The Department of State issues Hague Adoption Certificates which certify that a U.S. adoption has been completed in accordance with the Convention and the Intercountry Adoption Act.  They entitle the adoption to be recognized in the United States and other Convention countries.  Once the receiving country has the Hague Custody Declaration, it may grant the final adoption and issue the certificate.

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You can apply for a Certificate from the U.S. by completing Form DS-5509 Application for a U.S. Hague Adoption Certificate or Custody Declaration.  Submit the form and all the supporting documents to the Office of Children’s Issues of the Department of State.  You can either submit the forms by e-mail to AdoptionUSCA@state.gov or mail them to the address below.

U.S. Department of State
Office of Children’s Issues, SA-29
Hague Adoption Unit (HAC/HCD)
2100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 4th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20037

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