Quick Answer: How Do You Get a Copy of a Naturalization Certificate?
If your Naturalization Certificate was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged, you generally need to request an official replacement Naturalization Certificate from USCIS using Form N-565.
A replacement is not the same as downloading a copy of a Naturalization Certificate. USCIS does not provide an official replacement certificate as a downloadable digital file.
Eligible applicants may submit Form N-565 online, but filing online only starts the replacement request. If USCIS approves the application, it issues an official replacement certificate.
The word “copy” can also mean a photocopy, an authenticated copy, or a historical record. The next section explains which option may apply to your situation.
Do You Need a Replacement, Copy, or Authenticated Copy?
The right option depends on why you need another version of your citizenship document. A replacement certificate, photocopy, authenticated copy, and historical naturalization record are not the same thing.
| Your situation | What you may need |
|---|---|
| Your certificate was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged | Request a replacement certificate through Form N-565 |
| You still have the certificate and only need a photocopy | Make a copy of your existing certificate if the organization requesting it accepts a photocopy |
| A foreign government or other authority requires an authenticated document | A certified or authenticated copy process may apply |
| You need an old historical naturalization record | Check whether the record is available through USCIS genealogy records or the National Archives |
| You want to download another official certificate | USCIS does not generally provide a downloadable replacement Naturalization Certificate |
| USCIS mailed your certificate but you never received it | Check USCIS non-delivery options before filing another Form N-565 |
If you are unsure which document is being requested, ask the organization that needs it whether it requires the original certificate, a photocopy, an authenticated copy, or another form of citizenship evidence. This can help you avoid requesting a replacement certificate when a different type of copy would meet the requirement.
Can You Get a Naturalization Certificate Copy Online, Free, or In Person?
How you request another Naturalization Certificate depends on what you mean by “copy.” You may be able to submit a replacement request online, but USCIS does not offer an official replacement certificate as a free digital download or provide one on demand at a field office.
Can You Get a Copy of a Naturalization Certificate Online?
Eligible applicants can file Form N-565 online to request a replacement Naturalization Certificate. However, filing online does not mean you can download a new certificate.
The online application is simply a way to submit your replacement request to USCIS. If USCIS approves the request, it issues the replacement certificate separately.
Can You Get a Replacement Naturalization Certificate for Free?
There is no free downloadable version of an official replacement Naturalization Certificate.
Form N-565 generally requires a USCIS filing fee. However, some qualifying requests may have a $0 filing fee, such as certain corrections involving a USCIS error. Some applicants may also qualify for a fee waiver.
See the Form N-565 filing fee for current costs, fee-waiver options, and situations where no filing fee may be required.
Can You Get a Replacement Naturalization Certificate in Person?
You generally cannot walk into a USCIS field office and receive a replacement Naturalization Certificate. Eligible applicants normally request a replacement by submitting Form N-565 through an available USCIS filing method.
If an organization is asking for an authenticated or certified copy rather than a replacement certificate, that is a different process. Confirm what type of document is required before filing Form N-565.
When Should You Request a Replacement Using Form N-565?
Form N-565 may be used when you need a replacement Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship because the original document:
- was lost, stolen, or destroyed;
- is damaged or mutilated;
- contains certain information that qualifies for correction; or
- needs to reflect a qualifying legal name change.
The evidence and USCIS requirements depend on why you are requesting the replacement. For example, replacing a lost certificate may require different supporting information than replacing a damaged certificate or requesting an eligible correction.
For complete eligibility requirements and other reasons Form N-565 may be used, see the Form N-565 application guide.
What If USCIS Mailed the Certificate but You Never Received It?
If USCIS mailed your certificate but it never arrived, do not immediately assume you need to file another Form N-565.
First:
- Check your USCIS case status to confirm whether the certificate was mailed.
- Make sure USCIS used your correct mailing address.
- Check whether the document was returned to USCIS.
- Use the USCIS non-delivery process if your case qualifies.
If you received the certificate and later lost it, however, you may need to request a replacement using Form N-565.
How to Request a Replacement Naturalization Certificate
If you need an official replacement Naturalization Certificate, the process generally involves four steps.
Step 1: Confirm That You Need an Official Replacement
Make sure a replacement certificate is actually required. Depending on your situation, you may only need a photocopy, an authenticated copy, a historical record, or a USCIS non-delivery request instead.
Step 2: Gather Evidence for Why You Need the Replacement
The supporting evidence depends on what happened to your certificate. A lost or stolen certificate may require different information than a damaged certificate, legal name change, or eligible correction.
Step 3: Submit Form N-565
Submit Form N-565 using an available USCIS filing method and include the required filing fee, unless your request qualifies for a fee exemption or approved fee waiver.
Eligible applicants may be able to file online, while some requests must be submitted by mail.
Step 4: Track Your Replacement Request
After USCIS accepts the application, you will receive a receipt number. Use it to check your case status and review any notices or requests from USCIS while the application is pending.
For complete form requirements and filing instructions, see the Form N-565 application guide.
What Evidence May You Need for a Replacement?
The evidence USCIS may require depends on why you are requesting a replacement certificate. You should provide documents that support the reason you selected when filing Form N-565.
| Replacement reason | Examples of evidence USCIS may require |
|---|---|
| Lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate | A copy of the certificate, if available, along with supporting information or evidence explaining what happened |
| Damaged or mutilated certificate | The existing damaged certificate and any other supporting evidence USCIS requires |
| Legal name change | The existing certificate and qualifying evidence of the legal name change, such as a court order or other accepted document |
| USCIS error or eligible correction | The existing certificate and evidence showing the correct information |
These are general examples. The exact evidence depends on your filing reason and individual circumstances. Check the current Form N-565 instructions before filing to confirm what documents USCIS requires for your request.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Naturalization Certificate?
The current Form N-565 filing fee is $505 when filed online and $555 when filed on paper.
Some qualifying corrections involving a USCIS error may have no filing fee, and some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver.
For current costs, fee-waiver rules, exemptions, and payment methods, see the Form N-565 filing fee guide.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Replacement Naturalization Certificate?
The current Form N-565 processing time is approximately 8.5 to 10 months for a replacement Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship.
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed completion date. Some applications may be completed sooner, while others may take longer depending on the individual case and USCIS workload.
For the latest USCIS estimate, historical processing trends, case-status guidance, and what to do if your case is delayed, see the current Form N-565 processing time.
FAQs About Replacement Naturalization Certificate
What should I do if I lose my Naturalization Certificate?
If your Naturalization Certificate is lost and cannot be recovered, you can generally request a replacement by filing Form N-565 with USCIS. Be prepared to explain what happened to the certificate and provide any supporting evidence USCIS requires for a lost-document request.
Can Form N-565 replace both a Naturalization Certificate and a Certificate of Citizenship?
Yes. Form N-565 can be used to request a replacement Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship when the applicable USCIS requirements are met. The form may also cover other citizenship documents, but this article focuses on replacing these two common certificates.
Do I need the original certificate to request a replacement?
It depends on why you are requesting the replacement. If the certificate was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you may not have the original to submit; provide a copy if available and explain what happened. For some other requests, such as a damaged certificate or certain corrections, USCIS may require the original document. Check the current Form N-565 instructions for your filing reason.
Need Help Preparing Form N-565?
ImmigrationDirect can help you prepare Form N-565 with guided questions, response checks, and step-by-step filing instructions based on the information you provide.
The service can also help you organize the details needed for your application and review your responses for missing or inconsistent information before you file.
ImmigrationDirect is not a government agency and is not affiliated with USCIS. USCIS makes the final decision on your application.
