Guide
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate
How to obtain a USCIS certified copy of a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship with Form N-565 — who can file, what to include, fees, timing, and why you can't photocopy it.
Quick answer
You get it from USCIS by filing Form N-565, the Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, online or by mail. There is a filing fee (currently $555 for paper filing — check the USCIS page before filing) and processing commonly takes 6–12 months. Never photocopy the certificate yourself: copying it is restricted by federal law.
On this page
Why you need a USCIS copy, not your own
The U.S. Department of State won’t apostille an original naturalization or citizenship certificate, and reproducing one yourself is restricted under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1426). A notarized photocopy is also rejected. The only copy that works is one issued by USCIS itself.
Before you file
- Confirm which certificate you hold. Naturalization (N-550/N-570) if you naturalized; Citizenship (N-560/N-561) if you acquired or derived citizenship through a parent. The same form covers both.
- Gather what USCIS asks for: identifying details, your A-number if you have it, passport-style photos, and — if you still have it — the original certificate or a description of what happened to it.
- Name changed since? Include evidence of the legal name change.
- Check the current fee and filing options on the USCIS N-565 page. Online filing through a USCIS account is usually simplest.
Step by step
Create or sign in to your USCIS account
Online filing lets you pay, upload evidence and track the case. Paper filing goes to the address in the form instructions.
Complete Form N-565
Answer carefully and explain what you need and why. If you’re unsure which reason applies to your situation, ask us before you file — getting it wrong wastes the fee.
Pay the fee and submit
Keep the receipt notice; it has your case number.
Attend biometrics if scheduled
USCIS may ask you to attend an appointment for photos and fingerprints.
Receive the new document
Keep it flat, unlaminated and unmarked until it’s apostilled.
How long it takes
Routine processing commonly runs 6–12 months and varies by office — check current processing times on the USCIS website. This is almost always the longest part of getting a naturalization or citizenship certificate ready for use abroad, so start it as soon as you know you’ll need it.
When you’ll need it abroad
- Dual citizenship registration in a country of origin (Italy, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, the Philippines and others)
- Foreign passport applications that require proof of U.S. citizenship
- Marriage registration with a foreign civil registry
- Citizenship or residency by descent for your children
- Property purchases and inheritance where rules turn on nationality
Troubleshooting
Your original is laminated
Lamination is one of the reasons to file N-565 — a laminated certificate can't be apostilled, so a new USCIS-issued document is the fix.
Your name has changed since naturalization
Include legal evidence of the change (marriage certificate or court order). The new document can reflect it.
USCIS sends a request for evidence
Respond by the deadline with exactly what's asked; late or partial responses can lead to denial and a lost fee.
You need it faster than USCIS processes
Start immediately and check whether the foreign authority accepts proof of a pending application while you wait — some do for initial filings.
Next: getting it apostilled
Once you have the document, it needs authentication before a foreign authority will accept it. See how to apostille it. Our price is $299 per document for Hague Convention countries and $399 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization, with government fees included.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a certified copy without filing N-565?
In some situations USCIS can issue certified records through a records request, but N-565 is the usual route. Tell us your situation and we'll confirm which applies.
Can a notary certify a copy of my naturalization certificate?
No. A notary has no authority to certify a federal record, and the Department of State rejects notarized photocopies.
How long does N-565 take?
Commonly 6–12 months, depending on the office. Check the USCIS processing-times page for current estimates.
Is it the same form for a Certificate of Citizenship?
Yes. Form N-565 covers both naturalization and citizenship certificates.
Do I need to send my original certificate with N-565?
If you still have it and it's damaged or incorrect, the instructions generally ask you to include it. If it was lost or stolen, you explain what happened instead.
Can I file N-565 from abroad?
Online filing through a USCIS account works from abroad, though biometrics may require an appointment in the U.S. or at a designated location.
Sources: U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document · Hague Conference — Apostille Section · USCIS Form N-565. Federal Apostille USA is a private service, not a government agency.
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.