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.
Certificate of Citizenship vs. Certificate of Naturalization: Key Differences
| 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 |
Important 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 section 322 to apply for U.S. citizenship and issuance of a Certificate of Citizenship. Therefore, not every Certificate of Citizenship case involves citizenship the applicant already possessed before filing.
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. Filing Form N-600 generally does not itself make the applicant a U.S. citizen; it asks USCIS to document citizenship that was already acquired or derived under applicable law.
Adults may file Form N-600 for themselves if eligible, while a parent or legal guardian may file on behalf of a qualifying child under age 18.
What Is a Certificate of Naturalization?
A Certificate of Naturalization is USCIS-issued evidence that a person became a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process.
Most applicants apply for naturalization using Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. After USCIS approves the application and the applicant completes the Oath of Allegiance, when required, the person becomes a U.S. citizen and receives a Certificate of Naturalization.
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?
The process for obtaining each certificate depends on how you became a U.S. citizen.
Getting a Certificate of Citizenship
If you acquired or derived U.S. citizenship and want USCIS-issued evidence of that status, you may file Form N-600 if eligible. USCIS reviews the application and supporting evidence to determine whether you acquired or derived citizenship under the applicable law.
Form N-600 generally documents citizenship you already hold; it is not normally an application to become a citizen. Certain children residing outside the United States may instead use Form N-600K under INA section 322.
Getting a Certificate of Naturalization
You do not file a separate application for a Certificate of Naturalization.
A person seeking naturalization generally files Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. After USCIS approves the application and the applicant completes the Oath of Allegiance, when required, USCIS issues the Certificate of Naturalization as evidence of the person’s new U.S. citizenship.
For detailed eligibility, filing steps, testing and interview requirements, see our Form N-400 guide.
Common Misunderstandings About These Certificates
Form N-600 generally does not make you a U.S. citizen. It usually asks USCIS to document citizenship that you already acquired at birth or automatically acquired after birth.
The certificates are not chosen based on preference. A Certificate of Citizenship and Certificate of Naturalization document different legal paths to U.S. citizenship.
You do not always need a Certificate of Citizenship to prove that you are a citizen. USCIS states that a person is not required to obtain one simply to hold U.S. citizenship. Depending on the situation, a qualifying U.S. passport may also provide evidence of citizenship.
Form N-600K is different from Form N-600. Certain eligible children residing outside the United States use N-600K to apply for citizenship under INA section 322 and issuance of a Certificate of Citizenship.
Certificate of Citizenship vs. Certificate of Naturalization FAQs
Are a Certificate of Citizenship and Certificate of Naturalization the same?
No. Both provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, but they document different citizenship paths. A Certificate of Citizenship generally documents citizenship acquired or derived through a qualifying U.S. citizen parent, while a Certificate of Naturalization documents citizenship obtained through naturalization.
Does filing Form N-600 make me a U.S. citizen?
Generally, no. Form N-600 usually asks USCIS to issue evidence of citizenship that you already acquired at birth or automatically acquired after birth. Certain children residing outside the United States use the separate Form N-600K process to apply for citizenship under INA section 322.
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.
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.
