How do i get a copy of my naturalization certificate

April 22, 2020

How do i get a copy of my naturalization certificate

Losing your passport or naturalization certificate is an extremely stressful situation to find yourself in. Your naturalization certificate serves as proof to obtain a United States passport and other benefits provided to citizens. Without a naturalization certificate, you are unable to get a passport. Without a passport, you will be unable to leave the United States. When you lose your naturalization certificate or passport it is imperative you go through the correct steps to obtain new documents before you travel.

Losing your Naturalization Certificate

If you lose your naturalization certificate, you will need to file a form N-565 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Instances when you would need to file a form N-565 include:

  • Your certificate has been lost, stolen, destroyed, or misprinted with an error 
  • You have changed your legal name or gender

Remember, filing an N-565 is only for those who have already been granted United States citizenship

Once you begin the process of filing a form N-565, the process is relatively simple. However, you will need to provide evidence of how your naturalization certificate was lost. Additionally, you will need to show corroborating evidence of how your naturalization certificate was lost, a filed police report for the lost certificate, and a sworn statement made by you regarding the truth of the circumstances. You will also need to provide the certificate number, the date of issuance, and the place of issuance.  If some of the information is not available to you, fill the form out as best as you can. Recently I filed an N565 for a family member who lost his Naturalization Certificate and he had an expired USA passport that he had gotten over 15 years ago. I filled out the form as best as I could, noted he moved years ago and since the move he has been unable to find his Naturalization Certificate. For Alien number, I put unknown, but did note that an attached copy of the expired USA passport was included. Within 4 months, he received his new Naturalization Certificate and was able to obtain a new USA passport.

The filing fee for a form N-565 is $555 – make the check or money order out to “US Department of Homeland Security”. Also include 2 passport style photos, copy of your old lpr card (if you have it), and a copy of your expired USA passport (if you have it).  First you will a receipt notice, then you will receive a biometric notice which will give you a time and date to go to the nearest USCIS center to be fingerprinted and have your photo taken. Generally speaking, a form N-565 will be replaced within one year after the filing date. There are limited cases where the USCIS may be able to expedite the process, however, these situations are selected on a case-by-case basis and should not be relied on. 

Losing Your Passport

If you’ve lost your passport, the process of acquiring a new one is quicker and easier than replacing a naturalization certificate. First, you must report your passport as lost by filing a form DS-64 or calling 1-877-487-2778. Once you have reported your passport as lost, you must reapply for a passport in person by filing a DS-64 or DS-11. Additionally, you must provide valid photo identification and proof of citizenship (which is your naturalization certificate). Once you have filed your application a new passport will arrive in approximately 4-6 weeks. 

Although stressful circumstances, replacing your naturalization certificate or passport certificate can be managed. If you find yourself in these circumstances, please contact Bailey Immigration at (866) 521-6422.

So, what really happens if I lost my US citizenship certificate? In this blog we clear the concerns about this scenario.

Losing your US naturalization certificate can be a really stressful scenario. However, there is nothing to worry about. Our immigration lawyers in New Jersey are experts in all types of immigration procedures.

  • What Can I Do If I Lost My Certificate Of American Citizenship?
  • How To Obtain A Copy Of My Certificate Of Naturalization?
  • How Long Does It Take To Obtain The Certificate Of Citizenship?
  • What role does the certificate of American citizenship play?
  • How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Replacement US Certificate Of Naturalization?
  • How Much Does It Cost To Replace A US Naturalization Certificate?
  • What Is A Certified True Copy Of A Certificate Of Naturalization?
  • How Can We Help You With The Certificate Of American Citizenship?

What Can I Do If I Lost My Certificate Of American Citizenship?

If the certificate of American citizenship is lost, the citizen must file with USCIS Form N-565, Application for replacement of naturalization/citizenship document to request the replacement of their certificate.

To file this form with USCIS there are two options:

  1. File it online through MyUSCIS , or;
  2. Send it by post.

Submission of this form is only available to those individuals who have obtained US citizenship.

It is important not to forget to sign the form and fill in its corresponding sections, USCIS will reject any application that is incomplete.

How do i get a copy of my naturalization certificate

When Can I Apply For A Replacement Certificate Of Citizenship?

American citizens can apply for a replacement certificate of citizenship if they:

  • Changed their name due to marriage or some court order after the document was issued.
  • Received a certificate of naturalization, citizenship, declaration of intent, or repatriation that was lost, destroyed, or stolen. 
  • Obtained one that contains a typographical error made by USCIS.
  • Obtained a certificate of citizenship or naturalization and their gender change is legally recognized through a court order, medical certification, or government-issued document.
  • Are naturalized citizens seeking a special naturalization certificate for the purpose of having a foreign country recognize them as American citizens.
  • Obtained a court order or a document issued by the state where their date of birth changes after the certificate of citizenship has been issued.

