Certificate of U.S. Citizenship - Learn How to Request a Copy (2024)

FAQs

How do I request a copy of a Naturalization certificate? ›

Pay only $99 + USCIS fees.

Approximately 3 to 6 Months After Filing

USCIS will process your application to replace the citizenship document. Be sure you use a current and safe mailing address on the application. Once USCIS approves your Form N-565, they will send the new certificate directly to you via U.S. Postal Service.

Approximately 4 to 7 Months After Filing

Generally, USCIS requires applicants who file Form N-600 to appear for an in-person interview. However, USCIS may waive the N-600 interview at their discretion.

Answer: If you need a Certificate of Naturalization, you may request a replacement by filing form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document. You may request Form N-565 by calling the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Forms Line (800) 870-3676 or download via link.

While both documents serve as proof of U.S. citizenship, the Certificate of Naturalization is issued to those who have become U.S. citizens through the naturalization process, while the Certificate of Citizenship is issued to those who acquired U.S. citizenship at birth or through other means.

If you have a USCIS online account and have access to secure messaging, you may select “expedite” as the reason for your inquiry and submit your request there. You generally need to justify your expedite request with evidence. When communicating with the Contact Center, you will be asked about supporting documentation.

Provide a second copy (sometimes called a "certified copy") of your citizenship evidence if you do not want to submit a photocopy of it. We will keep the second copy. It may take longer to get your passport if you don't submit your document and a photocopy of it.

A clinic, doctor, hospital, or school record, including preschool or day care records (for children under 19 years old). Two documents containing consistent information that proves the applicant's identity, such as: Birth certificate. Social Security card.

If your Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization was damaged, lost, or stolen, learn how to replace it online or by mail using Form N-565.

How do I get my U.S. citizenship records? ›

How do I obtain Immigration and Naturalization records and related information? Answer: Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website:http://uscis.gov official website of the Department of Homeland Security, or contact Immigration Information 1800-375-5283 for any Immigration related question.

The fee to file Form N-600 is $1385.

You no longer need to submit photographs with your application unless you are residing outside the United States, including military service members residing outside the United States. Applicants residing outside the United States must submit two identical, color passport-style photos.

The average N-600 processing time is six months to over a year, depending on your chosen USCIS Service Center. You can check your case processing time here – check your receipt notice to find your form, category, and the office processing your case.

In summary, Form N-400 is for people who want to become US citizens through naturalization, whereas Form N-600 is for people who are already US citizens by birth or through their parents and want to get a Certificate of Citizenship as proof of their citizenship status.

If you have a USCIS online account and have access to secure messaging, you may select “expedite” as the reason for your inquiry and submit your request there. You generally need to justify your expedite request with evidence.

Certificate numbers may also be found on some indexes to court naturalization records. Court indices primarily reference court petition and declaration documents.

Sworn Statements

A sworn statement is a declaration of the facts. It's like testimony in a written form. Your statement should describe the circ*mstances of how, when and where your citizenship document was lost, stolen or destroyed. A sworn statement does not need to be notarized.

U.S. citizen identification card (I-197 or the prior version I-179). Federal or State census record showing U.S. citizenship or U.S. place of birth.