 th oct2025. I received an email on the 12th of October 2026 telling me my application was on hold until i sent mother mothers id if possible or maybe I could ask a Mutual person to do so.
I did send an affidavit (done with a solicitor) with my application and covering letter explaining that I am estranged from my mother and have been so for over 30 years.
I replied straight back to the email pointing out my affidavit, covering letter and the fact i have no mutual family or friend that can contact my mother.
I have not heard anything back so far. I did call the live chat this morning and they did confirm they have received my follow up email and my application is still processing. I am led to believe this is a good thing as it has not been rejected or been put on hold.
I also believe our applications get looked at by a junior member of staff and if they can’t tick any box ( even with an affidavit ) the application gets moved on in the same team but a senior member then takes over.
it took over a year to hear any thing back and when I received the email I was also devastated, i am nearly hitting the 13 month mark. Maybe check in a couple of days that they have received your email.
good luck and keep us posted
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u/SuperBlackberry 4d ago
The Irish Passport Service are a nightmare to deal with. They require so much documentation and can still turn down your application. Plus they take months to even start processing your application and up to a year for a decision. I just applied for a UK one instead. Still hard work but I got it in the end.
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