USCIS will not change the name without proof. For example, a marriage certificate, a court order or a divorce decree. Nor will the date of birth on the certificate of citizenship change without a court order or a state-issued document.

How To Obtain A Copy Of My Certificate Of Naturalization?

Through form N-565, the citizen can obtain a copy of his certificate of naturalization or citizenship. If you submit this form by mail, you must do so at one of the following addresses:

  1. USCIS Phoenix Lockbox,

US Postal Service (USPS):

USCIS

Attn: N-565

PO Box 20050

Phoenix, AZ 85036-0050.

  1. For deliveries via FedEx, UPS, and DHL:

USCIS

Attn: N-565 (Box 20050)

1820 E. Skyharbour Circle S

Ste. 100

Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850.

The N-565 application is strictly to reissue the citizenship document when one has already been granted. Therefore, this request should not be submitted under the following circumstances:

  • American citizens who want an original certificate of citizenship. Instead, they must file Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
  • Green Card holders applying for US citizenship. Instead, they must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

How do i get a copy of my naturalization certificate

Documents Needed To Obtain A Copy Of The Certificate Of American Citizenship

The submission of the N-565 application must be accompanied by the following documentation:

  • The original document that is being requested to be replaced.
  • Evidence of any legal name change, gender change, marital status, or date of birth (if applicable).
  • Two identical passport-style color photographs.
  • A police report or affidavit showing that the certificate:
    • It got lost.
    • It was damaged, or
    • It was stolen.

All these documents must not be the original copies, unless otherwise specified. Additionally, all documents must include a full English translation, in case they are submitted in another language.

How Long Does It Take To Obtain The Certificate Of Citizenship?

After the N-600 application for Certificate of Citizenship is filed with USCIS, processing time can take approximately 9-14 months. 

Did you apply for US citizenship or permanent residence and have not received a response? Sometimes the waiting time can take longer than normal. If you’ve been waiting a long time, you may want to know what a writ of mandamus is .

What role does the certificate of American citizenship play?

The US Citizenship Certificate is a certificate that proves to US authorities that the individual is a US citizen. USCIS recommends that this document be kept in a safe place.

This certificate is proof of citizenship for an individual who was born outside of the US. In other words, the certificate does not grant citizenship, it only acknowledges and confirms the individual’s citizenship status. 

How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Replacement US Certificate Of Naturalization?

The processing time for a replacement US naturalization certificate usually takes approximately 5-8 months. In some cases, the waiting time can be much shorter.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A US Naturalization Certificate?

The filing fee for a replacement naturalization certificate is $555. You can pay this fee with one of the following checks: 

  • Personal,
  • Cashier’s, or
  • Bank.

If you file at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you can also pay this fee with a credit card. To do so, Form G-1450 , Credit Card Transaction Authorization, must be filed. 

What Is A Certified True Copy Of A Certificate Of Naturalization?

So, you are wondering: How do I get a certified copy if I lost my certificate of US citizenship? Sometimes you may need an actual certified copy of your naturalization certificate.

  • The US Department of State (DOS) uses the term “authentication” to describe USCIS certified true copies.
  • When USCIS is required to authenticate a certificate of naturalization, be sure to use the term “real certified copy.”

This is useful when a naturalized citizen needs to have a DOS-authenticated certificate of naturalization for use by foreign governments or embassies. To certify this copy, an appointment with USCIS must be scheduled.

You should bring the following to this appointment:

  • A perfect photocopy of the certificate of naturalization.
  • The original certificate you are seeking to certify.
  • Any form of identification, be it a passport or a driver’s license.

At the scheduled appointment, a USCIS officer will confirm your identity and US citizen status. Later, they will provide you with a certified copy of the citizenship certificate.

How Can We Help You With The Certificate Of American Citizenship?

At Curbelo Law you will find the help you need. At Law Curbelo we know every immigration process to the letter. Therefore, we will be able to assist you in the best possible way.

Our firm provides the best guidance possible, which is comprehensive, affordable, and with step-by-step details of what needs to be done. We have more than 10 years of experience helping aliens and American citizens in these cases.

Call us today at our phone number, send us an E-mail or if you prefer, schedule an appointment with our office, located in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

How much does it cost to get a copy of your Naturalization certificate?

$555. If you file your Form N-565 online, you may pay your fee online. If you file your Form N-565 by mail (paper), you may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, cashier's check, or by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.

How long does it take to get a duplicate Naturalization certificate?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REPLACE A CITIZENSHIP DOCUMENT? After filing Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, your N-565 processing time can take anywhere from 5 to 8 months.

Can I see my certificate of Naturalization online?

Naturalization records after 1906 are available online and on microfilm with the above resources, but you also can order copies through the USCIS Genealogy Service. The USCIS is the only source for alien registration records and naturalization case files (C-Files).

Do I have to submit my original Naturalization certificate for passport?

If you don't want to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence, you may submit a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, which we will keep. If you don't submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, your passport processing could be delayed.