How Do You Get a Copy of a Naturalization Certificate?
A replacement Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship cannot normally be downloaded as an online copy. If your original certificate was lost, stolen, destroyed, damaged, or needs an eligible correction, you generally request a new certificate by filing Form N-565 with USCIS.
Eligible applicants may file Form N-565 online or submit the paper form by mail. The final replacement is an official physical certificate, not a downloadable digital certificate.
A replacement certificate, photocopy, authenticated copy, and historical naturalization record are different requests. Confirm which document you need before filing Form N-565.
Do You Need a Replacement, Copy, or Authenticated Copy?
| Your situation | Likely request |
|---|---|
| Original certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged | Replacement through Form N-565 |
| You need a photocopy for personal records | Use a copy of your existing certificate, when acceptable |
| A foreign authority requests an authenticated copy | If a foreign government or other authority requires an authenticated copy, you may need a USCIS-certified true copy of the certificate followed by the applicable U.S. Department of State authentication process. Confirm the exact requirements with the organization requesting the document. |
| You need an old naturalization record | Check USCIS genealogy or National Archives records |
| You want to download a replacement certificate | A downloadable replacement is generally not available |
| USCIS mailed your document but it never arrived | Use USCIS non-delivery options first |
When Should You File Form N-565?
You may need to file Form N-565 if your:
- Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship was lost, stolen, or destroyed
- Certificate is damaged, mutilated, or unreadable
- Name legally changed after the certificate was issued
- Certificate contains an error that qualifies for correction
- Date of birth or other biographical information needs an eligible correction
- Certificate was issued using an outdated photograph or other information covered by current USCIS rules
The required fee and supporting documents depend on why you are requesting the replacement.
What to do if USCIS mailed the certificate but it did not arrive
Do not immediately assume that you must file and pay for Form N-565.
First:
- Check your USCIS case status.
- Confirm the mailing address used by USCIS.
- Check whether the document was returned to USCIS.
- Use the USCIS non-delivery inquiry process when eligible.
If the certificate was delivered and later lost, Form N-565 may be required.
What Documents Can Form N-565 Replace?
Form N-565 is formally called the Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, it may be used to request the replacement or correction of certain USCIS-issued citizenship documents, including:
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Declaration of Intention
- Repatriation Certificate
- Certain special certificates of naturalization
Most users file Form N-565 to replace a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship that was lost, stolen, destroyed, damaged, or requires an eligible correction.
The exact eligibility rules depend on the document and the reason for filing. Review the current Form N-565 instructions before submitting the application.
USCIS currently identifies the accepted N-565 edition as April 1, 2024.
How to file Form N-565: step-by-step
Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, is the USCIS form used to request an eligible replacement or correction to certain citizenship documents.
Applicants must use the current form edition, choose the correct filing reason, submit the required evidence, and pay the correct fee unless the request is fee-exempt or USCIS approves a fee waiver.
Missing signatures, incorrect fees, outdated form editions, or insufficient initial evidence may result in rejection or a Request for Evidence.
Step-by-Step: How to Replace Your Certificate
Replacing your certificate involves a few key steps. Following them carefully can help you avoid delays and get your replacement faster.
1. Complete Form N-565
Start by completing Form N-565 with your personal details, citizenship information, and the reason for your request (such as loss, damage, or correction). Select the filing reason carefully because the fee, evidence, and USCIS review may differ depending on whether the certificate was lost, damaged, stolen, or contains incorrect information. Confirm the current edition date on the USCIS Form N-565 page before filing.
Tip: Double-check your name, date of birth, and certificate details before submitting.
2. Gather Supporting Documents
Your evidence must match the reason for filing. For example, a damaged certificate, legal name-change order, identity document, court record, or evidence of a USCIS error may be required. Readable and relevant evidence can reduce the likelihood of USCIS requesting additional information.
3. Pay the Filing Fee
Pay the correct filing fee or submit the applicable fee-waiver request. See the Form N-565 Filing Fee section below for current amounts.
