Confirming Poland's citizenship required, but have Polish Birth Certificate? Born in the US.

So I recently turned 18 before I could apply for a Polish passport. I was told that because I am now 18 I have to confirm my citizenship? I was born in the US; my mother is from Poland. Last year my mother registered my birth at her place of birth in Poland, and now I have a Polish birth certificate, is this not enough to confirm my citizenship?

If I went to Poland could I just get a dowod osobisty? From what I read it has taken people years to confirm their citizenship! It took me only 6 weeks to receive my birth certificate. Maybe my wojewodztwo is just more efficient than Warsaw, but I find that crazy. I am also using the NYC consulate.

No. You have to get a certificate of confirmation of Polish citizenship from the Wojewód before you can apply for a passport.

It's all explained here:

waszyngton.msz.gov.pl/en/waszyngton_us_a_en_consular_information_2/waszyngton_us_a_298

Ugh that's such a pain in the ass. My mom has a few Polish passports, but I think the most recent has been recently expired. Will I be able to just submit that with my Polish Birth Certificate, from what I read that confirms her Polish citizenship, and since she is my mother, mine as well. Or will I have to file and translate my father's, paternal grandmother's, and grandfathers birth certificates, and request for a copy of my mother's, maternal grandfather's, and maternal grandmother's birth certificates from Poland? If so that seams like a huge hassle.

@zazak

You do what they tell you to do, hassle or not. It's either their way, or the highway. Actually, I think the process is pretty clear and straightforward,and far from a hassle considering the gravity of the matter. If you have any serious questions, speak to someone at the embassy or consulate. But don't waste your time and theirs by asking about shortcuts and workarounds. There aren't any.

Polish bureaucrats are a pleasure to work with if you have all of your ducks in a row. So make sure that you do.

@zazak
It's much easier than you think. You only need a translation of your birth certificate (which you already have) and anything that proves your mother had Polish citizenship when you were born. It took me two months and my circumstances were far less clear cut than yours.

@DominicB Polish bureaucrats are a pleasure to work with if you have all of your ducks in a row. Agreed.