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N-565 Checklist: Replacement Naturalization Certificate

Immigration Attorney and Citizenship Document Resource

Replace a naturalization or citizenship certificate with our Form N-565 checklist. Form N-565 (Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document) is used when a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or certain related documents was lost, stolen, mutilated, or needs a biographic correction (for example after a legal name change). This checklist helps immigration attorneys and U.S. citizens gather identity evidence, the prior certificate details, a police report when stolen, and court-ordered name-change documents. Confirm current fees, photos, and filing locations on USCIS.gov. Not legal advice.

N-565 Checklist: Replacement Naturalization Certificate form template preview

Key Benefits

Replace lost, stolen, or mutilated certificates
Update a certificate after a legal name change
Know when a police report is required
Match identity evidence to the original certificate
Confirm current photo and fee requirements
Professional citizenship-document workflow

Common Use Cases

U.S. citizens whose Certificate of Naturalization was lost or stolenName changes after marriage, divorce, or court orderDamaged certificates that need reissuanceImmigration attorneys filing N-565 for citizenship clientsParalegals assembling identity and court documentsCitizens who need a certificate for a passport or other agency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Form N-565 used for?
N-565 asks USCIS to replace a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Declaration of Intention, or certain other citizenship documents when the original was lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated, or when a biographic correction is needed. It does not grant citizenship—it replaces proof of citizenship you already have.
Do I need N-565 if I only need a U.S. passport?
Often no. Many people can renew a U.S. passport with other evidence of citizenship. N-565 is for replacing the certificate itself. Check State Department and USCIS guidance for your situation before paying the N-565 fee.
What if my certificate was stolen?
File a police report when possible and include a copy with N-565. Explain the circumstances on the form. Keep the report number and agency name with your case file.
Can N-565 change my name on the certificate?
Yes, when you have a legal name change and are requesting a corrected certificate. Attach the court order, marriage certificate, or other legal evidence of the name change as the instructions require.

Checklist

USCIS Forms

Complete Form N-565 (Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document)
Required

Use the current edition. Select the reason for filing (lost, stolen, mutilated, or biographic correction).

Supporting Documents

Details from the original certificate (number, date, and place of issuance if known)
Required

A photocopy of the old certificate helps if you still have one. Otherwise provide the best available information.

Police report if the certificate was stolen

Include when filing because of theft. Keep the report number and agency contact.

Surrender the mutilated original certificate when filing for that reason

The instructions say when to return the damaged document. Do not discard it before filing.

Identity Documents

Government photo ID and proof of U.S. citizenship status as required
Required

U.S. passport, driver's license, or other ID named in the instructions. Names must match or be explained.

Passport-style photos meeting current N-565 specifications
Required

Follow the photo rules in the current form instructions. Online filing may use a digital upload instead.

Civil Documents

Legal name-change evidence if requesting a corrected name on the certificate

Court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the new legal name.

Documentation

Certified English translations for foreign-language civil documents

Needed when name-change or identity documents are not in English.

Financial Requirements

Filing fee payment (check current fee and exemptions on USCIS.gov)
Required

Fees differ by reason for filing in some editions. Confirm before you submit.