Lost, damaged, or need to correct your naturalization certificate? Here’s how to file Form N-565 to replace it, the current fee and processing time, and how to prove your citizenship while you wait.
How to Replace a Lost Naturalization Certificate (Form N-565)
Your Certificate of Naturalization is one of your most important documents — official proof that you’re a U.S. citizen. If it’s been lost, stolen, damaged, or contains an error, you can replace it by filing Form N-565 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here’s how the process works in 2026.
What Is Form N-565?
Form N-565, “Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document,” is the official USCIS form used to request a replacement Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. You’d file it if your certificate were:
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- Lost, stolen, or destroyed
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- Damaged or mutilated
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- Issued with incorrect information
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- In need of updating after a legal name change
How Much Does It Cost and How Long Does It Take?
As of 2026:
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- Filing fee: approximately $555 (USCIS fees change periodically, so verify the current amount before filing). The fee is generally non-refundable, even if the application is denied.
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- Processing time: commonly several months to over a year. As of early 2026, USCIS reported median times of roughly 9 months for straightforward lost-certificate replacements and closer to 13 months for applications involving name changes or amendments.
Because timelines vary by workload, check the current estimate on the USCIS “Check Case Processing Times” tool for Form N-565 before you file.
How to File Form N-565
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- Complete the form. File online through a USCIS account or by mail. Provide your current information and the details of your original certificate if known.
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- Explain the reason. Indicate whether the certificate was lost, damaged, contains an error, or needs a name update, and include any required supporting documents (such as a police report for theft or a court order for a name change).
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- Pay the fee and submit. Keep a copy of everything and your receipt notice, which confirms USCIS has your application.
How to Prove Citizenship While You Wait
Because replacement can take many months, it helps to have another form of citizenship proof in the meantime. A valid U.S. passport is the most practical option — it’s widely accepted as proof of citizenship and identity, and it’s faster to obtain than a replacement certificate. If you don’t have a passport, this may be a good time to apply for one.
A quick but important note: never laminate your naturalization certificate, and avoid making unofficial alterations — doing so can render it invalid, and is why some people end up needing a replacement in the first place.
Naturalization Certificate vs. Other Citizenship Documents
It’s easy to confuse the documents that prove citizenship. A Certificate of Naturalization is issued when someone becomes a citizen through the naturalization process. A Certificate of Citizenship is issued to certain people who acquired citizenship through U.S.-citizen parents. And for those born in the U.S., a certified birth certificate serves as primary proof of citizenship. Knowing which one applies to you helps you request the right replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a naturalization certificate replaced quickly?
Not usually — processing often takes many months. If you need to prove citizenship sooner, a U.S. passport is typically the faster route.
How much is the N-565 fee in 2026?
Around $555, though USCIS fees change periodically. Confirm the current amount on the USCIS website before filing.
Can I travel without my naturalization certificate?
You don’t travel on the certificate itself — you use a passport. If your certificate is lost, applying for or using a valid passport is the practical solution.
What if my name changed?
You can request an updated certificate via Form N-565, but applications involving a name change generally take longer and require supporting documents like a court order or marriage certificate.
Keep Your Proof of Citizenship in Order
Replacing a naturalization certificate takes patience, so it’s worth keeping a backup proof of citizenship on hand. If you’re a U.S.-born citizen who needs a certified birth certificate as your primary proof, Vital Records Online can help you request one quickly and securely — a practical companion document while you manage federal paperwork.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Form N-565 fees and processing times are set by USCIS and change over time. Always confirm current requirements at uscis.gov or consult a qualified immigration professional.