Form N-565, Explained
A step-by-step guide to replacing your U.S. naturalization or citizenship certificate
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.
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
Important:
Do not use Form N-565 to apply for U.S. citizenship or to renew a green card. If you are applying for citizenship for the first time, use Form N-400.
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.
Boundless Tip
If submitting your form via mail, you don’t have to create an online account to complete the process, but it can help you stay updated. USCIS will still process your application and send all notices by mail if you don’t sign up.
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.
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.
FAQs
Yes. If you have a U.S. passport, you can use it as proof of citizenship. The certificate is mainly used for immigration and official purposes, not for travel.
You should return the original to USCIS. It is illegal to possess two original naturalization or citizenship certificates.
Yes. USCIS allows gender changes on naturalization or citizenship documents. You’ll need to provide appropriate supporting documentation, such as a letter from a licensed healthcare provider.
Yes. If you’ve previously been issued a U.S. passport, you can often use that as proof of citizenship instead of a certificate. However, if this is your first time applying for a passport and you’ve lost your certificate, you’ll likely need to replace it using Form N-565 before the State Department can issue your passport.