Ok I see. She has a Chinese ID and we just filled out and submitted the forms to get a passport. It should come in about 15 working days. I think the problem might be that her biological parents are unknown and on a birth certificate I believe the biological parent's details need to be stated. Go to the Chinese authorities (at the Gong Cheng Chu) with her hukou book and ask for "a birth certificate to be used abroad" - quote-unquote, and more importantly END quote. Neither you nor the State Dept. can dictate the format or contents of the certificate. My understanding is that her parents are "unknown", unless they instead list the adoptive parents. If you truly are unable to obtain a birth certificate, submit a statement of WHY it is unobtainable, and what effort you made to obtain it. Thanks for your help Randy and prompt replies. It is much appreciated. We will follow your suggestions. If anyone else has other suggestions, I am naturally interested in reading them.