The process of giving birth in the U.S. is not complete when delivery ends—the most important part comes after the baby is born: applying for all required documents. The Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, Social Security Number (SSN), and documents needed to return to Taiwan must all be completed within the limited stay period. Below is a clear five-step checklist to help new parents easily complete all U.S. newborn document applications! 

Step 1: Apply for the Birth Certificat

Timeline: Within 1–2 weeks after birth
Responsible Office: Local county/city Vital Records Office

Process:

1. When the mother is admitted to the hospital, she will receive a Birth Worksheet
    
2. Parents fill in basic information, baby’s name, birth date, and place of birth
    
3. The hospital submits the form to the Vital Records Office
    
4. The official Birth Certificate can be requested online or by mail after approx. 7–14 days (approx. USD 32 per copy)
    

Tip:
It is recommended to apply for 2–3 extra copies for passport application and Taiwan return procedures. JDB maternity care center can help verify the doctor’s signature, birthplace information, and parent details to avoid rejection during Taiwan documentation. 

Step 2: Apply for Social Security Number (SSN)

Timeline: May be applied together with the Birth Certificate or separately
Responsible Office: Social Security Administration (SSA)

Process:

1. Some hospitals assist in applying directly; otherwise, parents visit the SSA office after receiving the Birth Certificate
    
2. Required documents:
    
   • Original Birth Certificate
      
   • Parents’ passports or identity documents
      
   • Completed SS-5 application form
      

Processing Time: 2–4 weeks
The SSN card is mailed to the U.S. residential address—make sure mail can be safely received.

JDB helps track SSN delivery progress, ensuring the document arrives at the maternity care center on time.

Step 3: Apply for the U.S. Passport

Timeline: Recommended within 2–4 weeks after birth
Responsible Office: U.S. Department of State

Process:

1. Make an appointment at the local post office or Passport Acceptance Facility
    
2. Prepare the following:
    
   • Original Birth Certificate
      
   • Parents’ passports (proof of legal identity in the U.S.)
      
   • DS-11 passport application form (signature for the baby completed by the parents)
      
   • Passport photo (2×2 inch white background)
      
3. Processing Time:
    
   • Regular: approx. 2–3 weeks
      
   • Expedited: approx. 2–3 days
      
   • (JDB can assist with 1-business-day urgent processing)
      

Recommendation:
If returning to Taiwan soon, choose expedited service. JDB provides full document assistance, including notarization and translation. If parents cannot be present, JDB helps process notarized Form D3053.

Step 4: Apply for Travel Consent Letters and Notarized Documents

If one parent is not traveling back to Taiwan with the baby, prepare:

1. Travel Consent Letter
    
2. Notarized authorization documents
    

These documents help with customs inspection and prevent delays during entry or exit. JDB maternity care center is familiar with notarization procedures in each state and can help arrange document authentication and translation.

Step 5: Final Document Checklist Before Returning to Taiwan

Before boarding your flight back home, make sure you have:

1. U.S. passport (original)
    
2. Birth Certificate (original + 2–3 certified copies)
    
3. SSN Card
    
4. Yellow vaccination record card
    
5. Hospital discharge summary & health check report
    
6. Authentication from TECO (Taipei Economic and Cultural Office), if required
    
   • Surrogacy babies may also need additional state authentication
      

JDB maternity care center can help verify document completeness before departure and provide guidance for household registration and NHI application in Taiwan. 

Common Questions About U.S.-Born Babies

Q1: How long does it take to receive the Birth Certificate?

Usually 1–2 weeks, but some states may require over 3 weeks. Progress can be checked online. JDB proactively tracks the application and resolves delays by contacting the responsible offices.

Q2: Will the baby’s return to Taiwan be affected if SSN has not arrived?

No. SSN is not required for travel. It is mainly used for taxation and future medical records.
However, it is still recommended to apply, as SSN is necessary for future U.S. schooling, work, or credit applications. If SSN arrives after the baby has returned to Taiwan, JDB may receive and forward it.

Q3: What must be done after returning to Taiwan?

Parents must complete the following:

1. Apply for a residence certificate within 90 days after the baby enters Taiwan
    
2. Complete household registration within 30 days after obtaining the residence certificate
    
3. Apply for National Health Insurance 6 months after completing household registration
    

Q4: Can the maternity care center help with document processing?

Yes. Most U.S. maternity care centers assist with document guidance and processing.
JDB provides one-stop services including:

• Birth Certificate application and tracking
   
• SSN application and mail handling
   
• U.S. passport application (including urgent processing)
   
• Notarization & translation
   
• TECO authentication
   

JDB’s professional team is familiar with state procedures and ensures fast submission and progress tracking, letting parents focus on postpartum recovery and baby care. 

JDB Helps You Bring Your Baby Home With Peace of Mind

From birth to returning to Taiwan, every document plays a crucial role in medical care, identity, and nationality registration. Parents are encouraged to understand the process early, prepare documents in advance, and maintain communication with the maternity care center to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

With years of experience, JDB maternity care center has helped countless families complete all newborn documentation—from hospital delivery and document processing to departure preparation—providing full professional support so every family can confidently welcome their new baby.