Guide
How to Order Certified Records from the National Archives
How to find and order certified National Archives records — naturalization, immigration, census and military files — for citizenship-by-descent claims.
Quick answer
Find the record first (the National Archives catalog, genealogy databases and census indexes help), then order a certified copy from the National Archives. Research-site printouts can’t be apostilled. For descent claims, plan the whole set of records together so names and dates stay consistent.
On this page
Step by step
Locate the record
Use ancestors’ names, approximate dates and places of arrival or naturalization.
Check which agency holds it
Pre-1956 naturalization records are generally at the National Archives; later ones with USCIS.
Order a certified copy
Through the National Archives’ ordering service; fees vary by record.
Reconcile the file
Match spellings and dates across all documents before submitting to a consulate.
Building a descent file
Descent claims usually combine National Archives records, a certificate of non-existence and state birth, marriage and death certificates. Authenticating them together is faster and keeps the file consistent.
When you’ll need it abroad
- Italian, Polish, Irish and other descent claims
- Proving an ancestor's naturalization or arrival
- Historical military records
- Inheritance and property claims abroad
Troubleshooting
You can't find the record
Try variant spellings and the ship arrival records.
The naturalization is after 1956
It's likely with USCIS — use a USCIS records request.
Spellings differ across records
Reconcile them before filing; consulates check consistency.
You need several records
Batch the orders and authenticate them together.
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 use a genealogy-site printout?
No. Consulates require the certified copy from the National Archives.
Where are recent naturalization records?
Generally with USCIS rather than the National Archives.
Can you order records for me?
Yes — we can request certified National Archives copies and apostille them in one order.
How long does a National Archives certified copy take?
Weeks, depending on the record and demand.
Can I order online?
Yes, many records can be ordered through the National Archives' online ordering service.
Sources: U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document · Hague Conference — Apostille Section · National Archives — Order reproductions. 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.