4. Submit Your Application
Eligible applicants may file Form N-565 through a USCIS online account or submit the paper form by mail. Online filing can reduce mailing time and provide electronic case tracking. It does not guarantee faster USCIS adjudication.
Applicants requesting a fee waiver generally need to file by mail with Form I-912 or another USCIS-accepted fee-waiver request. Form N-565 is not generally submitted as a walk-in application at a USCIS field office.
5. Track Your Case Status
After submission, you’ll receive a receipt number from USCIS. You can use this to track your application status online and get updates.
Tip: If you’re unsure about your application or documents, expert guidance can help you avoid errors, prevent delays, and complete your application with confidence.
Should You File Form N-565 Online or by Mail?
| Filing consideration | Online filing | Paper filing |
|---|---|---|
| Submission method | USCIS online account | Mail to the USCIS filing address |
| Current standard fee | $505 | $555 |
| Electronic case tracking | Available through USCIS account | Receipt number can be added to an account |
| Fee-waiver request | Generally unavailable | Generally required for Form I-912 |
| Downloadable certificate | No | No |
| Guaranteed faster decision | No | No |
Filing online can reduce mailing time and provide electronic access to case notices. It does not guarantee faster USCIS processing. The approved replacement is a physical certificate rather than a downloadable digital certificate.
Form N-565 Filing Fee
The Form N-565 filing fee is set by USCIS and may differ based on the filing method or the reason for requesting the replacement.
| Filing situation | What the user should do |
|---|---|
| Online filing | Pay $505 |
| Paper filing | Pay $555 |
| Correction caused by a USCIS clerical or typographical error | The filing may be fee-exempt when it meets USCIS requirements; review the N-565 instructions |
| Unable to pay | Review current Form I-912 eligibility |
| Incorrect fee submitted | USCIS may reject the filing |
Always check the latest fee on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website before submitting your application.
Can You Request a Form N-565 Fee Waiver?
Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver based on the current USCIS rules for:
- Receipt of a qualifying means-tested benefit
- Household income within the applicable USCIS limit
- Financial hardship
Use Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, or another waiver format accepted by USCIS.
A fee-waiver request generally cannot be submitted through the standard online filing process. The Form N-565 application, fee-waiver request, and supporting evidence usually need to be filed together by mail.
USCIS may deny the fee-waiver request if the applicant does not provide sufficient evidence. Check the current Form I-912 instructions rather than relying on a permanent income percentage in the article.
Documents Required by Filing Reason: Form N-565
The required evidence depends on the reason for filing.
| Reason for filing | Evidence that may be required |
|---|---|
| Lost certificate | Identity evidence, copy of the certificate if available, and explanation of the loss |
| Stolen certificate | Identity evidence, copy if available, and theft details; include a police report when available or required |
| Damaged certificate | Original damaged certificate and identity evidence |
| Legal name change | Court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other qualifying legal document |
| USCIS error | Existing certificate and evidence showing the correct information |
| Date-of-birth correction | Qualifying vital record, court order, or other evidence accepted by USCIS |
| Other biographical correction | Official records supporting the requested correction |
| Foreign-language evidence | Complete English translation with translator certification |
Review the current Form N-565 instructions because USCIS may request additional evidence for a specific case.
When Might You Need Your Certificate?
A Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship may be used as evidence of U.S. citizenship. Depending on the process, it may be requested when:
- Applying for a U.S. passport
- Correcting or verifying government records
- Sponsoring certain relatives
- Completing legal or identity-related processes
- Providing evidence of citizenship when another document is unavailable
A U.S. passport may also serve as evidence of citizenship in many situations, but the requesting agency determines which documents it accepts.
N-565 Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?
Form N-565 processing time changes based on USCIS workload, case volume, evidence requirements, and the individual application.
Check the USCIS Processing Times tool for the current estimate. Select Form N-565 and the applicable USCIS office when the tool requests it.
