Independent form guide. BrieflyGo is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRS, USCIS, SSA, DOL, or any U.S. government agency. Official forms are sourced from public government websites.

USCISCitizenship & Naturalization (N Series)

Official form guide

Form N-565: Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document

USCIS Form N-565 is used to request a replacement copy of naturalization or citizenship documents that have been lost, stolen, damaged, or contain errors. This form should be filed when you need to replace your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Identification Card.

Fillable formOpen in Editor->Download blank PDF

Need help with Form N-565?

Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Form Overview

USCIS Form N-565 - Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document

USCIS Form N-565 is used to request a replacement copy of naturalization or citizenship documents that have been lost, stolen, damaged, or contain errors. This form should be filed when you need to replace your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Identification Card.

The form captures personal identification information, details about the original naturalization or citizenship document, the reason for requesting a replacement, and supporting documentation to verify identity and eligibility.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Submitting incomplete or inaccurate information will significantly delay processing and may require you to restart the entire application process.
  • 2Using an outdated form version
  • 3Missing or incomplete supporting documents
  • 4Incorrect fee amount or payment method
  • 5Errors in personal identification information

Plain English

If you've lost your naturalization or citizenship certificate, or if it's damaged or has incorrect information, this form helps you get a replacement. You'll need to provide details about your original document and explain why you need a new one. USCIS will review your request and may ask for additional documentation to verify your identity and citizenship status.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: There is no filing deadline for Form N-565, as it's submitted when a replacement document is needed. However, processing times can vary, so it's advisable to file as soon as you discover your document is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains errors.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

AI co-pilot

Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.

Explains confusing fields in plain English
Flags missing signatures, dates, IDs, and attachments
Keeps the PDF ready for editor, send, and proof flows
Open AI workspace->

Glossary Terms

identificationidentity

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use this form when your naturalization certificate, citizenship certificate, or identification card is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains errors.
  • Do not use this form to apply for initial citizenship or to request name changes on your certificate.
  • Check Form N-600 for initial citizenship or Form N-565 for name corrections if your certificate has incorrect information.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Name change on existing certificate

USCIS requires legal proof of name changes

✓ Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order

Form N-565 with supporting name change documents

Initial citizenship application

Different process and requirements for first-time citizenship

✓ Eligibility requirements and supporting documents

Form N-600

Replacing a green card

Different document with different requirements

✓ Current green card number and expiration date

Form I-90

Correcting errors on existing certificate

USCIS must review and approve corrections

✓ Original certificate showing the error

Form N-565 with explanation of errors

Deadline or filing window

Form N-565 does not have a filing deadline as it's submitted when needed rather than by a specific date. However, processing times can range from several months to over a year, so it's advisable to file as soon as you discover your document is missing or damaged to avoid any inconvenience.

  • —Number of documents requested | No calculation needed | Total document fee | Each document requires separate fee payment
  • —Current date minus filing date | No calculation needed | Approximate wait time | Processing times may vary significantly

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Part 1: Personal Information

Government-issued photo ID · Driver's license, passport

⚠ Using expired ID✕ Medium
2

Part 2: Application Type

Explanation of document replacement reason · Cover letter, form section

⚠ Vague or incomplete explanation✕ High
3

Part 3: Document Information

Details of original document · Certificate itself, USCIS records

⚠ Inaccurate document number✕ High
4

Part 4: Biometric Information

Recent passport-style photographs · Photo studio, pharmacy

⚠ Non-compliant photo specifications✕ Medium
5

Supporting Documents

Legal name change documents · Court records, marriage certificates

⚠ Submitting incomplete documentation✕ High
6

Fee Payment

Correct payment amount · Bank statement, payment receipt

⚠ Incorrect payment amount✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Form is the current edition (check USCIS website)
  2. 2All sections completed with accurate information
  3. 3Supporting documents included and clearly labeled
  4. 4Correct fee amount paid with acceptable payment method
  5. 5Recent passport-style photographs included
  6. 6Form signed in all required places
  7. 7Copies made of entire application package for personal records
  8. 8Check for any missing signatures or dates
  9. 9Verify all names match government-issued identification
  10. 10Ensure all document numbers are transcribed correctly

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain and complete the latest Form N-565 from the USCIS website
  2. 2Gather required supporting documents including proof of identity and replacement reason
  3. 3Prepare correct payment for filing fee in acceptable format
  4. 4Mail completed package to appropriate USCIS Lockbox address or submit online if eligible
  5. 5Keep a copy of the entire application package for your records
  6. 6Monitor USCIS online account for updates if filed electronically
  7. 7Respond promptly to any requests for evidence from USCIS

Known limitations

  1. 1USCIS may require an in-person appointment for biometric collection
  2. 2Processing does not expedite automatic citizenship rights
  3. 3USCIS may request additional documentation not listed in the form
  4. 4Name changes require legal documentation beyond just the form
  5. 5Replacing documents with errors requires specific explanation of the errors
  6. 6Processing times may extend beyond published estimates

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

8 fields

Eligibility

1 items

Eligibility Category

Select: 5-year permanent resident, 3-year married to U.S. citizen, or military service.

