When you hold a Certificate of Citizenship, it’s proof you’re an American by birth abroad or through your parents. But life happens—certificates get lost, names change, or documents wear out. By the end of this guide, you’ll know:

• What a Certificate of Citizenship is and who qualifies
• When to use Form N-600 versus Form N-565
• How to report a lost or stolen certificate and guard against identity theft
• Historical shifts in the process and how often people replace certificates
• What digital certificates might look like—and how the U.S. stacks up against other countries

What Is a Certificate of Citizenship?

A Certificate of Citizenship is an official record showing you acquired citizenship automatically at birth or through your parents. According to USCIS, it’s distinct from a Naturalization Certificate, which you get after completing the naturalization process.

Who Qualifies?

• Born abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s) under INA Section 301
• Automatic acquisition when your parents naturalize before you turn 18

When and Why You Need to Replace Your Certificate

You don’t “renew” this certificate—you replace it. Common reasons include:

• Loss or theft
• Name change (marriage, adoption)
• Damage (water, fire, wear)
• Expiration of physical security features

Lost or Stolen Certificates and Identity Theft

A stolen certificate can be used to commit identity fraud. If yours goes missing:

1. Report it to local law enforcement.
2. File a complaint at the IdentityTheft.gov complaint portal.
3. Submit Form N-565 to get a new copy.

“Replacing your certificate promptly is crucial to avoid travel and employment hurdles,” says Jane Smith, immigration attorney at the National Immigration Lawyers Association.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your Application

You’ll use one of two forms:

1. Form N-600 – Apply for a first Certificate of Citizenship.
2. Form N-565 – Replace or correct an existing certificate.

Required Documents

• Proof of identity (passport, driver’s license)
• Evidence of citizenship claim (parents’ birth/marriage certificates)
• Marriage certificate or court order for name changes
• Two passport-style photos

Where to File

• Mail your packet to the USCIS address listed on the form instructions
• Use a tracked courier service for added security

After You Apply

Once USCIS gets your application, you’ll:

1. Receive a receipt notice with a tracking number.
2. Potentially get an appointment notice for biometrics (fingerprints).
3. Wait for approval—current average wait time is 5–8 months for N-565.
4. Receive your new certificate in the mail.

Fees and How Long It Takes

• Form N-600: $1,170 (includes biometrics)
• Form N-565: $345 (includes biometrics)

For the latest fee table, check USCIS’s official fee schedule.

A Glimpse at the Past: How the Process Has Evolved

• Pre-1952: Certificates varied by local courts; no standardized federal form.
• 1952 INA: Congress created a uniform process under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
• 1990s–2000s: Introduction of biometric checks and standardized photos.
• Today: All applications go through USCIS headquarters in Missouri for final approval.

How Often Do People Replace Their Certificates?

USCIS data shows that in fiscal year 2021, about 27,000 people filed Form N-565 for replacement documents. The top reasons:

• Name changes (35%)
• Lost or stolen (30%)
• Damage or wear (20%)
• Corrections (15%)

On the Horizon: Digital Certificates

USCIS is modernizing many services through its Digital Transformation Initiative. While paper certificates remain the standard, digital IDs protected by blockchain or secure apps could be coming in the next few years.

How the U.S. Compares Internationally

Every country handles citizenship proof differently:

• Canada
• Issues a paper “Proof of Citizenship” card with built-in holograms, as detailed on Canada’s Proof of Citizenship card page.
• United Kingdom
• Naturalized citizens get a paper certificate; passports are the main travel document, according to guidance from HM Passport Office.
• Australia
• Provides a certificate in book form; no digital version yet—see the Australian citizenship proof requirements.

Your Next Move

You’ve got the roadmap now:

1. Identify which form you need (N-600 or N-565).
2. Gather documents early—ask for certified copies if needed.
3. Mail your application with tracking.
4. Keep an eye on processing times and respond quickly to any USCIS requests.

Stay organized, and you’ll hold your new Certificate of Citizenship before you know it.