Lost or Stolen Document
Your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship is missing, or you believe it was stolen, and you need to explore a replacement request.
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A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship is an important record of U.S. citizenship. If yours has been lost, stolen, damaged, or contains information that may need correction, Form N-565 may be the right application to explore.
The request type and evidence depend on what happened to the original document and what needs to change. E-Z Immigration helps you understand Form N-565, identify records USCIS may require, and prepare a clear application. We can also help distinguish a replacement request from a correction request.
An application to replace certain citizenship documents issued by USCIS or its predecessor agencies.
Replacement Document Explained
Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, is used to request a replacement for certain citizenship documents issued by USCIS or its predecessor agencies. Covered documents can include a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
The form may apply when a covered document was lost or stolen, damaged so it cannot be used, issued with a USCIS clerical error, or needs an eligible name change. The request type and supporting evidence depend on what happened to the original document and what update is being requested.
A correction request may follow a different process depending on whether the error was made by USCIS or appeared in the original application. A qualifying name change after naturalization may require records such as a court order or marriage document.
Form N-565 replaces documentation; it does not grant citizenship. It is generally for someone who is already a U.S. citizen and needs a replacement document. If you believe you are a citizen but never received a certificate, a different review may be needed.
Common Replacement Situations
Depending on the circumstances and current USCIS instructions, Form N-565 may be an option for certain replacement or document update requests.
Your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship is missing, or you believe it was stolen, and you need to explore a replacement request.
The original document was destroyed or damaged to the point that it cannot be used. USCIS instructions may explain whether the original must be returned with the request.
The certificate may contain a clerical error made by USCIS. The correction procedure can depend on how the error occurred and what was stated in the original application.
You may be seeking an eligible name update based on a court order or marriage after naturalization. Supporting documentation may be needed.
Your situation may fall within another replacement request described in the current N-565 instructions. Confirm that your document and request type are covered.
Not every requested change qualifies for correction through Form N-565. USCIS may distinguish an error it made from information that appeared on the original application. Review the current instructions before choosing a request type.
N-565 Application Support
A replacement request depends on the original certificate, why it needs to be replaced or updated, and what evidence is available. We help you understand the request options and organize a clear application.
Discuss what happened to the Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship and what you need USCIS to do, such as address a loss, damage, possible clerical error, or eligible name change.
Review the request options and supporting evidence requirements to understand which option may fit your circumstances and what information the form asks you to provide.
Identify available information about the original document and records related to its loss or damage, based on what the current USCIS instructions request.
Review evidence relevant to the requested change, which may include a marriage record, court order, or information supporting a USCIS clerical error, as applicable.
Prepare the application, check that answers are complete and consistent, and assemble records that support the request. Identify missing or older information that may need explanation.
If USCIS requests additional evidence or schedules an appointment, review the notice to understand its instructions and response deadline.
The appropriate request, required evidence, and available services depend on the document issue and current USCIS instructions.
Evidence for Your Request
The supporting evidence depends on why the citizenship document needs replacement or correction. Depending on the request, USCIS may ask for records such as:
A copy of the damaged certificate, if available.
Information identifying the original certificate, such as its number or date of issuance, if known.
A police report or other record related to theft or loss, when available or requested.
Evidence of the correct information or a USCIS clerical error.
A court order or marriage record supporting an eligible name change.
Identity documents or other records requested by USCIS.
Certified English translations for documents in another language.
Before sending an original document, check the current USCIS instructions. They may specify whether a damaged certificate must be submitted or returned for your particular request.
From Document Issue to USCIS Decision
The process starts by identifying the document and the request you need to make. Current USCIS instructions explain the supporting evidence, filing method, and any applicable fee or exemption.
Determine which citizenship document needs replacement and whether it was lost, damaged, issued with an error, or needs a qualifying update.
Confirm the available request type, required evidence, filing method, and applicable fee or fee exemption using the latest instructions.
Provide accurate information about the original document and the reason for the request. Submit the application with the evidence and fee required under current instructions.
USCIS may request additional information or schedule an appointment. Read each notice carefully and respond by the stated deadline.
USCIS reviews the application and supporting records. If approved, USCIS issues the replacement document. Processing times vary by case and workload.
Use current USCIS instructions for your request. Forms, fees, filing methods, and processing estimates can change. Check USCIS resources for current information and follow every notice you receive.
Clear, Organized Application Support
A replacement request can involve more than asking USCIS for another copy. The appropriate process depends on the original certificate, why it needs replacement or correction, and which records support the request.
E-Z Immigration helps clients understand those distinctions and prepare an organized application with information and supporting documents relevant to their situation.
USCIS makes the decision based on the application and evidence. Filing Form N-565 does not guarantee that USCIS will issue a replacement or approve a requested correction.
Replacement Document Questions
Learn what documents N-565 may cover, when replacement or correction may be available, and what to consider before filing.
Ask About an N-565 RequestForm N-565 may be used to replace certain citizenship documents, including a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. Check the current form instructions to confirm that your document and request are covered.
You may be able to request a replacement if you can establish that the covered certificate was previously issued to you and meet the application requirements. Provide the information and evidence requested in the current instructions.
Some corrections or name changes may qualify, but the rules depend on why the information is incorrect and what appeared in the original citizenship record. USCIS may require evidence of a clerical error, court order, or marriage-related name change. Not every requested change can be made through N-565.
If the certificate contains a typographic error made by USCIS, the appropriate correction procedure may differ from a replacement request based on an error in the original application. Review current USCIS guidance on correcting documents before filing.
The instructions may require you to submit or return a damaged certificate when requesting a replacement. Check the current N-565 instructions for your request type and keep a copy of the document for your records.
USCIS fees can change and may depend on the request or a fee exemption. Check the current Form N-565 page and USCIS fee schedule before submitting your application.
Processing time varies based on USCIS workload, the request type, and whether the application needs additional review. USCIS posts current estimates, but they are not a guarantee for an individual case.
No. Form N-565 is for replacing certain citizenship documents. It does not grant citizenship or decide a new citizenship claim.
E-Z Immigration assists with reviewing N-565 requests, preparing the application, and organizing supporting evidence. Contact us to discuss what happened to your certificate and what you need replaced or corrected.
If your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship is missing, damaged, or may need correction, start by identifying the appropriate request and the records USCIS may require.
E-Z Immigration can help you understand Form N-565 and prepare for the filing process.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. USCIS forms, fees, and procedures may change. Services provided depend on the specific engagement and applicable professional qualifications.