Form N-565 Guide 2026: Replace Naturalization Certificate

What Is Form N-565?

Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, is the form used to request a replacement of a lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. It can also be used to correct errors on these documents or to update them after a legal name change.

Your naturalization or citizenship certificate is an important document that proves you are a U.S. citizen. While a U.S. passport also serves as proof of citizenship, the certificate itself is sometimes specifically required — for example, when sponsoring a family member for immigration, in some state and local government proceedings, or when the original certificate number is needed for record-keeping purposes.

There are two types of certificates that N-565 can replace: the Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or older versions), which is issued to people who became citizens through the naturalization process, and the Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560), which is issued to people who derived or acquired citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent, typically at birth or as a child.

When to File Form N-565

You should file N-565 in the following situations:

Lost or stolen certificate: If your naturalization or citizenship certificate has been lost or stolen, N-565 is how you get a replacement. You should also consider filing a police report if the certificate was stolen, as it is a government-issued identity document.

Damaged or mutilated certificate: If your certificate has been damaged by water, fire, or other causes to the point where it is illegible or significantly deteriorated, file N-565 for a replacement. Include the damaged certificate with your application.

Error correction: If the certificate contains an error made by USCIS (or the former INS) — such as a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect information — you can file N-565 to get a corrected certificate. If the error was made by USCIS, there may be no filing fee (see fee section below).

Legal name change: If you have legally changed your name since your certificate was issued (through marriage, divorce, or court order) and want a certificate reflecting your new name, you can file N-565. You must provide the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that legally changed your name.

Who Can File Form N-565?

You can file N-565 if you are a naturalized U.S. citizen who needs a replacement or corrected Certificate of Naturalization, a U.S. citizen who derived or acquired citizenship and needs a replacement or corrected Certificate of Citizenship, or a parent or legal guardian filing on behalf of a child under 18 who holds a Certificate of Citizenship.

You cannot file N-565 if you are not a U.S. citizen, if you are seeking to prove citizenship for the first time (use Form N-600 instead), or if you need a replacement green card (use Form I-90 instead).

How to File Form N-565: Step by Step

Step 1: Determine your reason for filing. Identify whether you need a replacement (lost/stolen/damaged), a correction (USCIS error or your error), or an update (legal name change). This determines the documentation you need and may affect the filing fee.

Step 2: Gather required documents. At minimum, you will need a copy of your current valid photo identification (passport, driver's license, or state ID), two identical passport-style photos (following USCIS photo specifications), and a copy of the certificate being replaced (if available). For corrections: evidence of the correct information (birth certificate, passport, etc.). For name changes: the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the legal name change.

Step 3: Complete Form N-565. Download the current version from the USCIS website. Fill in all required fields, including the reason for your request, your A-number (Alien Registration Number — found on your certificate or green card), and details about when and where you were naturalized or obtained citizenship.

Step 4: Pay the filing fee. Check the USCIS fee schedule for the current N-565 fee. Important exception: if you are requesting a correction for an error that was made by USCIS, no filing fee is required. Include a cover letter explaining that the error was made by USCIS and attach evidence.

Step 5: Submit the application. Mail the completed form, fee (if applicable), supporting documents, and photos to the USCIS address specified in the form instructions. Use a trackable mailing method and keep copies of everything.

Step 6: Attend biometrics and/or interview (if required). USCIS may schedule you for a biometrics appointment. In some cases, USCIS may also schedule an in-person interview to verify your identity and citizenship status.

Step 7: Receive your replacement certificate. If approved, USCIS will mail your new certificate to the address on file. The replacement certificate will have a new certificate number but will reflect the same naturalization or citizenship date as your original.

Filing Fee and Exceptions

The current filing fee is listed on the USCIS fee schedule. A fee waiver (Form I-912) may be available for N-565 if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Processing Times

N-565 processing times vary depending on USCIS workload, the complexity of your case, and whether USCIS needs to retrieve historical records. Check the USCIS processing times page for current estimates. Cases that require USCIS to search for old naturalization records (particularly for certificates issued decades ago) may take longer.

If you need proof of citizenship urgently while your N-565 is pending, consider applying for a U.S. passport through the State Department. Passport processing is generally faster, and a valid passport serves as proof of citizenship for most purposes.

N-565 vs Getting a U.S. Passport

Many people who lose their naturalization certificate wonder whether they should file N-565 or simply get a U.S. passport. Here is the comparison:

A U.S. passport is generally faster to obtain, is accepted as proof of citizenship for most purposes (employment verification, travel, government benefits), and can be obtained even without your naturalization certificate if you have other evidence of citizenship. Apply through the State Department.

A replacement certificate (N-565) is necessary if you specifically need the certificate for immigration purposes (such as filing Form I-130 for a family member), if you need to correct an error on the original certificate, or if you want to update your name on the certificate. Some people choose to get both — a passport for immediate use and a replacement certificate for their permanent records.

Required Documents Checklist

For all N-565 applications: Completed Form N-565, filing fee (check current amount), two identical passport-style photos, a copy of valid photo identification, and a copy of the original certificate (if available).

For lost/stolen certificates: A written explanation of when and how the certificate was lost or stolen. If stolen, include a copy of the police report if one was filed.

For damaged certificates: The damaged certificate itself (USCIS will retain it).

For error corrections: Evidence of the correct information (birth certificate, passport, other official documents) and an explanation of the error.

For name changes: A certified copy of the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that changed your name.

Common Issues and Tips

No record found: In rare cases, USCIS may not be able to locate your naturalization records, particularly for very old cases. If this happens, you may need to provide additional evidence of your citizenship, such as testimony from witnesses who attended your naturalization ceremony, or other government records showing your citizenship status.

Name discrepancies: If your name on the original certificate does not match your current legal name, be prepared to explain the history. Provide documentation for each name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).

Protect your replacement: Once you receive your replacement certificate, store it in a safe, fireproof location. Consider keeping a photocopy or high-quality scan in a separate secure location. The certificate itself is difficult and time-consuming to replace.

Report stolen certificates: If your certificate was stolen, file a police report and consider placing a fraud alert on your identity. A stolen naturalization certificate could be used for identity theft or immigration fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last verified: April 2026 · Reviewed by USImmigrationLaw.Today editorial team.