Quick Answer
A child born in the United States or Canada to an Iranian parent generally needs to be registered in the Iranian civil registry and obtain a Shenasnameh before a first Iranian passport can be issued. The process involves birth registration with the Iranian consular office, Mikhak registration, and a complete document package. Consent from both parents is commonly required. Requirements can vary based on the parents' marital status, citizenship, and specific circumstances.
Birth Registration Normally Comes First
Before a first Iranian passport can be issued for a child born abroad, the child's birth must typically be registered with the Iranian consular office. This registration creates the child's entry in the Iranian civil registry and results in the issuance of a Shenasnameh (Iranian birth certificate). Attempting to apply for a passport before birth registration is complete will generally delay the process.
Shenasnameh and Code Melli Prerequisites
Once birth registration is complete, the child receives a Shenasnameh and is assigned a Code Melli (Iranian national identification number). Both are required before the passport application can proceed. ICS assists with the complete birth-registration and Shenasnameh process as a starting point.
Documents Commonly Requested from Each Parent
The consular office typically requires documentation from one or both parents. Documents commonly requested include:
- Iranian passport of the Iranian parent or parents
- Shenasnameh of the Iranian parent or parents
- U.S. or Canadian birth certificate of the child, with official translation
- Marriage certificate of the parents, if applicable
- Consent documentation from both parents
Parent-Name and Transliteration Discrepancies
Name discrepancies between Iranian documents and U.S. or Canadian records are common and can complicate the application. ICS identifies these discrepancies during document review and helps you address them before submission.
Photograph Requirements for Children
Iranian consular photograph requirements apply to children of all ages, including infants. The specifications differ from U.S. and Canadian passport photo requirements. ICS provides a photograph specification guide appropriate for the child's age and reviews submitted photos before package preparation.
Mikhak Registration for Minors
A Mikhak portal registration must be completed for the child before the application can be submitted to the Iranian Interests Section. For minors, the parent or legal guardian completes the Mikhak registration on the child's behalf. ICS assists with Mikhak account setup and application completion.
Consent or Guardianship Complications
If both parents are not available, do not agree, or one parent's location or legal status is unknown, the process can become legally complex. These situations may require legal advice or representation under Iranian family law.
What ICS Can Prepare
- Birth-registration document checklist and preparation
- Shenasnameh application support
- Mikhak registration for the child
- Parental document review and organization
- Name-discrepancy identification and documentation advice
- Photograph compliance review
- Complete submission package with mailing instructions
Iranian Legal Advice
Does Your Matter Require Iranian Legal Advice?
ICS can assist with document preparation and consular procedures. If your situation involves inheritance rights, a property dispute, contested family matters, customized legal authority, or representation before an Iranian court or agency, Iranian legal services may be available separately through Salamat Legal.
Salamat Legal engagements are separate from ICS document-preparation services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child automatically have Iranian citizenship if one parent is Iranian?
Iranian citizenship rules are determined by Iranian law. ICS does not provide Iranian-law opinions. If there is uncertainty about a child's citizenship status, a separate Iranian legal consultation may be appropriate. ICS focuses on procedural document preparation once citizenship status is established.
What if the parents are not married?
The consular process for children of unmarried parents can differ from the standard process. Documentation requirements and procedures may vary. ICS reviews your situation and identifies what is likely to be needed, and will flag cases that may require legal guidance.
Can both parents be non-Iranian and still apply for an Iranian passport for the child?
A child's eligibility for an Iranian passport is determined by Iranian citizenship law, which ICS does not interpret or advise on. If there is complexity about the child's citizenship, a legal consultation through Salamat Legal may be appropriate.
How long does birth registration and the first passport take?
The timeline depends on case complexity, consular scheduling availability, and document completeness. Birth registration and passport issuance together can take several months. Preparing an organized, complete package at each stage reduces the risk of preventable delays.
Last reviewed: August 2026