Follow these steps for filing Form N-565 correctly.
Fill Out the Application
You can fill out a physical copy of the application by printing the form from the USCIS website. You can also complete a digital copy of the form through your USCIS account.
USCIS accepts the edition dated 06/13/17 despite the expiration date of 06/30/19 printed on the application. USCIS has not published an updated form, so you can use this one until the agency releases a new form.
Be sure to complete all applicable sections and sign the document. USCIS rejects all unsigned applications, meaning you’ll have to file again and pay the processing fee a second time.
Required Evidence to Submit With Your Application
You must provide multiple forms of evidence to prove you were issued official naturalization or citizenship certificates and have a valid reason to request a new one. Every application must include a completed Form N-565 and two recent, identical passport-style photos of yourself.
If you are applying for a replacement document because your other one was stolen, lost, or destroyed, you will also need to provide:
- A copy of the original document
- A police report or another sworn statement indicating the circumstances of why you need to replace a lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate
If you are applying for a special certificate of naturalization, you also must submit a copy of the original certificate. If your official certificate needs an update because of a USCIS clerical error or a change in your name, date of birth, or gender, you must include:
- The original document or certificate
- Evidence of a USCIS clerical error, evidence of a legal name change, legal date of birth change, or legal gender change
- Legal change of marital status (if this is why you changed your name)
Our Immigration Lawyer Can Help Organize Your Evidence
Make sure to include clear photocopies of original documents unless the instructions say to provide the official document itself. An immigration lawyer with our firm can help you gather and organize your required evidence and make sure you provide official documents or photocopies per the instructions.
Note that USCIS cannot change your name, gender, or date of birth on any citizenship or naturalization documents unless you have the appropriate official evidence. In addition, it will not update your date of birth if you had made the error initially when filing your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and signed the form, thus verifying that all the information (including your date of birth) was accurate.
Include Translations if Necessary
If you completed Form N-565 in a language other than English, you must submit a certified translation with your application. Your translator must sign the translated copy, too.
Submit the Completed Application
If you filled out the form online, you can submit your completed form and required evidence online. You can pay the processing fee online through the portal, too. However, you may receive an official request to mail your evidence to the USCIS Nebraska Service Center.
If you printed out the form and filled out a physical copy, you can mail it to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox using the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, or DHL. Be sure to include the form of payment with your complete application.
