Form N-565: A Complete Guide to Replacing Citizenship Documents

Losing or damaging an important citizenship document can be very stressful and so is updating details like a name change on important government documents.

The good news is that there is an easy way to solve this issue — by filing Form N-565.

Read on to learn how to do that, how much it costs, and how long you need to wait to receive the replacement.

Bradford H. Bernstein

This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.

View Brad's Bio

Bradford H. Bernstein

What Is Form N-565?

Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, is a form used to replace or correct naturalization or citizenship certificates or related documents.

Form N-565 is filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and applies to the following types of documents:

• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Declaration of Intention
• Repatriation Certificate

Who Can File N-565?

Form N-565 can be filed by:

• Naturalized U.S. citizens: They have gone through the process of naturalization to become U.S. citizens after being born outside the United States.
• Individuals who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship: They automatically became U.S. citizens at birth or after birth through parental citizenship.
• Individuals with a Repatriation Certificate: They regained their U.S. citizenship after previously renouncing or losing it.
• Individuals with a Declaration of Intention: They filed a formal declaration to become U.S. citizens.

To file Form N-565, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The original document was stolen, lost, or destroyed
• The applicant changed their name due to marriage, divorce, or court order
• The original document contained errors
• The original document was damaged
• The applicant changed their gender or other personal details

Form N-565: The Process

Ready to take the first step to replace or correct your citizenship document?

Use our guide below for a straightforward filing process.

1. Find The Form

Search for Form N-565 or go directly to the Forms section on the USCIS website.

Download the latest version of the form as using outdated forms can result in delays or rejection of your application.

2. Read The Instructions

Carefully read the instructions for completion to understand eligibility, required documentation, and processing.

3. Confirm Eligibility

Make sure that you need to replace or correct a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Declaration of Intention, or Repatriation Certificate due to loss, damage, error, or personal changes.

4. Fill Out Form N-565

Make sure you complete all sections of the form.

• Part 1: Copy your personal details from your current certificate or declaration —full name, date of birth, A-number, and certificate or declaration number.
• Part 2: List your current details — name, address, and marital status.
• Part 3: Check the box for the document you want to replace or correct together with the reason — for example, a lost certificate or name change.
• Part 4: Fill out this section if you are applying to correct an error by USCIS, specifying if the error is about name, date of birth, or gender.
• Part 5: Fill out if you are requesting replacement due to name change. List the reason for your request — marriage, divorce — and the new legal name.
• Part 6: Fill out this section if you are requesting date of birth change. Include your new date of birth and check the box to indicate if it was done by a court order or a U.S. Government-issued document.
• Part 7: Complete if you are requesting replacement due to change of gender. List your current gender and the entity that verified it.
• Part 8: Fill out if you are requesting a Special Certificate of Recognition as a citizen of the U.S. to the Government of a Foreign Country. List the foreign country, foreign official’s details, and their address.
• Part 9: Sign and date the form.
• Part 10: If an interpreter helped, list their contact information, certification, and signature.
• Part 11: If another person helped you file Form N-565, include their name, address, contact information, and signature.
• Part 12: List any additional information you have that supports your application.

5. Gather Supporting Documents

Attach the necessary documents to support your application, such as:

• Proof of identity — a copy of your driver’s license or passport
• Copy of the original document (if available)
• Evidence supporting the reason for filing:
  Name change: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
  USCIS error: Copy of the document with error and evidence of correct information
  Lost or stolen certificate: Police report or sworn statement explaining the loss
  Gender change: Medical or legal documents supporting the change.
• Two passport-style photos

6. Pay The Filing Fee

Check the filing fee based on whether you are submitting a paper application or are filing online.

7. Submit Form N-565

Choose the way for submitting your application: on paper or online.

If you opt for an electronic submission, file Form N-565 and attach supporting documents via the USCIS website after creating an online account.

If you choose to submit a paper application, mail your N-565 to:

USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: N-565
P.O. Box 20050
Phoenix, AZ  85036-0050

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: N-565 (Box 20050)
2108 E. Elliot Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806

8. Wait For A Receipt Notice

USCIS will send you Form I-797 to confirm your application was received. This form will have a unique receipt number, which you can use to track your application status online.

9. Receive Your Replacement Certificate

Once approved, USCIS will mail you the replacement or corrected certificate. Make sure to review it carefully for errors.

If the process seems too complicated, you can hire an immigration attorney. With 60+ years of experience in immigration law, the knowledgeable team of Spar & Bernstein can help you with Form N-565 and other immigration forms.

Form N-565: Cost

• If you are filing Form N-565 on paper, you must pay $555.
• If you are filing N-565 online, the fee is $505.
• There is no fee if you are filing because of an error made by USCIS.

If you are facing financial difficulties, you can apply for a fee waiver by filing Form I-912, provided you meet the eligibility criteria (Read more in our detailed guide).

Form N-565: Processing Time

The average time for processing Form N-565 is seven months.

This estimate shows how long it took to complete 80% of cases in the past six months.

If your case is more complex, this can result in longer processing times.

Form N-565: Things To Remember

To avoid delays, make sure:

• You use the latest version of the form
• Provide accurate information
• Pay the correct filing fee
• Consider hiring an immigration attorney

Need Help With Form N-565? Schedule A Consultation

Need a trusted law firm. Check us out.

Our team of immigration lawyers at Spar & Bernstein will:

• Identify the correct reason for replacement or correction
• Help you fill out Form N-565
• Organize the necessary documents, such as proof of identity, evidence of name changes, or police reports
• Respond to USCIS’ requests for additional evidence

Form N-565: FAQs

Want to know more about Form N-565? Check what our clients have been asking and the answers we provided.

Can I use Form N-565 to replace a lost Green Card?

No, you cannot use Form N-565 to request replacement of a lost or stolen Green Card — in this case, you must use Form I-90.

What if I find my original certificate after filing Form N-565?

If you find your original certificate after filing Form N-565, notify USCIS as soon as possible. If they have not issued a replacement, you may be able to withdraw your application.

Can I file Form N-565 if my certificate has a clerical error?

Yes, you can file Form N-565 to correct errors made by USCIS. Include evidence of error and supporting documents.

What is the validity of the replacement certificate?

The replacement certificate does not expire and remains valid for an indefinite period of time.

Do I need to provide fingerprints with Form N-565?

No, you do not need to provide fingerprints when filing Form N-565 unless specifically requested by USCIS.

Can I use Form N-565 to request multiple changes on my certificate?

Yes, you can request multiple changes — for example, name and gender — with a single Form N-565 application. Make sure to submit supporting documents for each change.

Do I need to submit original documents with Form N-565?

Typically, USCIS will need copies of your documents, unless they specifically request originals. If you submit originals, they will be returned to you.

What should I do if I move after filing Form N-565?

If you change your address after filing Form N-565, notify USCIS of the change by updating your information online through the USCIS website or by using Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card as soon as possible.