Quick Answer: How Much Is the Form N-565 Filing Fee in 2026?
Form N-565 costs $505 when filed online and $555 when filed on paper in 2026. Filing online is $50 less than submitting a paper application.
The standard fee generally applies when you use Form N-565 to replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate.
However, you may not have to pay the filing fee if USCIS issued the document with a qualifying clerical or typographical error. Applicants who meet USCIS financial requirements may also request a fee waiver.
USCIS does not currently list a separate biometric services fee for Form N-565, although USCIS may still require biometrics as part of processing the application.
| Filing situation | USCIS filing fee |
|---|---|
| Form N-565 filed online | $505 |
| Form N-565 filed on paper | $555 |
| Qualifying USCIS-error correction | $0 |
| Approved fee waiver | $0 |
| Separate biometrics fee | No separate fee |
Last verified: September 11, 2026, USCIS Form G-1055 edition: 09/09/26
What Determines How Much You Pay for Form N-565?
The amount you pay to replace a Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship depends mainly on how you file Form N-565 and whether a fee exemption or waiver applies to your case.
If Form N-565 applies to your situation, USCIS uses the same filing-fee structure whether you are replacing a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship.
The fee does not change simply because the document being replaced is a Certificate of Naturalization rather than a Certificate of Citizenship.
Is It Cheaper to File Form N-565 Online?
Yes. Filing Form N-565 online currently costs $505, compared with $555 for a paper filing. That makes online filing $50 less expensive when you are eligible to submit Form N-565 electronically and are paying the standard USCIS filing fee.
What Does the Form N-565 Filing Fee Cover?
The Form N-565 filing fee is the government fee USCIS charges to receive and adjudicate your application for a replacement or qualifying correction of a naturalization or citizenship document.
USCIS may require biometrics as part of reviewing Form N-565, but the current fee schedule does not list a separate biometric services fee for this form.
The USCIS filing fee is separate from any optional third-party application-preparation fee.
Which Form N-565 Requests Require a Filing Fee?
Whether you need to pay a Form N-565 filing fee depends on why you are requesting a replacement or updated document. Most requests involving a lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed certificate require the standard filing fee. Some corrections, however, may qualify for different fee treatment.
| Reason for filing Form N-565 | Filing fee generally required? |
|---|---|
| Certificate was lost | Yes |
| Certificate was stolen | Yes |
| Certificate was destroyed | Yes |
| Certificate was mutilated or damaged | Yes |
| Eligible legal name change after issuance | Yes |
| Eligible change or correction not caused by USCIS | Generally yes |
| USCIS made a clerical or typographical error | No — $0 |
| Special Certificate of Naturalization for foreign recognition | Standard fee rules apply |
The key distinction is whether you are requesting a replacement or change based on your circumstances, or asking USCIS to correct an error it made when issuing the document.
Not every change to a naturalization or citizenship document is eligible for Form N-565. See our Form N-565 application guide for filing reasons and eligibility requirements.
When Is Form N-565 Free?
You may not have to pay the Form N-565 filing fee if you are asking USCIS to correct a clerical or typographical error that USCIS made when issuing your document. In that situation, a qualifying correction request may have a $0 filing fee.
This fee treatment does not apply to every certificate correction or update. If the information on your Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship changed after USCIS issued it, such as through an eligible legal name change, the standard filing fee may still apply.
The reason for the correction matters. A USCIS-caused error can qualify for a fee exemption, while an applicant-requested change is generally treated differently.
Can You Get a Form N-565 Fee Waiver?
Yes. Form N-565 is eligible for a USCIS fee waiver for qualifying applicants. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may request a waiver by submitting Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, with supporting documentation.
USCIS generally considers a fee-waiver request under one or more of these bases:
| Potential basis | What it means |
|---|---|
| Means-tested benefit | You, your spouse, or the head of household living in your household currently receives a qualifying means-tested benefit. |
| Household income | Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. |
| Financial hardship | Financial circumstances make you unable to pay the filing fee. |
You only need to qualify under one basis, although you must provide the supporting documentation USCIS requires for the basis you select.
A fee waiver is different from the $0 fee exemption that may apply when USCIS is correcting its own error on a certificate.
