How to start your Certificate of Naturalization in 2025

Certificate of Naturalization US

Not sure how to start your Certificate of Naturalization application? Stop by and find out! Not only will you find out what is a Certificate of Naturalization but we’ll show you how to get all the documents necessary, including Passport quality photos! Keep reading to get started today!

What is a Certificate of Naturalization

The Certificate of Naturalization is a US government-issued document that shows proof that the holder is now a US citizen by naturalization.

This means that anyone who has been born outside of the United States, has travelled to the United States to live and work and has become a US citizen has gone through naturalization.

If you want to gain US citizenship as a non-native in the United States, naturalization is the main way.

What is the Content of a Certificate of Naturalization

Once you have gone through the process of naturalization, you will receive the Certificate of Naturalization which contains information about your identity and proves that you’re a US citizen.

The Content of a Certificate of Naturalization

  • Your full name
  • Your marital status
  • USCIS number (USCIS A number)
  • Your residential address
  • The country you were born in
  • Your petitioner’s signature
  • Your gender
  • A biometric photograph of you
  • Your date of birth
  • Your height
  • Certificate of Naturalization number
  • A statement from the USCIS Director accepting the eligibility of your petitioner
  • Issuance date of your Certificate of Naturalization
  • USCIS Director’s signature to confirm issuance of your Certificate of Naturalization

What are the Required Documents for a Certificate of Naturalization

The Certificate of Naturalization application process can be lengthy, so it’s best to do that proper research before committing yourself wholeheartedly. This includes getting the correct documents that you will need at each stage of the application process.

Firstly you will have to submit an N-400 application form, you will then have to attend an interview and finally, there may be some additional documents that you will require.

Read below to find out all the documents necessary for the Certificate of Naturalization application process.

Required Documents for N-400 Application Form Submission

  • Front and back copies of your green card
  • Application fee payment (check, money order, credit card)
  • Proof of your marital status (certificates etc.)
  • Proof of your identity ( if you’re applying from abroad, include 2 US Passport quality photos)
  • Proof of military service if applicable

Required Documents for Certificate of Naturalization Interview

  • Your green card
  • A state-issued form of identification (driver’s license, state ID card)
  • Expired and current Passports and USCIS travel documents
  • Proof of your marital status (certificates etc.)
  • Proof of name changes (certificates etc.)

Additional Documents That May Be Necessary

  • Proof that your spouse has been a US citizen for 3 years prior to your application
  • Proof of marriage for 3 years prior to your application (Joint credit/mortgage/loans etc.)
  • Proof of charge over your children (certificates etc.)
  • Federal income tax returns
  • Proof that you have continuously lived in the United States (Passport stamps, rent, bank statements)
  • Criminal record if applicable

How to Apply for a Certificate of Naturalization

There are quite a lot of things you need to consider before you start your application for a Certificate of Naturalization. Make sure you have everything ready beforehand, then your application process will be much easier.

How to Apply for a Certificate of Naturalization

  1. Contact your local USCIS Office to get application forms and information
  2. Fill out and submit Form N-400 and gather relevant documents
  3. Attend a fingerprint and biometrics appointment
  4. Receive your USCIS interview appointment letter
  5. Prepare the documents for your interview and attend your interview appointment
  6. Show your ability to speak, read and write in English as well as pass a US history test
  7. Swear in at an oath ceremony to become an official US citizen

Certificate of Naturalization vs Certificate of Citizenship

While both certificates are proof of US citizenship, they have differences in the weight of their authority.

Certificate of Citizenship

If you are born to parents who are US citizens you will be eligible for a Certificate of Citizenship.

Certificate of Naturalization

If you were born outside the United States and have become a US citizen through the naturalization process, you will be eligible for a Certificate of Naturalization.

The process of naturalization involves an application process with many documents required as well as an oath taken to confirm their US citizenship.

When Do You Need a Certificate of Naturalization Replacement

There are multiple reasons why you might need to replace your Certificate of Naturalization. Let’s take a look at them.

Reasons When You Need a Certificate of Naturalization Replacement

  • Document lost
  • Document stolen
  • Name change
  • Document destroyed
  • Gender change
  • An error in information on the Certificate of Naturalization

Take Your Passport Photo With Your Phone

Not sure where to get Passport quality photos for your Certificate of Naturalization application? Use our all-in-one app Smartphone iD to get certified biometric photos that can be used for any application. All you need is your smartphone, we’ll do the rest.

With our AI software and expert biometric personnel, you can be sure that you’ll get government approval or we’ll send you a full refund.

Summary

It can be overwhelming to start a lengthy Certificate of Naturalization application process. Check one thing off your list today! Get Passport quality photos for your application with the Smartphone iD app. You don’t need any professional equipment and you can do it from the convenience of your home!

Thinking about Smartphone iD?

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