To replace a naturalization certificate, you must provide a completed Form N-565, a copy of the original certificate if available, and valid government-issued identification. Supporting documents may include a certified copy of the naturalization record (Form N-336 or other USCIS records) and proof of any legal name change. Submitting the appropriate filing fee and passport-style photographs is also required to complete the application process.
What Documents are Needed for Naturalization Certificate Replacement?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Form N-565 | To apply for a Naturalization Certificate replacement, submit Form N-565 along with a copy of the original certificate or a government-issued photo ID, proof of U.S. citizenship, and evidence supporting the reason for replacement, such as a police report for lost or stolen certificates. Include two passport-style photographs and the appropriate filing fee as specified by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 2 | Government-issued photo ID | A government-issued photo ID, such as a valid passport, driver's license, or state ID card, is required to verify identity when applying for a naturalization certificate replacement. This document ensures compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) standards and helps prevent identity fraud during the application process. |
| 3 | USCIS Online Account Access | To replace a Naturalization Certificate, USCIS requires submitting Form N-565 along with a copy of a government-issued photo ID and evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a previous Naturalization Certificate or passport. Access to a USCIS online account streamlines the filing process, allowing applicants to upload supporting documents and track application status efficiently. |
| 4 | Biometric Services Appointment Notice | To replace a Naturalization Certificate, applicants must present a Biometric Services Appointment Notice along with Form N-565, proof of identity such as a government-issued photo ID, and evidence of U.S. citizenship. The Biometric Services Appointment Notice is essential for scheduling fingerprinting and identity verification required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. |
| 5 | Digital Passport-style Photo | To replace a naturalization certificate, applicants must provide a digital passport-style photo that meets specific government standards, including a plain white background, proper lighting, and clear visibility of facial features. This digital photo ensures accurate identification and compliance with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines during the application process. |
| 6 | Lost or Stolen Certificate Police Report | When applying for a naturalization certificate replacement due to loss or theft, submitting a police report documenting the incident is crucial to verify the claim. This report, along with Form N-565 and proof of identity, ensures proper processing of the replacement certificate by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 7 | Affidavit of Identity | An Affidavit of Identity is a crucial document required for naturalization certificate replacement, serving as a sworn statement verifying the applicant's identity when the original certificate is lost or damaged. This affidavit typically must be notarized and include detailed personal information such as full name, date of birth, and citizenship status to support the replacement application process. |
| 8 | Name Change Court Order (if applicable) | A Name Change Court Order is a crucial document for Naturalization Certificate replacement when the applicant's legal name has changed since the original certificate was issued. Providing this certified court order ensures the replacement certificate reflects the updated legal name, maintaining accuracy in official records. |
| 9 | Replacement Fee Waiver Request (Form I-912) | To request a replacement of a Naturalization Certificate with a fee waiver, applicants must submit Form I-90 along with a completed Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, providing evidence of financial hardship such as proof of income, government assistance participation, or other qualifying criteria as specified by USCIS. Supporting documentation like tax returns, benefit award letters, or pay stubs enhances the likelihood of obtaining the fee waiver for the certificate replacement process. |
| 10 | Certified Translations (for foreign documents) | Certified translations of foreign documents are essential for naturalization certificate replacement to ensure accuracy and legal validity in the application process. These translations must be completed by a qualified translator or translation service that provides a signed certification verifying the completeness and accuracy of the translated content. |
Understanding Naturalization Certificate Replacement
Understanding the process for a Naturalization Certificate replacement is crucial for maintaining proof of citizenship. Gathering the correct documents ensures a smooth and timely application.
- Form N-565 - This is the official application form required for requesting a replacement of a Naturalization Certificate.
- Government-issued ID - A copy of a valid, government-issued photo identification such as a passport or driver's license must be submitted.
- Proof of original certificate - If available, a copy of the original Naturalization Certificate or other documentation proving naturalization is necessary.
