If you’re a U.S. citizen who has lost, damaged, or needs to update your Certificate of Naturalization, you must file Form N-565 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This form is only for individuals who are already U.S. citizens and need a replacement document—not for those applying for citizenship for the first time.
The current filing fee for replacing a naturalization certificate by mail is $555. Once you take the Oath of Allegiance, USCIS issues your Certificate of Naturalization as official proof of citizenship. This document allows you to apply for a U.S. passport and fully enjoy the rights and privileges of citizenship.
A Certificate of Naturalization is issued to a foreign national who becomes a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process, while a Certificate of Citizenship is typically issued to individuals who automatically acquire citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent. Both serve as proof of U.S. citizenship. If either certificate is lost, damaged, or requires correction, you’ll need to apply for a replacement using Form N-565.
If you need professional guidance, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help ensure your application is properly prepared and submitted.
Eligibility to File Form N-565
You can request a replacement for your naturalization or citizenship certificate if:
- Your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Declaration of Intention, or Repatriation Certificate was lost, destroyed, or mutilated.
- You legally changed your name or gender after your certificate was issued.
- You need a Special Certificate of Naturalization to prove your citizenship to a foreign country.
- Your document contains clerical or typographical errors made by USCIS.
Note: Form N-565 is not for those seeking to become U.S. citizens. If you’re applying for citizenship, you must file Form N-400 instead.
For help determining your eligibility or ensuring your documentation is complete, contact an immigration attorney at Green Card Link.
How to Replace or Get a Copy of Your Naturalization Document
To replace your certificate, file Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, with USCIS. You’ll need to provide supporting documentation explaining why a replacement is needed, along with the $555 filing fee.
If you simply need a copy of your immigration file, you can also submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request through USCIS.
Important: Do not use Form N-565 to apply for new citizenship. This form is only for those who already hold U.S. citizenship and need a replacement document. Applicants for citizenship should use Form N-400, and individuals seeking a first Certificate of Citizenship should file Form N-600.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Naturalization Replacement
You can file Form N-565 in two ways:
1. Online Filing
To apply online:
- Create a USCIS online account.
- Complete and submit Form N-565 through your account.
- Upload your supporting documents.
- Pay the filing fee electronically.
- Track your case status and respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFE).
- Manage your contact information, such as updating your address if needed.
USCIS may still require you to mail your original certificates or photographs even if you file online.
2. Filing by Mail
If you prefer to mail your application, send Form N-565 and supporting materials to:
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
USCIS
P.O. Box 20050
Phoenix, AZ 85036-0050
For FedEx, UPS, or DHL Deliveries
USCIS
Attn: N-565
2108 E. Elliot Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806
Even if you file by mail, USCIS will send you an Account Acceptance Notice with instructions to create an online account so you can track your case.
You’ll continue receiving official updates by mail even if you don’t create an online account.
Supporting Documents for Form N-565
When submitting your naturalization replacement application, you’ll generally need:
- Two identical passport-style photographs
- A police report or sworn statement if the original certificate was lost or stolen
- A copy of the original naturalization certificate (if requesting a correction or update)
- Legal evidence of a name, gender, or date-of-birth change
- Documentation showing USCIS error (if applicable)
- Proof of marital status change (if relevant)
- A copy of your original certificate if requesting a Special Certificate of Naturalization
Understanding Case-Specific Document Requirements
Supporting evidence varies depending on whether your issue was caused by USCIS or by other factors.
If the Error Was NOT Due to USCIS:
You must pay the standard filing fee and include supporting evidence explaining the change or replacement request.
If the Error WAS Due to USCIS:
You may be exempt from the filing fee, but you’ll still need to provide documentation proving the agency’s error.
If you’re unsure which category your situation falls into, at Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys can review your case and guide you through the documentation and filing process to avoid delays.
Get Professional Help with Your Form N-565 Application
Replacing your Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship can be confusing—especially if you’re unsure what evidence to include or where to file. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link are experienced in handling Form N-565 applications and can help ensure your case is processed efficiently.
Replacing Your Naturalization Certificate: Understanding USCIS Error vs. Applicant Error
When applying for a replacement of your naturalization or citizenship certificate, the reason behind your request determines whether you must pay a filing fee. Below, our immigration attorneys at Green Card Link explain the difference between USCIS-related errors and applicant-related ones—and what documents you need to submit with your Form N-565.
Reasons Not Due to USCIS Error
If your request for a replacement certificate is due to an error you made, or because you voluntarily changed certain personal details, USCIS will require you to pay the standard filing fee for Form N-565. Common examples include the following:
1. Legal Name Change
If you’ve legally changed your name, you must submit one of the following documents:
- A marriage or divorce certificate
- A certified copy of a court order confirming the name change
2. Gender Change
If you have legally changed your gender, USCIS may ask for:
- A certified copy of an amended birth certificate
- A certified copy of a court order confirming the gender change
- A medical certification signed by a licensed physician
- Any other official document recognizing your new gender (e.g., passport or driver’s license issued by a U.S. or foreign authority)
Reasons Due to USCIS Error
If your naturalization certificate contains a clerical or typographical mistake made by USCIS, you may request a correction without paying any filing fee. You will need to return the original certificate containing the error and provide proof of the correct information.
For example, if your name was incorrectly printed on the certificate, you can submit a birth certificate or another official record verifying your correct name.
Need to File Form N-565? We Can Help
The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can guide you through the entire process of filing your Form N-565, ensuring that your application is complete and accurate the first time. Our goal is to save you time, avoid unnecessary delays, and help you obtain your corrected or replacement certificate smoothly.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Naturalization Certificate?
The current USCIS filing fee for replacing a naturalization certificate is:
- $555 when filed by mail
- $505 when filed online
This filing fee is nonrefundable, regardless of whether your application is approved, denied, or later withdrawn.
Payment options include:
- Personal check
- Money order
- Cashier’s check
- Credit card
If you pay by check, make it payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
💡 Tip: Always check the official USCIS website for the most current fee schedule, as costs may change.
Processing Time for Form N-565
The average processing time for a naturalization certificate replacement is about 5 months, based on USCIS national median timelines. However, this may vary depending on factors such as missing documents or additional requests for evidence (RFEs).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I get a copy of my naturalization certificate?
You may submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. If no record is found, you can file Form N-565 for a replacement.
What should I do if my certificate was lost or stolen?
You can request a replacement by filing Form N-565 with USCIS.
How much does it cost to get a new naturalization certificate?
The fee is $555, as set by USCIS for Form N-565.
Can I get a naturalization certificate online?
No. You can only file the application online, but USCIS will mail the physical certificate.
What’s the difference between a “copy” and a “replacement”?
A “copy” is a simple duplicate of an existing document, while a “replacement” is a new, official certificate reissued by USCIS.
My certificate has an error. What should I do?
Submit Form N-565 with evidence of the correct information. If the mistake was made by USCIS, you will not need to pay a filing fee.
Which form should I use to replace my naturalization certificate?
Use Form N-565 (Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document).
How Green Card Link Can Help
Whether you’re replacing a naturalization certificate, applying for U.S. citizenship, or correcting a USCIS-issued document, professional legal guidance can make all the difference.
At Green Card Link, our experienced immigration attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the naturalization and citizenship process. We’ll help you gather the required documentation, file accurately, and respond promptly to any USCIS requests to minimize delays.
📞 Contact Green Card Link today to schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated immigration attorneys and take the next step toward securing your rightful documentation.