What to do if i lost my citizenship certificate

Your Certificate of Naturalization shows that you’re a naturalized citizen of the United States. Sometimes, these certificates get lost, damaged, or have incorrect information. It is possible to get a replacement or updated certificate through the U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS).

The way to replace your naturalization certificate is to file USCIS Form N-565, along with any required supporting documents. It’s a straightforward process, though there are some things you must know so you do it right the first time. If not, you might expect delays or issues later on.

A USCIS letterhead with a Certificate of Naturalization. Look for this seal when you get your replacement naturalization certificate.

What is Form N-565?

Form N-565 is the application to replace any document that proves you’re a U.S. citizen. These includes:

• Naturalization Certificates
• Certificates of Citizenship
• Declarations of Intention
• Repatriation Certificates

Why Would I Need to Replace a Naturalization Certificate?

The main reason to replace a naturalization certificate is if it’s lost, stolen, or damaged. However, a Form N-565 can be used if you need certain changes to your form, including:

• A name change
• A changed date of birth
• A change in gender identity
• A typographic error on your form caused by the USCIS

Errors on your certificate can cause you problems down the road if conflicting evidence comes to light.

What Documents Do I Need to File?

If you want to replace your naturalization certificate, you will need to submit evidence according to the instructions on Form N-565. For a lost or damaged certificate, you will need to send in a photocopy of the damaged copy or get a police report saying it was stolen.

If you need to change an existing document, you will need to provide documentation issued by a U.S. court order or state-issued documents along with your original certificate. USCIS may ask you additional questions if your birthdate conflicts with what you swore on Form N-400.

If the USCIS made a typo on your form, you will need to send in your original certificate with the error as well as evidence of the mistake. We will instruct you whether you should send in your original copies when you replace your naturalization certificate.

Required Photographs

You will also need to send in two identical passport-style photographs along with your application. Write your alien registration number on the back of the photographs. You must take these photos within 30 days prior to your application.

Documentation in a Foreign Language

If any of your documentation is in a foreign language, you will need to get it translated into English and certified by a translator as complete and accurate.

What Is the Difference Between a Certificate of Naturalization and a Certificate of Citizenship?

During the Citizenship Ceremony, naturalized citizens receive a Certificate of Naturalization as proof of their U.S. citizenship. You can replace your Certificate of Naturalization with Form N-565 if you have lost it.

A Certificate of Citizenship is proof of U.S. citizenship for people who are already U.S. citizens, either by birth or through “automatic citizenship”. They can request a Certificate of Citizenship to prove their U.S. citizenship using Form N-600.

Form N-600 or Form N-565 are not applications for naturalization. People who are U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) can apply for U.S. citizenship with Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

How Does FileRight Help Me Replace a Citizenship Document?

FileRight will walk you through each individual application question, providing helpful explanations along the way. We also have a bilingual (English and Spanish) customer support team available to answer your questions about FileRight.

Our technology checks your application for errors and provides you with customized filing instructions, letting you know where to send your application and what documents to include with it.

We’re so confident in FileRight that if your application is denied, we’ll refund your money — including government fees!

USCIS Filing Fees to Replace Your Naturalization Certificate

When replacing your naturalization certificate, the FileRight application package preparation fee is $285.

USCIS filing fees to file Form N-565 total $555. You’ll also have to pay an additional $85 fee if a biometric service fee applies to your situation.

USCIS won’t refund your money, even if they deny your application. We’ll help ensure your application is correct and complete so you’ll avoid this expensive error.

Can I Get a Fee Discount?

It is possible if you can prove you cannot afford the USCIS filing fee. You will need to file Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver along with your documentation. We can assist you with applying for a fee waiver.

How much does it cost to replace a lost citizenship certificate?

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How long does it take to replace citizenship certificate?

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