Why Your Naturalization Certificate Is Important
A Certificate of Naturalization proves your U.S. citizenship after completing the Oath of Allegiance. If you’ve lost your naturalization certificate, never received or need a new copy for legal purposes, you must request one from USCIS using Form N-565.
Whether you’re replacing a lost, damaged, or stolen certificate—or simply requesting a certified copy—this guide explains the situations that require a new certificate, the steps involved, required forms and documents, and associated costs.
Situations When You’ll Need a Copy of Your Naturalization Certificate
There are several common life events or issues that may lead you to replace or request a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization:
- Lost or misplaced during a move
- Stolen with other personal belongings
- Damaged by water, fire, or wear over time
- Changed your legal name, gender, or marital status
- Certificate contains incorrect or outdated personal information
- Never received the certificate after your naturalization interview
- Need a certified copy for court, immigration sponsorship, or legal proceedings
In all these situations, filing Form N-565 is the proper way to request a replacement or correction. Are you the one facing this kind of issue? Start filing today to get your copy of the Naturalization Certificate.
Certified Copy vs. Replacement Certificate: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the distinction between a certified copy and a replacement certificate is essential:
- A certified copy is a duplicate of your original certificate that has been officially verified and stamped by USCIS. It confirms the document’s authenticity and can only be obtained by visiting a USCIS office in person. USCIS does not issue certified copies by mail, and they are rarely needed unless a government agency explicitly requests one.
- A replacement certificate is a newly issued version of your naturalization or citizenship certificate. If your original has been lost, stolen, damaged, or you’ve changed key personal information, you must file Form N-565 to request a full replacement.
How to Get a Copy of Your Naturalization Certificate (Lost or Not)
If you need a replacement or an updated version of your naturalization certificate, follow these steps:
1. Complete Form N-565
Download Form N-565 from the USCIS website. This form is used to request a new certificate due to loss, theft, damage, or incorrect information.
2. Gather Supporting Documents
You’ll need to submit:
- A government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport)
- Two passport-style photographs
- A sworn statement or police report (if the certificate was lost or stolen)
- A copy of the original certificate (if available)
- Legal documentation for any changes to name, gender, or marital status
3. Pay the Filing Fee
The current USCIS fee is $555. You can pay online via credit/debit card or include Form G-1450 for credit card payments by mail. Check the USCIS fee schedule for the latest updates.
4. Submit Your Application
You can file Form N-565 online or by mail. Double-check all information before submitting to avoid delays.
5. Track Your Case Status
USCIS will issue a receipt number after submission, which you can use to track your case through the USCIS Case Status tool.
Why You Might Need to Replace or Request a Copy
Having a valid Certificate of Naturalization is essential for proving your U.S. citizenship in many official and everyday situations. Whether for travel, employment, government benefits, or legal matters, this document serves as your primary evidence of citizenship. If your certificate is lost, damaged, or outdated—or if a specific agency requests it—you may need to replace it or obtain a certified copy to move forward without delays.
- Legal Proof of Citizenship: Your Certificate of Naturalization is an official government-issued document confirming your status as a U.S. citizen and validating your identity in various legal contexts.
- Required for a U.S. Passport: You must present your certificate when applying for a U.S. passport if you were not born in the United States.
- Verifying Work Authorization: Employers may ask for your naturalization certificate to confirm your legal right to work under federal employment eligibility verification rules.
- Eligibility for Government Programs: Certain public benefits, such as Medicaid, Social Security, or federal assistance programs, may require documented proof of U.S. citizenship.
- Registering to Vote: In order to participate in elections at the federal, state, or local level, you may need your naturalization certificate when registering to vote.
- Qualifying for Student Aid: Many educational financial aid programs, scholarships, and grants offered to citizens ask for documented proof of citizenship during the application process.
- Family-Based Immigration Sponsorship: If you’re petitioning for a green card on behalf of a spouse, child, or other relative, your naturalization certificate proves your eligibility to act as a sponsor.
- Civic Responsibilities Like Jury Duty: U.S. citizens may be called to serve on a jury. The certificate confirms you meet the citizenship requirement for this civic duty.
- Simplified International Travel: Possessing a U.S. passport—made possible with your naturalization certificate—opens doors to visa-free travel or easier entry into many foreign countries.
Documents Required to Replace a Lost Naturalization Certificate
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged certificate (using Form N-565), prepare the following:
- Two passport-style photos
- Government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Sworn affidavit or police report
- Copy of the original certificate (if you have one)
- Proof of name, gender, or marital status changes
- Filing fee ($555) or Form I-912 for a fee waiver
Filing Fee for Form N-565
The current USCIS filing fee for Form N-565 (Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document) is $555. This fee covers the cost of processing your request for a replacement certificate. You can pay by credit/debit card when filing online, or include Form G-1450 for card payment if filing by mail. USCIS does not refund this fee, even if your application is denied.
Be sure to check the latest fee information on the USCIS Fee Schedule before submitting your application.
Fee Waiver Eligibility (Form I-912)
You may qualify for a fee waiver if:
- You receive a means-tested public benefit (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid)
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- You are experiencing financial hardship, such as unemployment or medical expenses
Submit Form I-912 with documentation if you meet these criteria.
USCIS Processing Time for Form N-565
As of now, the Nebraska Service Center is the only USCIS center that processes Form N-565 (Application for Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Document). The average processing time typically ranges from 3 months to over 12 months, depending on application volume and case complexity. You can check the most up-to-date timeline using the USCIS Processing Times tool.
For a detailed explanation of how USCIS estimates processing times and what factors might cause delays, visit our guide on USCIS processing times explained.
What Does ‘Certified True Copy of a Certificate of Naturalization’ Mean?
So, how does one get a certified copy of their naturalization certificate or citizenship certificate? In order to certify a copy of your credentials, you need to schedule an appointment with USCIS. It’s important to note that at this appointment, you should bring:
- The original Certificate of Naturalization,
- A photocopy of the certificate,
- Any form of ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
At the scheduled appointment, the USCIS officer will confirm your identity and status as a United States citizen and provide a certified copy of your naturalization certificate or citizenship certificate.
Secure Your Citizenship/Naturalization Certificate Copy: A Comprehensive Conclusion
If you need a certified copy of your naturalization certificate or a replacement citizenship certificate, including Form N 600K Application for your children, we’re here to help. At ImmigrationDirect, we are well acquainted with each step in the process and can give you all the support you need.
Don’t wait any longer to get your naturalization certificate replacement or a copy of your citizenship certificate. The quicker you contact us, the quicker we can help you with your application.
