Quick Answer: Certificate of Citizenship vs. Certificate of Naturalization
A Certificate of Citizenship and a Certificate of Naturalization both provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, but they document different citizenship paths.
A Certificate of Citizenship generally documents citizenship acquired at birth outside the United States or automatically acquired after birth through a qualifying U.S. citizen parent. A Certificate of Naturalization documents citizenship obtained through the naturalization process.
Form N-600 generally requests documentation of citizenship a person already acquired or derived, while Form N-400 is used to apply to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
The correct certificate therefore depends on how you became a U.S. citizen, not which document you prefer.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Certificate of Citizenship | Certificate of Naturalization |
|---|---|---|
| What it documents | Citizenship acquired or derived under U.S. citizenship law | Citizenship obtained through naturalization |
| Common original certificate | Form N-560 | Form N-550 |
| Replacement certificate | Form N-561 | Form N-570 |
| Common related application | Form N-600 | Form N-400 |
| Purpose of application | N-600 generally documents citizenship already acquired or derived | N-400 is used to apply for naturalization |
| Typical citizenship path | Through a qualifying U.S. citizen parent | Through the naturalization process |
| When the certificate is issued | After USCIS confirms eligibility for the certificate and completes any required steps | After successful naturalization and completion of the oath, when required |
| Replacement application | Form N-565 | Form N-565 |
Exception for certain children living abroad: Form N-600K is different from Form N-600. Certain eligible children who regularly reside outside the United States may use Form N-600K under INA 322 to apply for U.S. citizenship and a Certificate of Citizenship.
What Is a Certificate of Citizenship?
A Certificate of Citizenship is a USCIS document that generally provides evidence of U.S. citizenship acquired at birth outside the United States or automatically acquired after birth through a qualifying U.S. citizen parent.
Eligible individuals may request the certificate using Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship. Form N-600 generally documents citizenship already acquired or derived; it does not ordinarily make the applicant a U.S. citizen.
What Is a Certificate of Naturalization?
A Certificate of Naturalization is USCIS-issued evidence that a person became a U.S. citizen through naturalization. Most applicants apply for naturalization using Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and USCIS issues the certificate after successful naturalization and completion of the Oath of Allegiance, when required.
The initial Certificate of Naturalization is commonly identified as Form N-550.
Which Certificate Applies to You?
The relevant certificate depends on the legal path through which you obtained U.S. citizenship.
| Your situation | Relevant path/document |
|---|---|
| Born outside the United States and acquired U.S. citizenship at birth through a qualifying U.S. citizen parent | Certificate of Citizenship may document that citizenship; Form N-600 may be used if eligible |
| Automatically acquired U.S. citizenship after birth and before age 18 through a qualifying U.S. citizen parent | Certificate of Citizenship; Form N-600 may be used to request USCIS documentation |
| Qualifying child who regularly resides outside the United States and seeks citizenship under INA 322 | Form N-600K → Certificate of Citizenship |
| Applying to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization | Form N-400 → Certificate of Naturalization after successful naturalization |
You generally do not choose between the two certificates based on preference. The document reflects the legal path through which citizenship was obtained.
How Do You Get Each Certificate?
| Certificate | How you get it |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Citizenship | If you acquired or derived U.S. citizenship and want USCIS-issued documentation, you may file Form N-600 if eligible. Certain qualifying children residing abroad may instead use Form N-600K under INA 322. |
| Certificate of Naturalization | You do not file a separate application for the certificate. A person generally applies for naturalization using Form N-400 and receives the certificate after successfully completing the naturalization process. |
For detailed eligibility, evidence and filing requirements, see our Certificate of Citizenship guide or Certificate of Naturalization guide.
Certificate of Citizenship vs. Certificate of Naturalization FAQs
Do I need a Certificate of Citizenship if I already have a U.S. passport?
Not always. USCIS states that you are not required to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship simply to hold U.S. citizenship. A qualifying U.S. passport can also serve as evidence of citizenship. Whether you need an N-600 certificate depends on the purpose for which documentation is required.
Do I file Form N-600 or Form N-400?
Form N-600 is generally used by someone who already acquired or derived U.S. citizenship and wants a Certificate of Citizenship. Form N-400 is generally used by an eligible noncitizen who is applying to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
Can I have both a U.S. passport and a Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization?
Yes. A U.S. passport and a USCIS citizenship certificate are different documents, and a U.S. citizen may have both. A passport can serve as evidence of citizenship, while a Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization documents the person’s applicable citizenship path.
Need Help With the Right Citizenship Path?
If you already acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through a qualifying U.S. citizen parent and need USCIS documentation of that citizenship, review the Form N-600 eligibility and filing requirements.
If you are not yet a U.S. citizen and plan to apply through naturalization, review your Form N-400 eligibility and preparation requirements before filing.
ImmigrationDirect is a private company and is not affiliated with USCIS. USCIS determines citizenship and naturalization eligibility and makes all final decisions on applications.
