Reviewed August 21, 2026

File Form N-565 to replace a citizenship document

Form N-565 is for replacing certain USCIS naturalization or citizenship documents or requesting specific permitted changes. It is not an application for naturalization and it does not replace a U.S. passport or Green Card.

Start with the reason for replacement

The evidence and fee can change depending on whether the document was lost, damaged, contains a USCIS error, or needs an allowed update. Check the current USCIS Form N-565 page immediately before filing.

1. Confirm that Form N-565 is the correct form

USCIS uses Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, for a replacement Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Declaration of Intention, or Repatriation Certificate. It can also be used to request a special certificate of naturalization for recognition by a foreign country.

Do not use N-565 to apply for naturalization, request an initial Certificate of Citizenship, replace a U.S. passport, or replace a Permanent Resident Card. Those processes use different agencies or forms.

2. Match the filing reason to the evidence

  • Lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated document: explain what happened and provide the evidence the current instructions require.
  • USCIS typographical or clerical error: identify the error and provide the affected certificate or other evidence USCIS requests.
  • Legal name change after issuance: provide the qualifying marriage, divorce, annulment, or court-order evidence described in the instructions.
  • Corrected date of birth on a Certificate of Citizenship: USCIS may accept qualifying U.S. court or government records showing the corrected date.
  • Sex at birth: the current N-565 instructions allow a replacement when the sex shown on the document does not reflect the applicant’s sex at birth and the applicant seeks a document reflecting sex at birth.

USCIS generally cannot use N-565 to rewrite an incorrect name or date of birth on a Certificate of Naturalization when the applicant supplied that information on Form N-400 and later swore to it. A legal name change that occurred after naturalization is different. Cases involving disputed identity or citizenship records can have legal consequences; consider advice from an authorized immigration attorney or Department of Justice–accredited representative.

3. Use the current edition and filing method

As reviewed August 21, 2026, the current Form N-565 and instructions show edition 02/27/25. USCIS lists N-565 as available for online filing and also accepts paper filing. If filing on paper, use the current USCIS page for the mailing location instead of a saved address.

If you file online, follow the online account instructions for any original certificate, photographs, or other items USCIS later requires by mail. Keep a copy of the submission and every receipt or delivery record.

4. Verify the filing fee

USCIS Form G-1055 currently lists the general N-565 fee as $505 online or $555 on paper. Filing to correct incorrect information caused by USCIS error is listed at $0. Certain applicants may qualify for a fee waiver. Always verify the fee schedule on the filing date because USCIS can change fees and fee-waiver rules.

5. Prepare the supporting documents

  • A copy of the certificate or declaration being replaced, if available.
  • Evidence supporting the specific reason for replacement or correction.
  • Legal name-change or corrected-date-of-birth records when applicable.
  • Two recent passport-style photographs if the current instructions require them for an applicant residing outside the United States.
  • A complete English translation with the translator certification required by USCIS for any foreign-language document.

Submit copies unless the instructions require an original. USCIS may later request originals. Do not send an original document merely because it seems more persuasive; the instructions warn that unrequested originals may be destroyed after receipt.

6. Review, sign, and submit

Check the document number, names, dates, A-Number if any, reason for filing, evidence, fee method, and signature. A missing or invalid signature or incorrect fee can cause rejection. For paper filing, use a trackable delivery method and retain a complete copy.

7. Follow USCIS notices

USCIS may request additional evidence, originals, biometrics, or an interview. Read each notice carefully and respond by the stated deadline. Use the official case-status and address-change tools when they apply to the case.

Official sources

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