Your Oath Ceremony is one of the most important days of your life. On that day, you officially receive US citizenship, and you will receive a Certificate of Naturalization as proof.
This certificate is more than just a symbolic piece of paper or a keepsake from the ceremony. It’s an official document that you’ll need for many subsequent steps. After all, the process doesn’t end at the ceremony—a few things remain. For most of these steps, you’ll need to show proof of citizenship, and your Certificate of Naturalization is precisely that.
Don’t worry, though—we’ll walk you through everything step by step. We’ll explain what the certificate is, why it matters, and when and how to use it.
What is the US citizenship Naturalization Certificate?
As mentioned, it is an official document issued by the US government. It legally proves that someone born outside the US has become a citizen through naturalization.
This certificate isn’t handed out automatically. You will receive it only after completing every step of the naturalization process. These steps include the biometrics appointment, the US citizenship interview and test, and the Oath of Allegiance.
Once you take the Oath, you’re officially a US citizen; this document proves it.
It’s not just a piece of paper with your name on it. Your certificate includes essential details that identify you as a citizen, such as:
- Your full name, just as it appears on your application.
- Your A-number (Alien Registration Number)
- Your marital status at the time you became a citizen
- Your current US address
- Your previous nationality
- A recent photo.
- Your signature
Personal information such as your gender, date of birth, and height.
To make it fully official, the certificate also includes:
- A unique certificate number
- A statement from the USCIS director confirming that you met all the requirements
- The date you became a US citizen
- It also includes the Department of Homeland Security seal and the USCIS Director’s signature.
How to use your US citizenship Naturalization Certificate
This document plays a key role in your life as a US citizen. From now on, anytime you need to prove your citizenship, this certificate should be your first stop until you get a US passport. Here are some situations where you’ll need it:
1. Applying for your first US passport
Are you planning to travel abroad? You’ll need a passport. To apply for your first passport, the State Department will ask for proof of citizenship, which is where your Naturalization Certificate comes in.
2. Registering to Vote
As a citizen, you now have the right to vote in local, state, and federal elections. To register, you’ll need to show proof of citizenship. If you already have your passport, great! Otherwise, you’ll need your Naturalization Certificate.
3. Updating Your Status with Social Security
Becoming a citizen means your immigration status has changed, and the Social Security office needs to know. As with the other steps, you’ll need evidence, and your certificate is what you need.
4. Applying for Government Benefits
As a US citizen, you may qualify for government programs such as scholarships, financial aid, Medicare, and Social Security. Many of these services are only available to citizens, so having your certificate ready is key.
5. Helping Your Family with Immigration
One of the most significant benefits of becoming a citizen is that you can now help your family adjust their status. You can apply for permanent residency or citizenship for your spouse and children and participate in family reunification programs.
Some of these benefits may have been available to you as a green card holder, but trust us—it’s not the same. In most cases, family members of US citizens get priority, and the process is usually faster and more straightforward.
Certificate of Naturalization vs. Certificate of Citizenship: What’s the difference?
They may seem similar, but they are not the same. Both prove you are a US citizen, but they are given in different situations.
The Certificate of Naturalization is for people who became citizens through the naturalization process, while the Certificate of Citizenship is for people who were born US citizens or acquired citizenship automatically, even if they were born outside the United States. For example:
- Children born abroad to US citizen parents.
- Children adopted by US citizens (if they meet specific requirements).
- Minors who automatically became citizens when one of their parents naturalized.
So, which is more important? Honestly, both are equally valid. You can use either as legal proof of citizenship when applying for a passport, accessing benefits, handling family immigration paperwork, and doing everything else we discussed.
How to get your Naturalization Certificate
You don’t have to file any extra paperwork to receive your US citizenship Naturalization Certificate. The USCIS will give it to you automatically once you have successfully completed the naturalization process.
But what if you lose it or find a mistake on it?
If you lose your certificate or it becomes damaged over time, or if there’s a mistake on it—or if you legally change your name after becoming a citizen—you can request a replacement. Here’s how:
1. Fill out Form N-565.
The N-656 form is the official USCIS form used to request a duplicate or correction of your US citizenship Naturalization Certificate. You can complete the form online or by mail, depending on what works best for you.
2. Gather the required documents.
As with any legal process, you will need to provide proof. Start with a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. If you still have your original certificate, even if it’s damaged or has errors, include it. If not, send in any document proving you’re a US citizen.
3. Pay the application fee.
The current fee is $555 and is paid directly to USCIS.
💡Important: If USCIS made the error, you don’t have to pay this fee.
4. Wait for approval.
Once you have submitted everything, you will need to be patient. It can take several months to process your request, so don’t wait if you need the certificate for something important.
How to apply for a US Citizenship Certificate
Before we get into the steps, let’s clear something up: Not everyone needs to apply for a certificate of citizenship.
If you were born in the United States, you already have citizenship and don’t need to take any additional steps. Your US birth certificate proves your citizenship for any legal process. You don’t need this certificate now or later.
So, who does need to apply?
You should apply for a Certificate of Citizenship if:
- You were born outside the US
- Your parents were US citizens when you were born
- You didn’t receive a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) before turning 18.
This certificate is especially helpful if you have never received a CRBA and need legal proof of citizenship for benefits, work, travel, or family immigration matters.
How do I apply?
1. Fill out Form N-600.
The N-600 form is used to request a Certificate of Citizenship. You can complete it online through the USCIS website or submit a paper form by mail.
2. Attach the required documents.
You’ll need to provide documents such as:
- Your parents’ citizenship certificates or passports
- Your birth certificate or adoption decree
3. Pay the filing fee.
The current fee for this process is $1,385.
4. Wait for your case to be reviewed.
After submitting your documents, USCIS will review them. If everything is in order, you will receive your Certificate of Citizenship by mail.
Be patient. The process can take a few months, so it’s best to start early if you need it for something urgent.
Summing up…
The Certificate of Naturalization is an important document in your journey to becoming a US citizen. It’s more than just a document you receive at your oath ceremony; it’s your official proof of citizenship. You’ll need it for many important steps afterward, such as applying for your first passport, registering to vote, updating your status with government agencies. So make sure to keep it in a safe place!