Requiredselect

Personal Info

3 items

Current Legal Name

Your name exactly as shown on your Green Card.

Requiredtext
A-Number

Found on your Green Card. Required.

Requiredtext
Date of Birth

MM/DD/YYYY from your Green Card.

Requireddate

Residence

2 items

Residence History

All addresses for the past 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen).

Requiredtext
Physical Presence

Calculate days outside the U.S. in the past 5 years — must total less than 30 months.

Requiredtext

Moral Character

1 items

Good Moral Character

Answer questions about criminal history, taxes, and immigration violations honestly.

Requiredcheckbox

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Certifies all answers are true under penalty of perjury.

Requiredsignature
This compact map shows typical fields for this form type. The AI Editor gives precise field guidance after you open the PDF.

Almost done reviewing the fields?

Fillable formOpen in Editor->
Current form status
USCIS

The current version of Form N-565 was updated in [specific date], and applicants should always verify the latest version on the official USCIS website before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date: Always use the most recent version of the form from the USCIS website
  • Fee: Check current fee amount as it changes periodically; payment methods include money order, personal check, or credit card
  • Mailing address: Submit to the correct USCIS Lockbox address based on your location
  • Processing times: Current processing times vary; check USCIS website for estimates
  • Form instructions: Read all instructions carefully as requirements may change

Form Preview

Form N-565 page 1

Page 1

Form N-565 page 2

Page 2

Open in AI Editor →

Quick Facts

Form N-565 is filed by U.S. citizens who have previously been naturalized or derived citizenship and need replacement documents. It can also be filed by legal representatives filing on behalf of a person who is unable to complete the form themselves.
The form captures personal identification information, details about the original naturalization or citizenship document, the reason for requesting a replacement, and supporting documentation to verify identity and eligibility.
There is no filing deadline for Form N-565, as it's submitted when a replacement document is needed. However, processing times can vary, so it's advisable to file as soon as you discover your document is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains errors.
Form N-565 can be submitted by mail to the USCIS Lockbox facility specified in the form instructions. Some applicants may be eligible for online filing through the USCIS account, depending on their specific circumstances.
Mistakes on Form N-565 can lead to processing delays, requests for evidence, or denial of your replacement request. Incorrect information may also raise security concerns or require you to reapply entirely, extending the time without your necessary documentation.
First, obtain and carefully review the current version of Form N-565 from the USCIS website. Complete all sections with accurate information, attach required supporting documents, and prepare the correct filing fee. Finally, submit the completed package to the appropriate USCIS address or through the online filing system if available.

Downloads

Blank Form N-565↗Instructions↗

Fill Form N-565

AI-powered guidance for every field

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Free to start / No account required

After you file

  1. 1Save all filing receipts and tracking information
  2. 2Monitor your USCIS online account regularly for updates
  3. 3Respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence
  4. 4Keep copies of all submitted documents in a safe place
  5. 5Note the approximate processing timeframes for reference
  6. 6Contact USCIS if you haven't received a decision beyond the estimated processing time
  7. 7Prepare for possible biometric appointment if required

Sources

  • SRCForm N-565 is used for replacement naturalization/citizenship documents (found in form title)
  • SRCForm requires personal identification information (found in Part 1 of form)
  • SRCForm requires explanation for document replacement (found in Part 2 of form)
  • SRCForm requires details about original document (found in Part 3 of form)
  • SRCCurrent filing fee is $555 (not found in provided source, needs verification)
  • SRCProcessing time is currently 15.5 months (not found in provided source, needs verification)
  • SRCForm can be submitted online for some applicants (not found in provided source, needs verification)
  • SRCSupporting documents include government-issued photo ID (found in form instructions)
  • SRCForm requires two passport-style photographs (found in form instructions)
  • SRCUSCIS Lockbox address varies by location (found in form instructions)

Common confusion points

Form N-565 vs. N-600

N-600 is for initial citizenship, N-565 is for replacement documents

→ Check which document you're actually replacing

Fee payment methods

USCIS accepts specific payment types and may reject others

→ Verify acceptable payment methods in current instructions

Biometric requirements

Some applicants need to provide fingerprints/photos

→ Check if your category requires biometrics

Name change process

Legal name changes require additional documentation

→ Have court-ordered name change documents ready

Online vs. mail filing

Not all applicants can file online

→ Check eligibility for online filing before attempting

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

7 signals

Before

Form G-639 (Freedom of Information Act request) to obtain previous application details

Current

N-565

After

Form M-476 (Request for Time Extension) if processing delays occur

Often used with

Form I-90 (Green Card Renewal) if replacing multiple documentsForm I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) for employment purposes

⚠ If something goes wrong

Ready to get started?

Upload the form or open it in the AI Editor for intelligent guidance

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Verify current license terms with the source agency before reuse outside this platform.

Never sign without understanding every clause.

BrieflyGo reviews your contracts in plain English — instantly.

Try for free →