Introduction: Understanding the U.S. Citizenship Certificate
A Certificate of Citizenship is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as official proof of citizenship for individuals who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through their parents or legal processes during childhood. It validates citizenship that was automatically obtained but not documented by a U.S. birth certificate or a Certificate of Naturalization. Importantly, it differs from the Certificate of Naturalization, which is granted to individuals who become citizens through the naturalization process later in life.
What Is a Certificate of Citizenship?
The Certificate of Citizenship is an official government document that certifies U.S. citizenship for individuals born abroad to American parents or those who automatically acquired citizenship as children. It does not create or grant citizenship but instead serves as legal proof of an already existing citizenship status. Having this certificate is often essential for securing rights and services in the United States, such as applying for a U.S. passport, accessing government benefits, or sponsoring relatives for immigration.
Who Needs a Citizenship Certificate?
Not everyone needs to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship. This document is specifically for people who are already U.S. citizens by law but who want official proof of their citizenship. You may need a Certificate of Citizenship if:
- You were born abroad to U.S. citizen parents. Children born outside the United States can automatically acquire U.S. citizenship through their parents, but they often need the certificate as proof.
- You became a citizen through naturalization of your parents. Some children automatically become citizens when their parents naturalize, but the certificate is required to show this status.
- You want to replace lost or damaged proof of citizenship. If you have never received a certificate or your existing one was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you will need to apply for a replacement.
- You need proof of citizenship for official purposes. The certificate may be required when applying for a U.S. passport, government benefits, employment verification (Form I-9), or certain immigration processes.
In short, if you are a U.S. citizen but don’t have a U.S. birth certificate or a naturalization certificate, you may need a Certificate of Citizenship as your primary proof of citizenship.
Eligibility for a Certificate of Citizenship
To qualify for a Certificate of Citizenship, a person must already be a U.S. citizen by law — either through derivation or acquisition of citizenship. The certificate does not grant citizenship; it simply serves as legal proof that citizenship was already obtained.
A. Eligibility for Derived Citizenship
Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (INA §320), a child automatically derives U.S. citizenship from a parent when all three of the following conditions are met at the same time:
- The child is a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and under 18 years old.
- At least one parent is a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization).
- The child is living in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent.
The order of these events does not matter — once all three are true, the child is considered a U.S. citizen automatically, without filing a separate naturalization application.
Important Note: The Child Citizenship Act took effect on February 27, 2001. Therefore, only individuals who were under 18 on or after that date and who met the above conditions are eligible to derive U.S. citizenship through their parents.
B. Eligibility for Acquired Citizenship
Acquired citizenship applies to individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s). Eligibility depends on both:
- The parents’ citizenship status at the time of the child’s birth, and
- The laws in effect on that date (which have changed over time).
For children born on or after November 14, 1986, the current rules are:
Children Born in Wedlock
- Both parents are U.S. citizens – At least one parent must have resided in the United States at any time before the child’s birth.
- One U.S. citizen parent and one U.S. national parent – The U.S. citizen parent must have lived in the U.S. for a continuous period of at least one year before the child’s birth.
- One U.S. citizen parent and one foreign national parent – The U.S. citizen parent must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 5 years, including 2 years after age 14.
Children Born Out of Wedlock
- To a U.S. citizen mother – The mother must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one continuous year before the child’s birth.
- To a U.S. citizen father – The child acquires citizenship if all of the following are met:
- A blood relationship is proven by clear evidence.
- The father was a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
- The father agrees in writing to provide financial support until the child turns 18.
- Before the child turns 18, one of these occurs:
- The child is legitimated under local law.
- The father acknowledges paternity in writing and under oath.
- Paternity is established by court order.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Citizenship
If you believe you qualify for U.S. citizenship through your parents, you’ll need to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship by filing Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here’s an overview of the application process:
Filing Form N-600
Form N-600 is the official USCIS form used to request a Certificate of Citizenship. You must provide details about yourself and your parents, as well as evidence proving that you obtained citizenship either at birth (acquired citizenship) or after birth through your parents (derivative citizenship). Please take a look at the section below for the list of required documents to attach.
Where and How to File
You can file online through your USCIS account or by mail to the correct USCIS lockbox facility. Filing online is generally faster, as it allows you to track your case and receive updates directly.
USCIS Fees
As of 2025, the filing fee for Form N-600 is $1,385 (paper filing) and $1,335 (online filing). This fee is the same for both the N-600 Form and the N-600K Form. USCIS does not currently offer a fee waiver for this form, so applicants must pay the full amount. Understand the USCIS filing fees from our guide.
Processing Time
Processing times vary depending field office or service center and your specific case, but most applications take 3–13 months. Complex cases, missing information, or additional USCIS requests for evidence (RFEs) can cause longer delays. Understand the USCIS processing time from our detailed guide.
What Happens After Filing
Once USCIS approves the application, you will either:
- Receive the Certificate of Citizenship by mail, or
- You will be asked to appear at a local USCIS office for an in-person interview or oath ceremony, depending on your situation.
This certificate becomes your official proof of U.S. citizenship, which you can use for a U.S. passport, Social Security, employment verification, and other legal purposes.
Tip: If you need proof of U.S. citizenship more urgently—for example, to apply for a passport—you may also apply directly for a U.S. passport with the Department of State while your N-600 is pending.
