A Certificate of Naturalization is an official certificate issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to those who are naturalized U.S. citizens. It certifies that a citizen is a US citizen and lists important information like full legal name, citizenship country, date of birth, and when they acquired citizenship.
A Certificate of Naturalization requires the applicant to pass the naturalization examination (eligibility includes being a lawful permanent resident for a set period, being morally good, and passing an English and civics exam).
Certificate of Naturalization vs. Certificate of Citizenship
Though both documents confirm US citizenship, there is a critical difference: both documents differ from one another: they don’t tell you about the different countries.
Certificate of Naturalization: Given to persons who were naturalized as US citizens.
Certificate of Citizenship: Issued to U.S. citizens born, or acquired by parent or other process (e.g., adoption).
Simply put, a Certificate of Naturalization applies to individuals who have voluntarily completed the naturalization process, and a Certificate of Citizenship applies to those automatically born or with parents as U.S. citizens.
How to Request a Replacement Certificate of Naturalization.
If you have your Certificate of Naturalization lost or destroyed, you’ll have to request a replacement by following the procedure:
- Fill out Form N-565: For a replacement Certificate of Naturalization that is lost or damaged, complete this form. You can submit the form online or by post.
- Collect Supporting Documents: You will need to show your identity (driver’s license, passport, etc) and, if possible, proof of U.S. citizenship (copy of the lost or damaged certificate).
- Pay the Filing Fee: The current filing fee for Form N-565 is $555 which you need to pay directly to USCIS when filing the form.
- Fill out Form and Attach Documents: If you are filing by mail, mail your completed Form N-565 and the required documents to the USCIS Lockbox address provided on the form. Upload all materials if you want to submit online.
Note: it can take months for a replacement to arrive, so make an application as soon as you suspect that your certificate is missing or stolen.
FAQS About Certificate of Naturalization?
For what purpose does the Certificate of Naturalization apply?
- Passport of the United States: You will need a Certificate of Naturalization to obtain a passport of the United States.
- Voter Registration: You need this to register to vote in US elections.
- Government Benefits: You may need it for government benefits such as Social Security or Medicare.
- Employment Document: It is sometimes required by employers to confirm your U.S. citizenship.
- Education and Financial Gains: You can also apply for student loans or financial aid.
Does a Certificate of Naturalization expire?
No, a Certificate of Naturalization is not revocable. Instead of green cards that may require renewal, as soon as someone becomes a U.S. citizen, he or she is a US citizen for good. Only if it gets lost, stolen, or damaged does the certificate need to be exchanged.
Can a Certificate of Naturalization be used as a passport for international travel?
No, you cannot travel with a Certificate of Naturalization. It certifies U.S. citizenship but is not a travel document. To enter the country, you must have a U.S. passport.
U.S. citizens who have been naturalized may obtain a passport from the U.S. Department of State or at an American embassy abroad. You will need evidence of American citizenship (including the Certificate of Naturalization), other documents, and a passport photo.
