Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, is used by U.S. citizens to replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or incorrect Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. Additionally, it can also be used for some older documents and special certificates requested by foreign governments.

How long does it take to process Form N-565?

Form N-565 processing time varies by USCIS workload and location. Many applicants report waits of several months, and some see 3-6 months or longer before receiving a new certificate. You can check the USCIS processing times or get a detailed breakdown of what happens in our explanation of the Form N-565 processing time →

Who should file an N-565 application?

You should file Form N-565 if you are already a U.S. citizen and need to replace a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship that is lost, stolen, destroyed, damaged, or contains incorrect information, or if you need a special certificate for recognition by a foreign country.

Can I travel abroad while my Form N-565 is pending?

Yes. Most people can travel internationally using a valid U.S. passport while an N-565 application is pending. The replacement certificate is mainly used for proof of citizenship in certain legal, employment, or immigration situations. It's not for travel purposes. Always keep your passport safe and check current guidance if you have urgent travel plans.

Can I get the Form N-565 fee waived if USCIS made a mistake?

If the certificate error is clearly due to a USCIS clerical mistake, regulations allow you to request a corrected certificate with no Form N-565 filing fee. You’ll need evidence showing the information on your certificate doesn’t match your underlying records because of their error.

FORM N-565 GUIDE

Form N-565: Replace a Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization

Learn when to use Form N-565 (Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document). Understand eligibility, document requirements, processing timelines, and how CitizenPath helps you file the application correctly to avoid delays.

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Quick Navigation

Form N-565 Requirements — Eligibility
Evidence & Supporting Document Checklist
Form N-565 Filing Fee
Instructions: How to Complete the Form
N-565 Processing Time & What Happens After You File
Common N-565 Mistakes & RFEs
How CitizenPath Helps You File an N-565 Application Correctly

What Is Form N-565?

Individuals who were previously issued a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship, may file Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, to replace the citizenship document.

In fact, most people file this form after misplacing their original document, noticing a typo, or needing an updated name.

Citizens typically file an N-565 application when:

Their certificate has been lost, stolen, or destroyed
Their name changed after naturalization
Their certificate contains an error

Form N-565 Requirements (Eligibility)

You may file an Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document if you are a U.S. citizen who needs to replace a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Reptriation Certificate, Declaration of Intention, or Special Certificate of Naturalization. However, the majority of people use it to replace one of these citizenship documents:

Citizenship of Naturalization

A Naturalization Certificate is a U.S. identity document for a person who obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

Citizenship of Citizenship

A Citizenship Certificate is a U.S. identity document for a person who obtained U.S. citizenship through parents (derivation or acquisition).

Remember, you should only file Form N-565 if you were previously issued one of these citizenship documents and need to replace it.

N-565 Evidence & Supporting Document Checklist

To file Form N-565, you'll generally need to establish your identity and submit other evidence. Typically, supporting documentation for the application includes:

Passport-style photos
U.S. government-issued photo identification
Evidence of loss (when the certificate is missing)
Original certificate (when the document is available)

For applicants who have a different marriage status or legal name change, it's also important to submit evidence so that the change may be reflected on the replacement certificate.

CitizenPath generates a customized checklist for your situation so you know exactly what USCIS needs. Get your checklist when you use our Citizenship Document Replacement Package →

Form N-565 Filing Fee

The current Form N-565 filing fee is $555. USCIS occasionally adjusts fees, so always verify before filing.

However, if you cannot afford the fee and can demonstrate a financial hardship, you may qualify for a USCIS fee waiver by submitting Form I-912 with your application →

N-565 Instructions: How to Complete the Form

Form N-565 is straightforward at the surface, but several questions require careful interpretation. Here’s a brief overview of what the form asks and what you’ll need to prepare before filing.

Enter Your Current Legal Information
Provide your full legal name, date of birth, and a reliable mailing address. Next, use the exact spelling that appears on your identification documents.
Choose the Reason for Replacement
Select the “why” behind your request for loss, theft, damage, name change, or a USCIS error. Your selection determines the evidence that USCIS expects, so choose the option that most accurately fits your situation.
Provide Details About the Original Certificate
The form asks for information from the certificate you’re replacing, such as the certificate number and issuance date. A photocopy helps, but USCIS can still process the form if you no longer have it.
Upload or Attach Supporting Documents
Evidence requirements vary. For example, you may need a court order for a name change, a marriage certificate, or a written explanation describing how the certificate was lost or damaged. Organized, clear documentation reduces follow-up delays.
Sign and File With the Required Fee
Finally, Form N-565 must be signed and submitted with the correct filing fee (or a fee waiver request, if eligible).

Need More Detailed Instructions?
For the complete set of official instructions, you may visit USCIS directly and review their guidance for Form N-565 on the USCIS website.

Make it easy and file correctly: CitizenPath walks you through each question, checks for errors, and produces ready-to-file forms plus tailored N-565 instructions for you. It's free to try: Citizenship Document Replacement Package →

N-565 Processing Time & What Happens After You File

USCIS processing times for Form N-565 vary depending on the service center and case volume. On average, expect processing to take 3-6 months. You can track current wait times on the USCIS website.

After You File

Receive Form I-797C Notice of Action (receipt notice)
Attend a biometrics appointment (if required)
Receive a decision and replacement certificate by mail

Remember, the single most important factor to optimize USCIS processing times is preparing a strong and thorough application. Learn more about Form N-565 processing time and what happens after you file.

Common N-565 Mistakes & RFEs

Many N-565 applications face delays or denials due to missing evidence or confusion about requirements. Avoid delays by checking for these problems:

Missing name change documents
Unclear explanation for a lost or stolen certificate
Filing without including all supporting evidence
Submitting poor-quality copies of documents

USCIS N-565 Rejections in 2024

MODERATE RISK

3,684 Rejections

USCIS N-565 Denials in 2024

MODERATE RISK

3,295 Denials

CitizenPath checks your application to identify mistakes, omissions and inconsistencies. This optimizes your chances at smooth processing and a quick approval. Learn more about our Citizenship Document Replacement Package →

N-565 FAQs

USCIS does not require a specific document to prove the loss or theft of your certificate, but they do expect a clear explanation. For example, a police report can strengthen your case, especially if the certificate may have been stolen. At minimum, provide a written statement describing when you last possessed the document and how it went missing. We'll show you how. It's called a sworn statement for your N-565 application →

No. You may not use Form N-565 to request a citizenship document for another person. Importantly, only the person named as the applicant may use the N-565 application to request a replacement.

No. The application can only be filed by the individual whose certificate is being replaced. USCIS will not issue a new citizenship document for a deceased parent. If you need citizenship evidence for estate, legal, or genealogical purposes, you may request records through a Freedom of Information Act Request. Individuals may use Form G-639 to request copies of specific documents or a person's entire immigration file. You must have a death certificate for the person.

It is unlikely that an immigration file would contain an actual certificate. However, you may be able to obtain other forms of proof. For example, a request for "any and all copies of documents evidencing my parent's U.S. citizenship" may be able to produce an approved application or approval notice that shows your parent was a citizen. Learn more about making a request for an immigration file.

How CitizenPath Helps You File N-565 Correctly

CitizenPath makes it easy to prepare Form N-565 correctly the first time. Our affordable online service was designed by immigration attorneys to guide you through each question with simple directions, check for errors, and generate personalized filing instructions.

Step-by-step N-565 preparation
Customized checklist of supporting documents
Error-checking logic and alerts for problems
Money-back guarantee of USCIS approval
Try for free; pay only when ready to file

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