The ultimate guide to Form N-565

Form N-565 lets you request a new copy of your certificate of citizenship or certificate of naturalization should your original document be lost, stolen, damaged or need any corrections.

As a United States citizen, you may occasionally need to provide proof of your citizenship or naturalization. In this guide, we provide detailed information about Form N-565, including when you can use this form and how to complete it.

Form N-565, explained

Form N-565 (Application for Replacement of naturalization/citizenship Document) is a U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) document. Using this form, you can request a replacement for the following documents:

• Naturalization certificate

• Certificate of citizenship

• Declaration of intention 

• Reparation certificate

You can also use Form N-565 to apply for a special certificate of naturalization as a United States citizen to be recognized by a foreign country.

When to use Form N-565

U.S. citizens may use Form N-565 to obtain a copy of a certificate of citizenship, a certificate of naturalization, a declaration of intention or a reparation certification, in circumstances such as the following two scenarios: 

• If your original certificate of citizenship was damaged, stolen, lost or the name on the document has changed as a result of marriage

• If a foreign government requires you to obtain a special certificate that recognizes you as a U.S. citizen

Note that Form N-565 cannot be used for the following:

• To apply for U.S. citizenship. Instead of filing Form N-565, you need to complete and file Form N-400 (Application for naturalization).

• To request an original copy of a certificate of citizenship. Instead of filing Form N-565, you should complete and file Form N-600 (Application for certificate of citizenship).

What supporting documents are needed? 

The supporting documents you need to submit with Form N-565 depend on the reason you are applying. Below, we outline the supporting documents required under different circumstances. 

When requesting a legal name change

If you are filing Form N-565 to request a legal name change on any of the documents above, you will need to provide the following:

1. Proof of your legal name change

2. A copy of your original certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship

3. Two passport-style photographs

4. Filing fee 

Replacement for a lost, stolen or damaged document

If you are filing Form N-565 to replace a lost, stolen or damaged certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship, you will need to provide the following: 

1. A copy of your original certificate

2. Two passport-style photographs

3. Filing fee 

For a special certificate for U.S. citizenship recognition by a foreign country

In this case, you would need to submit:

1. An original copy of your certificate of citizenship or certificate of naturalization

2. Two passport-style photographs

3. Filing fee

How to file Form N-565

You can obtain a copy of Form N-565 by visiting the N-565 page of the USCIS website. Once there, you can download a copy of the form and print it out for free.

Alternatively, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and request to have a copy mailed to you (for the hearing impaired, call 1-800-767-1833).

General instructions

Here are some general tips to follow when completing Form N-565:

• Type or legibly print your answers in black ink.

• Answer all questions completely and accurately. If an item does not apply to you, you can write “not applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided. If a question does not pertain to you and a numerical response is required, you may write “none” instead.

• If you require any additional space, provide your answer on a separate piece of paper. Make sure that include your name and Alien Registration Number (A-number, if you have one), at the top of each additional sheet of paper. Additionally, indicate the page number, part number and item number of the answer. Make sure that you sign and date each additional sheet of paper.

• For any documents you are required to submit with Form N-565, only provide copies unless an original document is required. If you submitted an original document when a copy was requested, USCIS might destroy the original; however, if an original document is required, USCIS will send it back to the mailing address you provide.

Instructions

The information required for each part of Form N-565 is relatively straightforward; however, so you have a basic understanding of what information you need to supply, we provide a brief overview of each part below.

Part 1. Information about you

1. Your full legal name 

2. Date of birth

3. Country of birth

4. certificate number

5. Alien Registration Number (A-Number, if applicable)

6. Mailing address, including the “in care of name”, street number and name, city or town, apartment number, state or province, zip code, postal code and country

Part 2. Type of application

Here, you will select what type of document you are requesting. Select the appropriate box: 

• New certificate of citizenship

• New certificate of naturalization

• New certificate of reparation 

• New declaration of intention 

• Special certificate of naturalization to obtain recognition of my U.S. citizenship by a foreign country

You must also indicate the basis for your application: 

• If your application was lost, stolen or destroyed, you must explain when, how and where

• If your certificate was mutilated

• If the information on your document was incorrect

• If your name has legally changed

• If your date of birth has changed as a result of a court order or other state-issued documents

• If your gender has legally changed

• Other (you will need to explain any other circumstances and provide necessary documentation)

Part 3. Processing information 

• Gender

• Height

• Marital status (single, married, divorced or widowed)

• The USCIS office or court where your last certificate or declaration of intention was issued to you

• Other names you have used

• Whether or not you have lost or renounced your U.S. citizenship (if yes, you must explain)

Part 4. Complete if applying to correct your document

If you are requesting to correct information on your document, provide the correct information in this section and explain why the original information was incorrect. You must also attach copies of documents that support your request.

Part 5. Complete if applying for a new document because of a name change

If your name has legally changed, indicate the reason why (marriage, divorce or court order) and attach a certified copy of a document that indicates the change.

Part 6. Complete if applying for a new certificate of citizenship because of date of birth change

If your date of birth has changed, indicate why it was changed (court order or state-issued document) and attach certified copies of documents that indicate the change.

Part 7. Complete if applying for a new document because of a change of gender

If your gender has changed, select which evidence of recognition (court order, amended birth certificate, other official documents that recognize the gender change by governmental agencies, medical certification from a licensed physician). 

Part 8. Complete if applying for a special certificate of recognition as a citizen of the United States by the government of a foreign country

Here, you must indicate the following: 

• The name of the foreign country

• Information about the official from the country that requested the certificate (if known), such as full name, official title, name of the government agency and address of foreign official

Part 9. Applicant’s statement, contact information, certification and signature

Here, you must provide your statement to attest that the information you provided is accurate and truthful. You must also sign and date the document.

What is the filing fee for Form N-565?

The filing fee for Form N-565 is $555. This fee must be submitted with the document. You can pay by check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

Where to file Form N-565

To find out where to submit Form N-565, visit the N-565 page of the USCIS website or call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Form N-565 is one of the immigration- and naturalization-related documents that can be filed online with USCIS, along with Form N-336 (Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings), Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization and Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card).

The takeaway

For more resources on how to navigate your new life in the U.S., visit Nova Credit’s resource library where you can learn about everything from renting an apartment to finding the best credit cards for non-citizens.

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