Quick Answer: What Is Form N-565?
Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, is the USCIS form used by people who were previously issued certain qualifying naturalization or citizenship documents and need an eligible replacement, correction, updated document, or special certificate.
Depending on the reason for filing, the N-565 form may be used for documents such as a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Declaration of Intention, Repatriation Certificate, or certain special certificates of naturalization.
Form N-565 does not grant U.S. citizenship and is not used to apply for naturalization or obtain a first Certificate of Citizenship.
The filing reason determines which parts of the form you complete and what supporting evidence USCIS may require. This guide explains who can file Form N-565, required documents, filing options, form instructions, and what happens after you submit it.
Need Help Preparing Form N-565?
ImmigrationDirect can guide you through Form N-565 with step-by-step questions, response checks, and help organizing the information needed for your filing reason. USCIS makes the final decision on every application.
What Documents and Requests Does Form N-565 Cover?
Form N-565 may be used for certain citizenship and naturalization documents. Whether you can use the form depends on both the type of document you have and the reason you are filing.
| USCIS document | How Form N-565 may relate |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Naturalization | Replacement or qualifying correction |
| Certificate of Citizenship | Replacement or qualifying correction |
| Declaration of Intention | Replacement in qualifying circumstances |
| Repatriation Certificate | Replacement in qualifying circumstances |
| Special Certificate of Naturalization | May be requested for qualifying foreign-government purposes |
Not every change or correction qualifies for Form N-565. USCIS applies different rules depending on why the document needs to be replaced or updated.
For example, the evidence required for a lost document may be different from the evidence needed for a legal name change, USCIS error, or another qualifying correction.
Who Can File Form N-565?
You may file Form N-565 if you were previously issued a qualifying naturalization or citizenship document and you need a replacement or change for a reason allowed by USCIS.
Lost, Stolen, Destroyed, or Mutilated Document
You may use Form N-565 if your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Declaration of Intention, or Repatriation Certificate was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged badly enough that you need a replacement.
USCIS Error on the Document
You may request a corrected document if USCIS made a clerical or typographical error when issuing it. You will need evidence showing the correct information and may need to submit the original document.
Legal Name Change
If your legal name changed after your document was issued because of marriage, divorce, annulment, or a court order, you may be able to request a new document showing your current legal name.
Date-of-Birth Change
A date-of-birth change has narrower rules. Form N-565 may be used to request a new Certificate of Citizenship when the date of birth was officially changed through a qualifying court order or government-issued document.
USCIS generally cannot change a date of birth on a Certificate of Naturalization if the applicant provided that date during the naturalization process and later confirmed it.
Document Reflecting Sex at Birth
You may file Form N-565 if your current document does not reflect your sex at birth and you are requesting a new document that does. USCIS currently uses male or female biological sex at birth for this filing reason.
Special Certificate of Naturalization
A naturalized U.S. citizen may also use Form N-565 to request a Special Certificate of Naturalization when a foreign government requires official recognition of the person’s U.S. citizenship.
The supporting documents USCIS requires vary by filing reason. The next section explains the evidence that may apply to each type of Form N-565 request.
When Form N-565 Is Not the Correct Form
Form N-565 is used to replace or update certain citizenship and naturalization documents that USCIS already issued. It is not the correct form for every citizenship-related request.
| Your goal | Usually relevant form |
|---|---|
| Apply to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization | Form N-400, Application for Naturalization |
| Request a first Certificate of Citizenship | Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship |
| Replace or correct an already issued qualifying citizenship or naturalization document | Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document |
If you are a lawful permanent resident applying to become a U.S. citizen, Form N-400 is generally the relevant application. Form N-565 does not grant citizenship or start the naturalization process.
If you are already a U.S. citizen and need to document citizenship for the first time through a Certificate of Citizenship, Form N-600 may be the appropriate form. See the Form N-600 guide for eligibility and filing requirements.
If you were previously issued a qualifying citizenship or naturalization document and you now need an eligible replacement or correction, Form N-565 may apply. For naturalization requirements, see the Form N-400 guide.
What Documents Do You Need for Form N-565?
The documents you need for Form N-565 depend on why you are filing. USCIS requires evidence that supports the type of replacement, correction, or updated document you are requesting.