If you are requesting an N-565 fee waiver, follow the current USCIS instructions for submitting Form I-912 with your application. USCIS states that fee waivers generally cannot be requested with most online filings, so do not assume the standard $505 online filing option is available when requesting a fee waiver.
For eligibility details and supporting evidence, see the Form I-912 fee waiver requirements.
N-565 Fee Waiver vs. Fee Exemption
A fee exemption and a fee waiver can both result in a $0 Form N-565 filing fee, but they apply for different reasons. An exemption is based on the type of filing, while a waiver is based on the applicant’s financial circumstances.
| Fee exemption | Fee waiver | |
|---|---|---|
| Why it applies | USCIS rules provide a $0 fee for the filing situation | Applicant normally owes the fee but qualifies based on financial circumstances |
| Common N-565 example | USCIS caused the error on the certificate | Applicant cannot afford the normal N-565 filing fee |
| Form I-912 | Generally not required for the exemption itself | Generally used to request the waiver |
How to Pay the Form N-565 Filing Fee in 2026
The payment method depends on whether you file Form N-565 online or by mail.
If You File Online
Pay the required filing fee electronically through the USCIS online filing process.
If You File on Paper
USCIS generally requires electronic payment for mailed applications using:
- Form G-1450 for credit or debit card payment;
- Form G-1650 for ACH payment from a U.S. bank account; or
- Form G-1651 if you qualify for an exception to the electronic-payment requirement.
USCIS generally moved mailed benefit-request payments to electronic methods beginning October 28, 2025. Check the current USCIS payment instructions before submitting your application.
What If You Pay the Wrong N-565 Fee or Need a Refund?
What Happens If You Pay the Wrong N-565 Fee?
USCIS may reject Form N-565 if the required filing fee or payment method is incorrect. Before submitting your application, check the current USCIS Form G-1055 fee schedule, confirm whether a fee exemption or fee waiver applies to your filing, and follow the current payment instructions.
A rejection for an incorrect fee means USCIS did not properly accept the filing; it is different from a denial after USCIS reviews the application.
Is the Form N-565 Filing Fee Refundable?
Generally, USCIS filing fees are nonrefundable regardless of the action USCIS takes on the application or how long it takes to reach a decision.
Limited exceptions may apply when USCIS collected a fee incorrectly or another qualifying USCIS error occurred.
Other Possible Costs When Filing Form N-565
The USCIS filing fee may not be your only cost. Depending on your case, you may also need translations, supporting records, mailing, or optional application-preparation assistance.
| Possible additional expense | When it may apply |
|---|---|
| Certified English translation | Supporting evidence is in a language other than English |
| Replacement civil or court records | Records are needed to support a correction or legal change |
| Mailing or courier costs | You submit Form N-565 on paper |
| Application preparation assistance | You choose to use a third-party preparation service |
ImmigrationDirect’s Form N-565 preparation service includes guided instructions, eligibility and error checks, application-package assembly, and a prepaid envelope for paper filing.
You remain responsible for obtaining any supporting records or certified translations required for your application.
Form N-565 Filing Fee FAQs
Is the Form N-565 fee for getting a Naturalization Certificate for the first time?
No. Form N-565 is generally used to replace or make certain eligible changes to a Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or other covered citizenship documents that were already issued. It is not the application used to obtain a Naturalization Certificate for the first time through the naturalization process.
Is There a Different Fee for a Duplicate Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate?
No separate “duplicate certificate” fee is listed for Form N-565. If you need another certificate because the original was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged, the standard Form N-565 filing fee generally applies. A fee exemption or approved fee waiver may apply in qualifying situations.
Is Changing the Name on a Certificate of Citizenship Free?
If you are eligible to use Form N-565 to update your Certificate of Citizenship after a legal name change, the standard Form N-565 filing fee generally applies. A name change made after USCIS issued the certificate is not treated as a free USCIS-error correction.
Preparing to File Form N-565?
Before filing, make sure Form N-565 is the correct application for your situation, confirm which USCIS fee rules apply, and gather the supporting documents required for your request.
ImmigrationDirect can help you prepare Form N-565 with guided questions, eligibility checks, error review, and filing instructions based on your answers.
ImmigrationDirect’s preparation-service fee is separate from the USCIS government filing fee, and USCIS makes the final decision on your application.
