A Certificate of Naturalization is given to new citizens as proof of their citizenship after they take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance. You can get a copy of your citizenship or naturalization certificate if it is lost, stolen, or damaged by filing form N-565 with the USCIS.
With the certificate in your hand, you can get a U.S. passport and enjoy the benefits of citizenship. You can also confirm your eligibility to work and live in the U.S., travel with a U.S. passport, and participate in U.S. elections.
Should your certificate be lost, stolen, or damaged, understanding how to get a naturalization certificate is essential. You can replace it by submitting Form N-565. For guidance through this process, we will provide you with complete information on how to replace your naturalization certificate.
9 Top Reasons to Apply for Naturalization Certificate Replacement
Having a valid Certificate of Naturalization is crucial for a variety of legal and personal matters. It stands as your official proof of U.S. citizenship, which is necessary for several significant aspects of life as an American citizen. Here are the primary reasons to request a copy of your certificate of citizenship or naturalization:
- Proof of Identity: Your certificate is a legal document that proves your identity and U.S. citizenship.
- Passport Application: It is required when applying for a U.S. passport.
- Employment Eligibility: Employers may request it to verify your eligibility to work in the United States.
- Social Benefits: Access social benefits that are only available to U.S. citizens.
- Voting Rights: To register to vote in federal, state, and local elections in the U.S.
- Educational Grants: Necessary for specific educational grants and scholarships that are reserved for U.S. citizens.
- Family Immigration: It’s necessary to sponsor family members for their own green cards.
- Civic Participation: It allows you to serve on a jury and participate fully in the civic process.
- Travel: Facilitates ease of travel as a U.S. citizen, often with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries.
You should consider a naturalization certificate replacement if your original document has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, if there are errors made by USCIS, or if personal details have changed, such as a name or gender change. When requesting a copy, be sure to provide the necessary documentation as evidence of the need for replacement.
Read Also: How to Obtain Certificate of Citizenship
If you need to replace your naturalization certificate, you must present a legitimate reason. Situations that warrant a replacement include:
- Your certificate has gone missing, been damaged, or stolen.
- Your certificate contains printing mistakes made by USCIS.
- There’s been a legal change in your name.
- You’ve had a gender transition.
In cases of a gender change, supporting documents such as a medical certification from a licensed physician, an amended birth certificate, a court order recognizing the gender change, or government-issued IDs reflecting the new gender, like a driver’s license or passport, will be required.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Citizenship or Naturalization Certificate
The process to obtain a copy of your naturalization certificate involves submitting the correct form to USCIS. If you’re already a U.S. citizen and need a duplicate of your naturalization or citizenship certificate, you should file Form N-565, known as the Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document. This form is designated for reissuing lost, stolen, or damaged citizenship documentation.
For those who are permanent residents in the midst of applying for citizenship and have misplaced their documents, Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, must be completed. Conversely, if you are seeking to affirm your U.S. citizenship through your parents after birth, you would file Form N-600, the Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
Each form must be filled out completely and accompanied by the necessary supporting documents and the appropriate fee. We can help you in that regard and then have the application sent to USCIS for processing. Remember, a copy of a naturalization certificate or a naturalization certificate copy can only be requested if citizenship has already been granted.
Essential Documents Required for Citizenship Certificate Duplicate Request
To obtain a copy of your naturalization certificate, when filing Form N-565, it’s crucial to include the necessary supporting documents. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two recent passport-style photos.
- A copy of the naturalization certificate, if available.
- A police report or sworn statement if the certificate has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Legal documentation for any changes in personal information such as name, birth date, gender, or marital status.
For those wondering how to get a copy of the naturalization certificate online, you can download Form N-565 from the USCIS website.
Current Fees for Citizenship Certificate Application
To replace your citizenship certificate or get a copy of your naturalization certificate, you must file Form N-565 with USCIS. The current cost to file this application is $555. This fee is paid at the time you submit your application and is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.
For those wondering how much does it cost to get a copy of your naturalization certificate, it’s important to note that this fee is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the current cost. You can pay this fee online if you file the form online or by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card using Form G-1450 if filing by mail.
Timeline for Receiving a Duplicate Citizenship/Naturalization Certificate
The timeframe for receiving a copy of your naturalization certificate after filing Form N-565 can vary considerably due to multiple factors, including USCIS workload, staffing, and the complexity of individual cases. While specific processing times for Form N-565 are not provided on the USCIS website, they do state that processing times for different forms and services can range from a few months up to a year.
Double-check your application for accuracy and completeness before submission to ensure a potentially quicker process. For an up-to-date estimate of how long it might take to receive a copy of a naturalization certificate, it’s recommended to check the current processing times provided by USCIS.
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 still have questions on how to get a certified true copy of your naturalization certificate or simply a replacement citizenship certificate, we can assist you. 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.