USCIS requires a copy of a U.S. government-issued photo identification. You may also need the original citizenship or naturalization document for certain filing reasons.
| Filing reason | Examples of evidence USCIS may require |
|---|---|
| Lost, stolen, or destroyed document | A copy of the previous document, if available, plus a police report and/or sworn statement explaining what happened and any attempts to recover it |
| Mutilated or damaged document | The original damaged or mutilated document |
| USCIS clerical or typographical error | The original incorrect document and information or evidence showing the correct details |
| Legal name change | The original USCIS document plus qualifying evidence of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, annulment decree, or court order |
| Qualifying date-of-birth change | The original Certificate of Citizenship plus a qualifying court order or U.S. government-issued document showing the new date of birth |
| New document reflecting sex at birth | The original USCIS document plus evidence required under current USCIS instructions, including a qualifying birth record showing sex at birth |
| Special Certificate of Naturalization | A copy of the Certificate of Naturalization and information related to the foreign government requesting recognition of U.S. citizenship |
These are general examples. USCIS may require additional evidence depending on your filing reason and individual circumstances. Do not send an original document unless the Form N-565 instructions require it or USCIS specifically asks for it.
If any supporting document is in a foreign language, include a complete English translation with the required translator certification.
Before filing, review the current USCIS Form N-565 instructions to confirm the evidence required for your specific request.
How Much Does Form N-565 Cost?
The current Form N-565 filing fee is $505 for online filing and $555 for paper filing.
If you are requesting a correction because of a qualifying USCIS error, the filing fee may be $0. Some applicants may also qualify for a USCIS fee waiver.
For current fees, fee-waiver requirements, exemptions, and payment options, see the Form N-565 filing fee guide.
Can You File Form N-565 Online?
Yes. Eligible applicants can file Form N-565 online through a USCIS online account. Online filing allows you to complete the application electronically, submit supporting evidence as required, pay the applicable filing fee, and receive case updates through your account.
The documents you submit depend on your reason for filing. In some cases, USCIS may require an original citizenship or naturalization document. Follow the instructions in your online application if USCIS tells you to mail an original document or provide additional evidence.
Online filing can make submission and case management more convenient, but it does not guarantee faster USCIS processing or approval.
How to File Form N-565 by Mail
You can also file Form N-565 on paper when mail filing is appropriate for your situation.
To file by mail:
- Download the current Form N-565 and instructions from USCIS.
- Complete the current edition of the form.
- Include the supporting evidence required for your filing reason.
- Include the applicable filing fee and payment information, or a fee-waiver request if you qualify.
- Mail the complete filing package to the current USCIS filing location.
Before sending your application, check the official USCIS Form N-565 filing instructions for the latest form edition, filing address, and submission requirements. USCIS filing locations can change, so verify the address immediately before mailing your application.
How to Fill Out Form N-565
Current Form N-565 edition: 02/27/25; Check the USCIS Form N-565 page before filing to confirm you are using the current edition.
How you complete Form N-565 depends on why you are filing. Some parts apply to most applicants, while other sections are completed only for a specific replacement, correction, or document request.
- Part 1: Information From Current Certificate or Declaration asks for information from the certificate or declaration you are replacing, correcting, or otherwise requesting action on. This includes details such as the name shown on the document, date of birth, certificate or declaration number, and information about when and where it was issued. Use the existing document or a copy, if available, to make sure these details are accurate.
- Part 2: Current Information About You asks for your current personal information. Provide your current legal name, mailing address, and other identifying details requested on the form. This information may be different from what appears on an older certificate, especially if your name or other information has legally changed.
- Part 3: Type or Reason for Application identifies the document you are requesting and why you are filing Form N-565. Choose the filing reason carefully because it determines which later parts of the form you may need to complete and what evidence USCIS may require.
- Part 4 applies when you are requesting correction of a qualifying clerical or typographical error made by USCIS. Provide the requested information about the error and supporting evidence showing the correct details.
- Part 5 applies to certain legal name changes. Complete this section when you are requesting a new document that reflects a qualifying name change and include the required legal evidence.
- Part 6 applies to qualifying date-of-birth changes for a Certificate of Citizenship. This section does not mean that every date-of-birth discrepancy can be corrected through Form N-565.
- Part 7 applies when requesting a new document that reflects your sex at birth. Follow the current USCIS instructions for the evidence required with this request.
- Part 8 is for a Special Certificate of Naturalization requested for qualifying recognition of U.S. citizenship by a foreign government.
