I Lost My Certificate of Citizenship – What Can I Do?
Losing your Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization can be stressful, especially because it is one of the most important documents proving that you are a U.S. citizen. These certificates are often required for many legal purposes, including obtaining a passport, proving employment eligibility, or filing immigration petitions for family members.
Fortunately, if your citizenship certificate is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can request a replacement through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What Is a Certificate of Citizenship?
A Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization is an official document issued by USCIS that proves a person is a U.S. citizen.
These certificates may be issued when someone:
- Becomes a citizen through naturalization
- Acquires citizenship through U.S. citizen parents
- Derives citizenship automatically through a parent
Because this document serves as official proof of citizenship, it is important to keep it in a safe place.
How to Replace a Lost Citizenship Certificate
If you lost your citizenship certificate, you must file an application with USCIS to request a replacement.
The process involves filing Form N-565, which is used to request a replacement for:
- A lost certificate
- A stolen certificate
- A damaged certificate
- A certificate containing incorrect information
USCIS will review the application and may request additional documentation before issuing a replacement certificate.
Form N-565: Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document
Form N-565 is the official application used to replace citizenship certificates.
The form can be filed if your certificate was:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Destroyed
- Mutilated
- Issued with an error
Applicants must submit supporting documentation and pay the required filing fee.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Citizenship Certificate?
Processing times for Form N-565 vary depending on USCIS workload.
In many cases, the process may take several months before the replacement certificate is issued.
Because processing times can be lengthy, many people apply for a U.S. passport as additional proof of citizenship if they need documentation sooner.
Can I Apply for a U.S. Passport Without My Certificate?
In some situations, individuals may still be able to apply for a U.S. passport if they previously submitted their certificate when obtaining a passport.
However, if the certificate is your only proof of citizenship, you will likely need to replace the certificate through USCIS.
What If My Citizenship Certificate Was Stolen?
If your certificate was stolen, it may be helpful to:
- File a police report
- Keep a copy of the report for your records
- Submit the replacement request through Form N-565
Although a police report is not always required, it can help document the circumstances of the loss.
Why It Is Important to Replace Your Citizenship Certificate
Replacing your certificate is important because it may be required for:
- Applying for a U.S. passport
- Petitioning family members for immigration benefits
- Proving citizenship for employment purposes
- Certain government benefits
Keeping a valid proof of citizenship is essential for many legal and administrative processes.
Immigration Legal Help
If you have lost your Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization, it is important to understand the process for obtaining a replacement.
At Gonzalez Legal, P.C., we assist clients with:
- Replacement of citizenship certificates (Form N-565)
- Naturalization applications
- Immigration documentation issues
- Family-based immigration petitions
📞 Contact Gonzalez Legal, P.C. today to schedule a consultation and discuss your immigration matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What form do I file to replace my citizenship certificate?
You must file Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document.
How much does it cost to replace a citizenship certificate?
USCIS charges a filing fee for Form N-565. The fee may change periodically, so it is important to verify the current amount with USCIS.
How long does it take to replace a certificate of citizenship?
Processing times vary, but many cases take several months.
Can an immigration attorney help with the replacement process?
Yes. An immigration attorney can help prepare the application and ensure that all required documentation is submitted correctly.
Emmanuel Gonzalez, Esq.
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