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Form N-426: Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service
DHS Form N-426 is a Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service that establishes eligibility for naturalization exemptions. This form must be submitted by service members currently serving honorably in the U.S. armed forces.
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USCIS Form N-426 - Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service
DHS Form N-426 is a Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service that establishes eligibility for naturalization exemptions. This form must be submitted by service members currently serving honorably in the U.S. armed forces.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit if you have separated from service; use your DD Form 214 instead!
- 2Filing without completing Parts 1-2 fully and accurately for the service member.
- 3Submitting a form where the certifying official is not authorized (e.g., only a recruiter).
- 4Using a stamped or typewritten name in place of an original handwritten signature.
- 5Omitting the USCIS Online Account Number when one exists (if receipt begins with IOE).
Plain English
This form proves to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you have served honorably in the military or Navy. It allows certain individuals to qualify for exemptions when applying for naturalization under specific laws. The certification verifies your honorable service record with USCIS.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no specific filing deadline stated for submission, but individuals must submit it when applying for naturalization under the Immigration and Nationality Act section 328 or 329. The form itself expires on 03/31/2029.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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Glossary Terms
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you are currently serving honorably in the U.S. armed forces or have served honorably in the past and need certification for naturalization exemptions.
- Do not use it when you are a civilian applicant seeking to establish eligibility, unless your service is being certified by an official.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when needing specific information about applicable filing fees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need proof of military/naval service for naturalization
Establishes eligibility for certain exemptions from general requirements.
✓ Check Part 1 and Part 3.
Filing fee information is needed before mailing
Provides specific details regarding the fees applicable to this form.
✓ Verify the current amount on that form.
Need to provide extra space for character remarks
Part 4 allows supplementary comments if the provided space is insufficient.
✓ Ensure the written statement is signed.
Deadline or filing window
The form is required when applying for naturalization under Immigration and Nationality Act section 328 or 329. If the individual has already separated from service, they must submit their official discharge documents with their Form N-400. The current edition of Form N-426 expires on 03/31/2029.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Part 1: Alien Registration Number
A-Number must be typed or printed in black ink. · Part 1 (Form p.1)
Part 2: Service Member's Signature Date of Signature
The date must be entered in mm/dd/yyyy format. · Part 2 (Form p.1)
Part 3: Certifying Official Attestation
Must state that the official is duly authorized under DoD laws, regulations, and policies. · Part 3 (Form p.1)
Part 4: Derogatory Information
Provide specific details regarding character, conduct, or fitness for citizenship if applicable. · Part 4 (Form p.2)
Certifying Official's Signature
Must be the official's handwritten ink signature on Form N-426. · Part 3/4 (Form p.2)
Before you submit
- 1Fill out all fields in black ink, typing or printing legibly.
- 2Complete Parts 1 through 2 fully and accurately on the service member's side.
- 3Enter 'N/A' when a question does not apply to the service member, unless otherwise directed.
- 4Ensure both the service member and the certifier sign where indicated.
- 5Verify that the Certifying Official is authorized (generally O-6 or higher or GS-15 or higher).
- 6Confirm the photocopy/scan of the signature is of an original handwritten ink document.
- 7If providing remarks in Part 4, ensure any extra space is filled with a signed written statement.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Parts 1 through 2 on the service member's side using black ink.
- 2Have the Certifying Official complete Part 3 and sign/date it on Form N-426.
- 3Provide any relevant derogatory information in Part 4, ensuring the official signs and dates this section as well.
- 4Review all fields to ensure they are accurate, then submit the completed form (photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy is acceptable).
Known limitations
- 1The form must be submitted by a service member who is currently serving honorably in the U.S. armed forces.
- 2If a service member has served but separated from service and is no longer serving, they should not submit Form N-426; instead, they must submit official discharge documents with their Form N-400.
- 3Only personnel with certifying authority (generally a military official in pay grade of O-6 or higher or GS-15 or higher) from the military branch may certify this request; recruiters cannot certify it.
- 4A service member applying for naturalization under INA section 328 or 329 must submit Form N-426 along with their Form N-400 if they are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Eligibility
1 items
Select: 5-year permanent resident, 3-year married to U.S. citizen, or military service.
Personal Info
3 items
Your name exactly as shown on your Green Card.
Found on your Green Card. Required.
MM/DD/YYYY from your Green Card.
Residence
2 items
All addresses for the past 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen).
Calculate days outside the U.S. in the past 5 years — must total less than 30 months.
Moral Character
1 items
Answer questions about criminal history, taxes, and immigration violations honestly.