- Part 9 contains the applicant’s contact information, certification, and signature. Review the completed application carefully before signing it.
- Parts 10 and 11 apply when an interpreter or another person helped prepare the application. The interpreter or preparer must provide the information and signatures USCIS requires.
- Part 12: Additional Information can be used when you need more space to answer a question. Clearly identify the page, part, and item number connected to the additional information.
Before filing, make sure your information matches your supporting records, you selected the correct filing reason, all applicable sections are complete, and all required signatures and evidence are included. Compare the completed application with the current USCIS Form N-565 instructions before submitting it.
Where to File Form N-565
If you are eligible to file Form N-565 online, submit the application through your USCIS online account and follow the instructions provided during filing.
If you are filing Form N-565 on paper, mail the completed application and supporting documents to the current USCIS filing location listed on the official USCIS Form N-565 filing instructions.
USCIS Lockbox addresses can change, so check the current filing location immediately before mailing your application rather than relying on an address saved from an older form or guide.
Last verified: September 2026
What Happens After You File Form N-565?
After USCIS accepts Form N-565, it generally sends a Form I-797C, Notice of Action confirming receipt of the application. The notice includes a receipt number you can use to track the case through USCIS Case Status Online.
1. USCIS Sends a Receipt Notice
USCIS issues a receipt notice with a receipt number after accepting the filing. Keep this notice because you can use the receipt number to check your case through USCIS Case Status Online.
2. USCIS Reviews Your Application
USCIS reviews Form N-565 and the supporting evidence you submitted to determine whether your request meets the applicable requirements.
3. USCIS May Request Additional Action
Depending on your case, USCIS may ask you to:
- provide biometrics;
- respond to a Request for Evidence (RFE);
- submit additional documents; or
- attend an interview.
Follow the instructions and deadlines in any USCIS notice you receive. Also keep your mailing address current with USCIS while the application is pending.
4. USCIS Makes a Decision
After completing its review, USCIS will approve or deny the application. If approved, USCIS moves forward with producing and issuing the replacement, corrected, or other qualifying citizenship document.
How Long Does Form N-565 Take?
The current Form N-565 processing time is approximately 8.5 to 10 months. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed completion date, and individual cases may take more or less time depending on the circumstances.
For the latest USCIS estimate, historical processing trends, delay factors, inquiry eligibility, and guidance on what to do if your case is taking longer than expected, see the Form N-565 processing time guide.
What If Form N-565 Is Rejected or Denied?
A rejection and a denial are different outcomes.
USCIS may reject Form N-565 if the filing is not properly accepted at intake. This can happen because of issues such as a missing required signature, an incorrect filing fee, use of an unacceptable form edition, or another filing problem. A rejected application is generally returned with information explaining what needs to be corrected before you file again.
A denial happens after USCIS accepts and reviews the application but decides that you did not establish eligibility for the replacement, correction, or other document requested.
If USCIS rejects or denies your Form N-565, read the notice carefully. It should explain the reason for the decision and any next steps that may be available. The appropriate response depends on the issue identified by USCIS and the facts of your case.
Form N-565 FAQs
Can I Download Form N-565 as a PDF?
Yes. You can download the current Form N-565 PDF and its instructions from the USCIS website if you plan to prepare a paper application. Before completing the form, check the USCIS Form N-565 page to make sure you are using the current edition.
Can I Use Form N-565 to Get My First Certificate of Citizenship?
Generally, no. Form N-565 is intended for qualifying documents that were previously issued and now need replacement or correction. If you are eligible for a Certificate of Citizenship but USCIS has not previously issued one to you, Form N-600 may be the appropriate application. Review the Form N-600 requirements to determine whether it applies to your situation.
Can Someone Help Me Prepare Form N-565?
Yes. Another person may help you prepare Form N-565. If someone prepares the application for you, that person must complete the applicable preparer section of the form. If an interpreter helps you understand the questions or instructions, the interpreter must also provide the required information. You should review the completed application before signing and submitting it.
Preparing Form N-565?
ImmigrationDirect can help you prepare Form N-565 with guided questions, response checks, help organizing the information required for your filing reason, and step-by-step filing instructions.
Before you submit, review your answers and supporting information carefully to make sure the application is complete and consistent.
ImmigrationDirect is not USCIS and is not a government agency. USCIS makes the final decision on every Form N-565 application, and no preparation service can guarantee approval or faster processing.
