Form N-565, Explained

What is Form N-565?

If you’ve lost or damaged your U.S. naturalization or citizenship certificate — or need to update it due to a name or gender change — you’ll need to file Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document. This form is used to request a replacement of:

• A Certificate of Naturalization
• A Certificate of Citizenship
• A Declaration of Intention
• A Repatriation Certificate
• A Special Certificate of Naturalization (for use by U.S. citizens to be recognized by a foreign country)

Below is a step-by-step guide on who should file Form N-565, what documents are needed, how to file, and what to expect after submitting your application.

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Who Should File Form N-565?

You should file Form N-565 if:

• Your original certificate was lost, stolen, or destroyed
• Your original certificate is damaged or mutilated
• Your name or gender has legally changed and you want your certificate to reflect the update
• Your original certificate has an error that is not your fault (such as a typo made by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
• You need a Special Certificate of Naturalization for use by a foreign government

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Supporting Documents

When filing Form N-565, you’ll need to include the following:

If replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged certificate:

• A copy of the damaged document (if available)
• A signed statement explaining what happened to the original
• A police report (recommended if the document was stolen)

If correcting a USCIS error:

• The original certificate
• Evidence showing the correct information (for instance, your birth certificate or a court order)

If updating name or gender:

• The original certificate
• Legal proof of the change (such as a court order, marriage certificate, or medical documentation for gender updates)

If requesting a Special Certificate of Naturalization:

• Request from the foreign government (if applicable)
• Proof of your U.S. citizenship

How to File Form N-565

You can file Form N-565 online through your USCIS account or by mail.

Online:

Visit the USCIS Form N-565 page and click “File Online.” You’ll need to create or log in to a USCIS account and upload supporting documents.

By mail:

If you prefer to file by mail, send your completed Form N-565 and supporting documents to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox at the appropriate address below:

If sending via U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: N-565
P.O. Box 20050
Phoenix, AZ 85036-0050

If sending via FedEx, UPS, or DHL:
USCIS
Attn: N-565 (Box 20050)
2108 E. Elliot Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806

After you mail your application, USCIS will send you a USCIS Account Acceptance Notice. This letter includes instructions on how to create an online account, so you can track and manage your case digitally — even if you submitted it by mail.

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Cost

The fee for Form N-565 is $555. You can pay online with a credit or debit card, or include a check or money order with a paper application. However, if you can’t afford this fee, you may be eligible for a fee waiver by filing Form I-912.

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What Happens After You File

After submitting Form N-565, you’ll receive a Receipt Notice (Form I-797C) confirming that USCIS has received your application. You may also receive:

• A Request for Evidence (RFE) if additional documents are needed
• An appointment notice for biometrics (in rare cases)
• A decision notice and your new certificate by mail

The processing time for Form N-565 is currently 5.4 months.