Signatures
1 items
Certifies all answers are true under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form N-426 is dated 03/13/26, and it expires on 03/31/2029. The source does not point to a specific 'latest' information page but provides the most recent version details.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm it reads 03/13/26.
- Expiration date — confirm it reads 03/31/2029.
- OMB Control Number — confirm it reads 1615-0053.
- Filing Fee information — verify on Form G-1055 (available at uscis.gov/forms).
- Service member's signature — ensure it is handwritten ink, not stamped or typewritten.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1The service member applying for naturalization should retain a copy of Form N-426.
- 2USCIS may request originals of any copies submitted, and these originals will be returned after USCIS determines they are no longer needed.
- 3If the form is not properly completed by both the applicant and the certifying official, eligibility basis for naturalization may not be established, potentially leading to rejection or denial of Form N-400.
- 4If mailing the form, the filer should look for their Account Access Notice to find the OAN if they do not have a receipt number beginning with IOE.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form N-426 is to certify service for naturalization exemptions.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — If currently serving honorably, submit Form N-426 with Form N-400 if applying under INA section 328 or 329.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — If separated from service and no longer serving, submit DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or other official discharge documents instead of Form N-426 with Form N-400.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Only personnel with certifying authority (generally O-6/GS-15 or higher) from the military branch may certify this request; recruiters cannot.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — USCIS will check completeness upon acceptance and requires both the applicant and the certifying official to complete their portions of Form N-426.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Failure to provide requested information (including SSN) or evidence may delay naturalization or result in failure to locate military records.
Common confusion points
What is an OAN and how do I get it?
The OAN is a receipt number that begins with IOE. If filed online, it is in the account profile; if mailed, it is on the Account Access Notice.
→ Confirm your receipt number starts with 'IOE' to have an OAN.
When should I use Form N-426 instead of just submitting my discharge papers?
Use Form N-426 only if you are currently serving honorably in the U.S. armed forces and applying under INA section 328 or 329 with Form N-400.
→ Check your current service status before deciding between N-426 and discharge papers.
Can a recruiter certify my military service on this form?
No, only personnel with certifying authority (generally O-6/GS-15 or higher) from the military branch may certify Form N-426.
→ Verify the certifier's pay grade or official title before signing off on Part 2.
What happens if USCIS asks for more information after receiving my form?
USCIS may request additional evidence to support the certification, and failure to provide it (including SSN) can delay processing or prevent record location.
→ Keep records of any requests for more information from USCIS.
Can I file this form online or only by mail?
The source does not specify limits, but it mentions finding an OAN if filed online or mailed.
→ Use the official USCIS website to complete and submit the latest version.
What is the difference between my A-Number and my OAN?
Your A-Number is your Alien Registration Number; your OAN is a receipt number that begins with IOE.
→ If you have an A-Number, it does not automatically mean you have an OAN.
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Questions about USCIS Form N-426
What is USCIS Form N-426 used for?
This form proves to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you have served honorably in the military or Navy. It allows certain individuals to qualify for exemptions when applying for naturalization under specific laws. The certification verifies your honorable service record with USCIS.
Who must file USCIS Form N-426?
The service member applying for naturalization must submit Form N-426 if they are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces and seeking military naturalization under Immigration and Nationality Act section 328 or 329. If the individual has separated from service, they should use their DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or other official discharge document instead.
What information does USCIS Form N-426 require?
The form collects information that certifies honorable military service through Parts 1-2 (completed by the service member) and Part 3 (Certifying Official Attestation). The service member also provides their USCIS Online Account Number (if applicable) on Form N-426.
When is USCIS Form N-426 due?
There is no specific filing deadline stated for submission, but individuals must submit it when applying for naturalization under the Immigration and Nationality Act section 328 or 329. The form itself expires on 03/31/2029.
Where do I file USCIS Form N-426?
The completed Form N-426 should be submitted to USCIS, but not mailed to the address listed in the instructions. For additional information, one can call the toll-free military help line at 877-CIS-4MIL (877-247-4645).
How do I complete USCIS Form N-426?
First, the service member must type or print legibly in black ink and complete Parts 1-2 fully. The certifying official then completes Part 3, attesting to the honorable service after reviewing the record. Both the service member and the certifier must sign where indicated on Form N-426.
What happens if USCIS Form N-426 is filed incorrectly?
If Form N-426 is not properly completed, the service member will not establish a basis for eligibility, which may result in USCIS rejecting or denying their Form N-400.
What is an OAN and how do I get it?
The OAN is a receipt number that begins with IOE. If filed online, it is in the account profile; if mailed, it is on the Account Access Notice. Confirm your receipt number starts with 'IOE' to have an OAN.
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