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If your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship is lost, damaged, or destroyed, or you have a legal change of name, you need to file a Form N-565, Application for Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Document, with USCIS. You can get an N-565 form by calling the USCIS Forms Line (1-800-870-3673) or downloading the form online. You need to submit this form along with the proper filing fee to the USCIS office listed on the instruction form. It usually takes up to one year to get a new certificate.

Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate Form N-565:
The Form N-565, Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate, is used when individuals need to file an application to replace their Citizenship Certificate or Naturalization Certificate. The Form N-565 can be filed online through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) website. In order to obtain a renewed Naturalization or Citizenship certificate, applicants must use the Form N-565.

What is a Certificate of Naturalization?
The Certificate of Naturalization, also Form N-550 or N-570, is issued by the U.S. government as documentation or proof of one's obtaining U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. Naturalization is the legal process of becoming a citizen of the United States. Since October 1991, the USCIS has issued the Certificate of Naturalization in the United States. Before then, the Certificate of Naturalization was issued by Federal Courts and State Courts. The Certificate of Naturalization is not available to all U.S. citizens. Only citizens who have attained their citizenship through the naturalization process through legal immigration may request a Certificate of Naturalization.

What is a Certificate of Citizenship?
A Certificate of U.S. Citizenship is very similar to the Certificate of Naturalization. The Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, also known as an N-560 or N-561, is issued by the U.S. government as documented proof of one's citizenship. To obtain a Certificate of United States Citizenship, one must have acquired U.S. Citizenship through having a birth parent or parents who are United States citizens. The individual's birth may have taken place outside of the country. Also, the individual applying for the Certificate of Citizenship may have parents who became naturalized U.S. citizens prior to his or her 18th birthday.

When to File the Form N-565 Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate?
Applicants may file the Form N-565 Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate when their original copy of the certificate has been damaged, mutilated, or lost. In addition, individuals may file a Form N-565 when their existing certificate contains incorrect information. In cases of a name error, incorrect birthday, or other pertinent informational mistake, individuals may file the form N-565 to request a new certificate. In addition, if one's name has been legally changed by means of marriage or divorce, it is necessary to file the N-565 Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate.

What to Include in the Form N-565?
When filing the N-565, Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate, applicants must include supporting evidence. The applicant must include two unedited photos taken within the last 30 days. The photos must be taken with a white background. Although passport photos are not mandatory, they are strongly recommended. In addition, the applicant's name should be written lightly in pencil behind the photos along with their Alien Registration Number. Upon filling out and filing the N-565, applicants must attach the appropriate filing fee. If individuals are outside of the United States while applying, they must be willing to return to the country in order to obtain their renewed certificates. If the applicant's reason for applying is due to a damaged or destroyed document, the applicant must include the document if available. It is important that the application be filled out correctly, properly signed, and be sent to the correct USCIS office with the appropriate filing fee. Not adhering to these instructions could result in your application being rejected.