The total time may include:
- Initial case review
- Biometrics, when required
- Time spent responding to a Request for Evidence
- Additional identity or document verification
- Production and mailing of the replacement certificate
Processing time last checked: July 29, 2026
Current USCIS estimate: 5 to 12 months
Always check the USCIS Processing Times because they may change according to the reason you are filing Form N-565.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Form N-565
Even small errors can delay your application. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Using an outdated edition of Form N-565
- Paying the wrong filing fee
- Filing online when the request must be submitted by paper
- Requesting a fee waiver without the required paper submission
- Selecting the wrong reason for filing
- Failing to sign the form
- Providing documents that do not support the selected filing reason
- Uploading unreadable evidence
- Failing to include a certified English translation
- Sending the form to the wrong USCIS filing address
- Failing to update USCIS after an address change
- Assuming that filing online guarantees faster processing
Review the current Form N-565 instructions before submission. USCIS requirements can change.
Understanding Your Citizenship Documents
There are two main types of citizenship documents issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Understanding the difference helps you choose the correct option when applying for a replacement.
A Naturalization Certificate is given to individuals who become U.S. citizens through the naturalization process, usually as adults after meeting eligibility requirements.
A Citizenship Certificate, on the other hand, is issued to individuals who automatically acquire or derive U.S. citizenship through their parents, often at birth or during childhood.
While the way they are issued is different, both documents serve the same purpose—they are official proof of your U.S. citizenship.
| Document | Common form number | Who receives it | Replacement document |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Naturalization | N-550 | A person who becomes a citizen through naturalization | Usually N-570 |
| Certificate of Citizenship | N-560 | A person who acquires or derives citizenship through a parent | Usually N-561 |
The form number on the certificate is different from Form N-565. Form N-565 is the application used to request the replacement.
FAQs on How to Replace a Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate
1. Can I replace my citizenship certificate online?
Eligible applicants may be able to file Form N-565 through a USCIS online account. Filing online does not mean the replacement certificate will be downloadable. USCIS issues an official replacement document after approval. Applicants requesting a fee waiver generally need to file the paper application by mail.
2. What should I do if I lose my naturalization certificate?
Keep a record of when and where the certificate was lost. If it cannot be recovered, file Form N-565 and provide the evidence required by the current USCIS instructions. If the certificate was stolen, include theft information and any available police report when relevant.
3. How long does it take to replace a citizenship certificate?
Processing time changes. Check the USCIS Processing Times tool for the current estimate and include a “last checked” date on the page.
4. How much does it cost to replace a citizenship certificate?
The fee depends on current USCIS requirements and may differ by filing method. Check the Form N-565 page and Form G-1055 before filing. Some applicants may qualify for a fee exemption or fee waiver. In general, the Online Filing Fee is $505, Paper Filing Fee is $555.
5. Can I use a U.S. passport instead of a citizenship certificate?
A valid U.S. passport is accepted as evidence of citizenship in many situations. The agency or organization requesting proof determines which documents it will accept. Replacing the certificate may still be advisable if the original has been lost or damaged.
6. Can I travel while waiting for a replacement citizenship certificate?
International travel normally requires a valid U.S. passport rather than a Naturalization Certificate. Travelers should confirm the destination, airline, passport, and re-entry requirements before departure. Do not imply that the pending N-565 itself is a travel document.
7. Can I expedite Form N-565?
USCIS may consider expedite requests in limited circumstances. Approval is discretionary and requires evidence that the case meets the current USCIS expedite criteria. Submitting an expedite request does not guarantee faster processing.
8. Do children use the same form to replace a citizenship certificate?
Form N-565 may be used to replace certain Certificates of Citizenship issued to children or adults. The applicant, parent, or legal guardian should follow the current USCIS signature, filing, and evidence instructions that apply to the certificate holder.
Need Help Preparing Form N-565?
ImmigrationDirect can help you prepare Form N-565, organize the information required for your filing reason, and review the application for missing responses.
ImmigrationDirect is not a government agency and is not affiliated with USCIS. Use the official USCIS website for government forms, filing fees, and current instructions. Start preparing Form N-565.