Submitting these documents accurately helps expedite the Naturalization Certificate replacement process.
Reasons for Replacing a Naturalization Certificate
Replacing a naturalization certificate requires specific documents to verify your identity and citizenship status. Common reasons for replacement include loss, theft, damage, or legal name changes.
You must provide a completed Form N-565, evidence of your original certificate, and valid identification such as a passport or driver's license. Supporting documents may also include police reports or legal name change orders depending on your situation.
Eligibility Criteria for Replacement
To qualify for a naturalization certificate replacement, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Understanding these requirements ensures a smooth application process for obtaining a duplicate certificate.
- Proof of Original Naturalization - Applicants must provide evidence such as the original certificate number or Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Ceremony, to verify their prior naturalization.
- Valid Identification - A government-issued photo ID like a passport or driver's license is required to confirm the applicant's identity during the replacement process.
- Application Form N-565 - Filing Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, is mandatory to initiate the certificate replacement request.
Required Documents for Certificate Replacement
What documents are needed for naturalization certificate replacement? To replace a naturalization certificate, applicants must provide Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document. Supporting documents include a copy of the original certificate, government-issued identification, and proof of U.S. citizenship or naturalization status.
Step-by-Step Application Process
| Step | Required Documents | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Identify the Need for Replacement | Original Naturalization Certificate (if available) or proof of loss | Confirm the certificate is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains errors. |
| 2. Complete Form N-565 | Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document | Fill out the form accurately with personal details and reasons for replacement. |
| 3. Prepare Proof of Identity | Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license) | Submit valid identification to verify your identity. |
| 4. Provide Evidence of Naturalization | Copy of original naturalization certificate or alternative proof such as baptismal record or census data | Supporting documents to confirm naturalized status when original certificate is unavailable. |
| 5. Include Two Passport-Style Photographs | Two recent passport-sized photos with white background | Photos must meet USCIS specifications for clarity and size. |
| 6. Pay the Application Fee | Form N-565 filing fee (check current fee on USCIS website) | Include payment via check, money order, or credit card according to USCIS instructions. |
| 7. Submit the Application Package | Full application packet: Form N-565, supporting documents, photos, payment | Mail to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility or file online if available. |
| 8. Attend Biometrics Appointment (if required) | Appointment notice from USCIS | Complete fingerprinting and photo capture for identity verification. |
| 9. Receive the Replacement Certificate | New naturalization certificate issued by USCIS | Deliver via mail after successful processing of application and verification. |
Filling Out Form N-565
To replace a Naturalization Certificate, you must complete Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document. The form requires detailed personal information, including your full name, date of birth, and the certificate number if available. Supporting documents such as a copy of the damaged certificate, identification, and proof of citizenship must accompany the form.
Supporting Evidence for Application
Supporting evidence for a Naturalization Certificate replacement application is essential to verify identity and citizenship status. You must provide specific documents to ensure your request is processed efficiently.
- Proof of Identity - A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license, is required to establish your identity.
- Copy of Original Certificate - If available, submit a photocopy of the lost, stolen, or damaged Naturalization Certificate to aid verification.
- Application Form - Complete and submit Form N-565, the official request for naturalization certificate replacement, along with any supporting documentation.
Submission Options and Fees
To replace a naturalization certificate, applicants must submit Form N-565 along with a copy of the original certificate or proof of citizenship. Submission options include mailing the application package to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility or using the online filing system if eligible. The replacement fee is $555, with an additional biometric services fee of $85, payable at the time of submission.
Processing Times and Tracking Status
To replace a Naturalization Certificate, you must submit Form N-565 along with a copy of your current certificate, proof of identity, and any court documents if applicable. Processing times typically range from 6 to 12 months depending on the service center handling your case.
You can track the status of your replacement application through the USCIS online portal using your receipt number. Staying updated allows you to anticipate any additional document requests and ensures a smoother process.
What Documents are Needed for Naturalization Certificate Replacement? Infographic
