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Reviewed August 21, 2026

File Form N-600 for a Certificate of Citizenship

Form N-600 asks USCIS to document citizenship you claim you already acquired. It is not an application to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.

Form N-600 documents citizenship; it does not create it

The controlling citizenship law depends on facts such as the date of birth, the U.S. citizen parent, the parent-child relationship, residence, custody, and the law in effect when the required conditions were met. Review the current USCIS instructions before deciding this is the correct form.

1. Confirm that N-600 matches the citizenship claim

Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is generally used by a person born outside the United States who claims U.S. citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent—either citizenship acquired at birth or automatic citizenship acquired after birth and before age 18 under the law that applies to the case.

Filing N-600 is not a request to become a citizen. USCIS states that a person who already acquired citizenship is not required to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship. A U.S. passport may also serve as proof of citizenship when the Department of State determines the person qualifies.

2. Do not use N-600 for the wrong process

  • Naturalization: a lawful permanent resident applying to become a citizen generally uses Form N-400, not N-600.
  • Lost or damaged certificate: use Form N-565 to replace an existing Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization.
  • Child residing abroad who has not already acquired citizenship: Form N-600K may apply under INA section 322; check its separate requirements.
  • Prior N-600 decision: USCIS instructions say not to file another N-600 after USCIS has already decided a previous N-600. Follow the decision notice for appeal or motion options.

3. Identify who files

A person who is at least 18 may file N-600 on their own behalf. For a child under 18, a U.S. citizen parent or legal guardian may file. USCIS evaluates the citizenship law and qualifying facts for the individual seeking the certificate; the form does not let a family choose a different citizenship rule.

4. Build the evidence around the legal basis

The evidence depends on whether citizenship is claimed at birth or after birth. Common records can include:

  • The applicant’s birth record and legal name-change records.
  • Evidence of the U.S. citizen parent’s citizenship.
  • Evidence establishing the qualifying parent-child relationship, including adoption records when applicable.
  • Evidence of lawful permanent resident status when the applicable rule requires it.
  • Evidence of legal and physical custody and U.S. residence when required for automatic acquisition after birth.
  • Marriage, divorce, custody, legitimation, or other records when they are relevant to the citizenship rule.
  • Certified English translations for foreign-language documents.

Citizenship law has changed over time. Do not assume the current rule applies to a person who met the relevant conditions years ago. If the claim depends on complex parentage, adoption, prior denials, or disputed records, consider advice from an authorized immigration attorney or Department of Justice–accredited representative.

5. Use the current form, instructions, and filing channel

As reviewed August 21, 2026, the Form N-600 itself is edition 04/01/24, while the current USCIS instructions are dated 01/20/25. USCIS lists N-600 as available for online filing and also accepts paper filing. Use the current form page for filing instructions rather than an old downloaded address.

6. Verify the filing fee and fee relief

USCIS Form G-1055 currently lists the general N-600 fee as $1,335 online or $1,385 on paper. USCIS policy states that current or former members of the U.S. armed forces filing N-600 on their own behalf do not pay a filing fee. The current fee schedule also lists a $0 filing fee when filing on behalf of a person who is the subject of a final adoption for immigration purposes and meets, or met before age 18, the qualifying definition of child under INA sections 101(b)(1)(E), (F), or (G). Other fee-waiver eligibility is limited by current USCIS rules; review the Form I-912 fee-waiver process before relying on a waiver.

7. Review, sign, and submit

Check the citizenship basis, names, dates, A-Number if any, parent information, evidence, translations, fee or fee-waiver request, and signature. Keep a complete copy of the application and delivery or online confirmation.

8. Follow the USCIS case process

USCIS may request additional evidence, originals, biometrics, or an interview. The agency may waive the interview when the record already establishes the required facts. If USCIS approves the application, it issues a Certificate of Citizenship after any required Oath of Allegiance; USCIS generally waives the oath for children under 14.

If USCIS denies N-600, the written decision explains the reason and the available review process. Do not simply submit a new N-600 after a prior decision.

Official sources

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