Iraqi Life Certificate

This section explains the requirements for obtaining a Life Certificate for Iraqi nationals residing in the United States. The Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Washington, DC issues Iraqi Life Certificates for individuals residing in the States that fall under its jurisdiction – Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. For states that fall outside the jurisdiction of the Consular Section in Washington, DC please contact the Consulate that is responsible for your area for instructions and guidelines on how to obtain Iraqi Life Certificates.

Requirements for Obtaining an Iraqi Life Certificate:
  1. Applying at the Consular Section (in-person):
    • The retiree must apply in-person at the Consular Section.
    • Two recent front-view color photographs with white background.
    • Actual, undamaged, valid color copy of Iraqi passport or a color copy of Iraqi Identity Card (Ahwal Madaneeya) and a color copy of Iraqi Nationality Certificate (Shahadat Al Jinseeya).
    • Consular fees of $20 (twenty US Dollars) per document be paid in cash.
  2. Applying via mail:
    • Fully completed Iraqi Life Certificate Form(the application is available in the Arabic language only).


      (Iraqi Life Certificate Form.)

    • Please note that TWO copies of the application are required.
    • Attach two recent identical front-view color photographs with white background (one on each copy of the application).
    • Notarize ONE copy of the application only. notarized by one of an American bank.
    • Applicants are then required to send – via registered mail – both copies of the application along with one certificate that proves that the retiree is of Iraqi origin.
    • An addressed pre-paid return envelope with sufficient postage showing the sender’s name is required – Express, Priority, and FedEx is preferred.
    • Applications must be sent to the Consular Section within the same month from the date the application was notarized.
    • The embassy is not responsible for any loss or damage due to any mishandling by delivery services.
    • Please note that in some instances Notaries do not notarize documents that are not in the English language (in this case the Life Certificate Application Form). Applicants may attach a notarized letter (in the English language) to the application form stating that he or she is still alive.
    • Consular fees of $20 (twenty US Dollars) per document be paid in cash.