Form N-600 vs. Form N-600K
Both Form N-600 and Form N-600K are used to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship, but they serve different situations depending on the child’s age, residency, and parental circumstances. Understanding the differences ensures you choose the correct form and avoid delays in processing.
| Feature | Form N-600 | Form N-600K |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for individuals already U.S. citizens. | To apply for U.S. citizenship for children under 18 living outside the U.S. (under section 322) |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens residing in the U.S. who need proof of citizenship. | Children under 18 with at least one U.S. citizen parent, residing abroad. |
| Residency Requirement | Applicant must reside in the U.S. | Applicant must reside outside the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of a U.S. citizen parent. |
| Parental Requirements | Applicant must have at least one U.S. citizen parent. | U.S. citizen parent must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 5 years (2 after age 14), or a U.S. citizen grandparent meets this requirement. |
| Filing Location | Filed within the U.S. | Filed from outside the U.S. |
| Processing Time | Approximately 3–13 months (as of August 2025) | Approximately 5 months to years (as of August 2025) |
Documents Required for Citizenship Certificate
When applying for a Citizenship Certificate, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Two passport size photographs taken within 30 days of filing the application.
- A photocopy of your birth certificate.
- If your U.S. citizen parent is applying for your citizenship certificate, you need to submit your parent’s birth certificate or any proof that your parent is a U.S. citizen.
- If you are adopted, you need to provide adoption documents.
- If you have legally changed your name after your birth, you need to provide proof issued and certified by the court that authorized the legal name change.
Information on Citizenship Certificate
A Certificate of Citizenship contains essential details that serve as official proof of U.S. citizenship. Understanding the information included and how to protect it is important for all holders.
Key Details Printed on the Certificate
The certificate typically includes:
- Full name of the certificate holder
- Date and place of birth
- Parent(s)’ full name(s)
- USCIS registration number
- Date of issuance
- Signature of the USCIS official
Security Features
To prevent fraud, the certificate includes security elements such as watermarks, official seals, and embossed stamps. These features ensure the certificate is recognized as authentic.
How to Keep It Safe
- Store the certificate in a secure location, such as a safe or locked file cabinet.
- Avoid carrying it unnecessarily to prevent loss or theft.
- Consider making certified copies for situations where proof of citizenship is required, but the original should remain protected.
Benefits of a Citizenship Certificate
A Certificate of Citizenship is more than just a document—it provides official proof of your U.S. citizenship and simplifies access to numerous rights and services. Key benefits include:
- Applying for a U.S. Passport: The certificate serves as primary evidence of citizenship, allowing you to obtain a U.S. passport for international travel.
- Government Benefits and Services: It helps verify your eligibility for federal and state programs, including Social Security, healthcare, and educational benefits.
- Employment Verification: Employers may require proof of citizenship for work eligibility in the U.S. A Citizenship Certificate is an accepted form of legal documentation for Form I-9 verification.
- Immigration Sponsorship: Holders can sponsor certain family members for immigration benefits, using the certificate to prove U.S. citizenship.
- Peace of Mind: Possessing an official certificate provides assurance that your citizenship status is recognized and documented by the U.S. government, reducing potential complications in legal or official matters.
Certificate of Citizenship vs. Certificate of Naturalization
While both documents serve as proof of U.S. citizenship, they apply to different groups of people:
- Certificate of Citizenship: Issued to individuals who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through their parents, typically at birth or during childhood.
- Certificate of Naturalization: Granted to individuals who became U.S. citizens through the naturalization process as adults.
For a detailed comparison of eligibility, issuance, and uses, see our full guide: Certificate of Citizenship vs. Certificate of Naturalization.
Replacing or Renewing a Citizenship Certificate
If your Certificate of Citizenship is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement using Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document. USCIS will issue a new certificate once your application is approved, usually after verifying your identity and citizenship status.
For a detailed step-by-step guide on replacing or renewing your certificate, visit: Replacing or Renewing a Certificate of Citizenship.
Certificate of Citizenship FAQs
1. Can I Apply for a Certificate of Citizenship if My Parents Are Divorced?
Yes, you can. If you automatically became a U.S. citizen before your parents divorced, you remain eligible to apply. If your citizenship was acquired after the divorce, you’ll need to show that:
1. You were under the legal custody of a U.S. citizen parent before turning 18, and
2. You entered the United States as a lawful permanent resident prior to your 18th birthday. Being in the custody of a non-U.S. citizen parent during this time may affect your eligibility.
2. Do I Have to Prove That My Certificate Was Lost or Stolen?
Yes. When requesting a replacement using Form N-565, you should explain why the original certificate is unavailable—whether it was lost, stolen, or damaged. USCIS may ask for additional verification to ensure your request is valid.
3. If I’m a U.S. Citizen Mother Who Used Donor Eggs or Sperm, Will My Child Born Abroad Be a U.S. Citizen?
It depends on legal parentage. If you are recognized as the child’s legal mother and meet the U.S. physical presence requirements, your child may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship at birth. Because these cases involve assisted reproductive technologies, it’s recommended to consult USCIS guidelines or an immigration attorney for specific guidance.
4. How Do I Find My Certificate of Citizenship Number?
To locate your Certificate of Citizenship number, look for the number printed in red mostly on the top right of your actual certificate. This unique identifier is used for official purposes such as verifying your citizenship or submitting forms.
Conclusion: Secure Your Certificate of Citizenship Today
Obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship is essential for anyone who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through their parents. Without this certificate, you may face difficulties applying for a U.S. passport, proving your citizenship to employers or schools, or accessing government benefits.
Ready to apply? Submit your Form N-600 today and start the process of securing your Certificate of Citizenship.
