How Do I Replace a Naturalization Certificate?
You can replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or incorrect Certificate of Naturalization by filing Form N-565 with USCIS, though it takes time, so keeping the original safe is best. To replace a Certificate of Naturalization, you file an application for a replacement document, Form N-565, with the required fee, and USCIS issues a new certificate. You do not lose your citizenship if the certificate is lost; the certificate is proof, and it can be replaced. Because replacement takes time, safeguarding the original and using other citizenship evidence when possible is wise.
This guide explains how to replace the certificate and what to know. It connects to our guides on changing your name during naturalization e getting a passport after naturalization.
Need to replace a naturalization certificate? Atlas Legal can help you file. Contact our team to get started.
Punti di forza
- You can replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or incorrect certificate.
- You file Form N-565 with USCIS and pay the required fee.
- Losing the certificate does not mean losing your citizenship.
- Replacement takes time, so keep the original safe.
- A U.S. passport can also serve as proof of citizenship.
What This Guide Covers
- When to replace it
- Filing Form N-565
- You keep your citizenship
- It takes time
- Other proof of citizenship
- Frequently asked questions
When to Replace It
You may need to replace your Certificate of Naturalization if it is lost, stolen, or damaged, or if it contains an error that needs to be corrected. In these situations, obtaining a replacement or corrected certificate is the solution.
The certificate is an important document proving your naturalization, so keeping an accurate, intact copy matters. When something happens to it, the replacement process lets you get a new one.
Filing Form N-565
To replace the certificate, you file Form N-565, the application for a replacement naturalization or citizenship document, with USCIS. You submit it with the required fee and any needed supporting information.
Filing the form correctly starts the process for USCIS to issue a new certificate. Completing it accurately and including what is required helps avoid delays in getting your replacement.
You Keep Your Citizenship
An important reassurance is that losing your Certificate of Naturalization does not mean you lose your citizenship. Once you are naturalized, you are a citizen; the certificate is proof of that status, not the status itself.
| Point | What it means |
|---|---|
| The certificate is proof | It documents your citizenship but is not the citizenship itself |
| Losing it | Does not take away your citizenship |
| Replacement | Restores your proof through a new certificate |
So if your certificate is lost or destroyed, you remain a citizen. Replacing it simply restores your documentary proof for when you need it.
It Takes Time
Replacing a Certificate of Naturalization takes time, as USCIS must process the application and issue a new document. Processing is not instant, so if you need proof of citizenship soon, planning ahead is important.
Because of the processing time, it is best to safeguard your original certificate and avoid needing a replacement. If you do need one, filing promptly helps you get it as soon as possible.
Need proof of citizenship quickly while replacing your certificate? Ask Atlas Legal about your options.
Other Proof of Citizenship
A U.S. passport can also serve as proof of citizenship and is often more convenient to carry and use than the certificate. Many citizens rely on a passport for everyday proof, keeping the certificate safe at home.
If your certificate is being replaced, a valid U.S. passport may meet your needs for proof in the meantime. Having a passport can reduce the urgency of certificate issues, though the certificate remains an important record.
When to Work With an Immigration Attorney
Replacing a certificate is usually straightforward, but issues can arise. Legal help is valuable when your certificate has an error to correct, when a replacement is delayed, when you need proof of citizenship urgently, or when you have questions about the process. An attorney can help you file correctly and address complications. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case.
Domande frequenti
How do I replace a naturalization certificate?
You replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or incorrect Certificate of Naturalization by filing Form N-565, the application for a replacement document, with USCIS and paying the required fee. USCIS then issues a new certificate. Filing the form correctly and including what is required helps avoid delays. Because replacement takes time, filing promptly is wise. Importantly, losing the certificate does not mean losing your citizenship, since the certificate is proof, not the status itself.
What is Form N-565?
Form N-565 is the application for a replacement naturalization or citizenship document, filed with USCIS to replace a Certificate of Naturalization that is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains an error. You submit it with the required fee and any needed supporting information, and USCIS issues a new certificate. Completing the form accurately and including what is required starts the process and helps avoid delays in receiving your replacement document.
Do I lose my citizenship if I lose my certificate?
No. Losing your Certificate of Naturalization does not mean you lose your citizenship. Once you are naturalized, you are a citizen; the certificate is proof of that status, not the status itself. So if your certificate is lost or destroyed, you remain a citizen. Replacing it through Form N-565 simply restores your documentary proof for when you need it, but your citizenship itself is unaffected by the loss of the document.
How long does it take to replace the certificate?
Replacing a Certificate of Naturalization takes time, since USCIS must process the application and issue a new document, and processing is not instant. If you need proof of citizenship soon, planning ahead is important. Because of the processing time, it is best to safeguard your original certificate and avoid needing a replacement. If you do need one, filing promptly helps you receive it as soon as possible for your situation.
Can I use my passport instead of the certificate?
Often, yes. A U.S. passport can serve as proof of citizenship and is usually more convenient to carry and use than the certificate, so many citizens rely on a passport for everyday proof and keep the certificate safe at home. If your certificate is being replaced, a valid passport may meet your needs for proof in the meantime, which can reduce the urgency, though the certificate remains an important record to have.
What if my certificate has an error?
If your Certificate of Naturalization contains an error, you can seek a corrected certificate, generally through the replacement process using Form N-565. Correcting an error ensures your document accurately reflects your information, which matters since the certificate is a key proof of citizenship and identity. Because the process and any required documentation depend on the situation, getting guidance can help ensure the correction is handled properly and your new certificate is accurate.
How can I avoid needing a replacement?
The best way is to safeguard your original Certificate of Naturalization by storing it securely and avoiding damage or loss. Since replacement takes time, protecting the original saves you the trouble. Many people also obtain a U.S. passport for everyday proof of citizenship, keeping the certificate stored safely at home. Taking these steps reduces the chance you will need a replacement and ensures you have accessible proof of your citizenship when needed.
Is there a fee to replace the certificate?
Yes. Filing Form N-565 to replace a Certificate of Naturalization generally requires paying a fee, along with submitting the application and any needed information. Because fees can change, it is important to confirm the current amount when you file. Paying the required fee and completing the form correctly are part of the process for USCIS to issue your replacement certificate, so checking the current requirements before filing helps the process go smoothly.
Bottom Line
You can replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or incorrect Certificate of Naturalization by filing Form N-565 with USCIS and paying the fee. Losing the certificate does not affect your citizenship, since it is proof, not the status itself. Replacement takes time, so keep the original safe and consider a passport for proof. Each case depends on its own facts.
If you need to replace a naturalization certificate, Atlas Legal Immigration Law can help. Reach us at 1750 E Golf Rd Ste 214, Schaumburg, IL 60173, call (+1) 872 382 2762, or email info@theatlaslegal.com. Learn more on our services page.
Reviewed by the Atlas Legal Immigration Law editorial team. Last reviewed on July 28, 2026.
Sources
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Citizenship Resource Center
- U.S. Department of State, U.S. Passports
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, government fees, policies, and processing times may change. Reading this article or contacting Atlas Legal does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship. The outcome of any immigration matter depends on its individual facts and circumstances.
