What is a Certificate of Citizenship?
- A Certificate of Citizenship proves you’re already a U.S. citizen through your parents, not through naturalization.
- This document helps you obtain a U.S. passport, access citizen benefits, update identification, and protect yourself in immigration-related situations.
- You can apply using Form N-600 from inside the U.S. or Form N-600K from abroad, with strong evidence to prove eligibility.
Children of U.S. citizens born abroad don’t always have to go through the lengthy naturalization process. By requesting a certificate of citizenship, they can skip lengthy wait periods or civic tests.
What is a Certificate of Citizenship?
A certificate of citizenship confirms that a foreign national holds U.S. citizenship through their parents. To obtain this, petitioners must file Form N-600 domestically. Foreign nationals outside the country need to file an N-600K petition instead.
If you’re requesting a citizenship document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, one of the following eligibility requirements must apply to your situation:
- You were born to at least one U.S. citizen parent abroad
- You were under 18 years of age at the time one of your parents became naturalized
- You are an adopted child of a U.S. citizen parent
Citizenship certificates do not grant foreign nationals naturalization. Instead, they verify that U.S. immigration law already considers you an American citizen.
Certificate of Citizenship vs. Certificate of Naturalization
Certificates of citizenship are not the same as naturalization certificates. Below are some of their differences:
| Certificate of Citizenship vs Naturalization | |
| [insert image of citizenship certificate] | [insert image of naturalization certificate] |
| Obtained by filing Form N-600Confirms the citizenship of a child with at least one U.S. citizen parentDoes not require a citizenship test | Obtained by filing Form N-400Grants U.S. citizenship to a foreign nationalHas residency, civics testing, and oath requirements |
Who needs a Certificate of Citizenship?
Citizenship certificates are useful for U.S. citizens who need official proof to obtain certain original documents or benefits. Below are some people who may be able to file Form N-600, or Form N-600K if they live abroad.
Those born abroad to at least one U.S. citizen
Even if you were born outside of the U.S., you may have acquired American citizenship at birth if:
- At least one parent or legal guardian was a U.S. citizen at the time of your birth.
- You can prove a legal parent-child relationship.
- Your U.S. citizen parent(s) met the required physical presence/residency rules before your birth.
| 💡 Did you know? USCIS allows those born both in or out of wedlock (i.e., at the time when both parents were legally married or divorced/widowed within 300 days) to file Form N-600. |
Those whose parents naturalized when they were under 18 years old
Under the Child Citizenship Act, some foreign nationals can request a certificate of citizenship if they:
- Were under 18 at the time that at least one of their parents became naturalized
- Lived or are living in the U.S. under the custody of their naturalized parent
- Have a permanent resident card or an I-551 stamp in their passport
Those adopted abroad by U.S. citizens
Adoptees of American citizens can file Form N-600 if they:
- Have at least one U.S. citizen as an adoptive parent
- Are living or have lived in the U.S. under the custody of their adoptive parent(s)
- Obtained a Green Card
Those born through surrogacy or assisted reproductive technology (ART)
You may also be able to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship if you have:
- A genetic U.S. citizen father
- A genetic or gestational U.S. citizen mother
- A U.S. citizen parent not genetically or gestationally related, but has a marriage certificate with someone who has a genetic or gestational link with you at the time of your birth
When you need a Certificate of Citizenship
A certificate of citizenship should be considered a valuable document. Without it, you may not be able to request many of the benefits an American citizen can.
These include:
- Applying for a U.S. passport
- Registering to vote
- Requesting government benefits, such as Medicaid or SNAP
- Proving identity and work authorization
- Updating your Social Security status, driver’s license, and/or state ID
Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar says that obtaining a citizenship certificate opens up your avenues. “Even if you’re by law considered a U.S. citizen, it is crucial that you have proof to support your citizenship” she says. “That’s where the certificate of citizenship comes in. It serves as a largely irrefutable document that says you can get an American passport, or help you register to vote.”
| 💰 Curious to see how much it costs to become a U.S. citizen? Check out our citizenship-cost guide to learn more about current filing fees, as well as potential waivers you can request. |
How to apply for your Certificate of Citizenship
There are several steps required to obtain a certificate of citizenship. As part of the application process, you’ll need to:
- Gather proof of citizenship and supporting documents: You may include birth certificates, written affidavits of support, school records, and evidence of parental residence in the U.S.
- File Form N-600: As of January 2026, it costs $1,335 to file online and $1,385 by mail.
- Receive a receipt notice from USCIS: Your letter should include a case number that allows you to check the status of your petition online.
- Respond to any requests from USCIS: Depending on the complexity and strength of your case, you may need to attend a biometrics appointment, interview, or receive a request for evidence (RFE).
| 📃 Interested in learning more about the certificate of citizenship application process? Check out our Form N-600 Processing Times guide for a more in-depth explanation. |
How to replace a lost Certificate of Citizenship
If you’ve lost your citizenship certificate, you can request a new one by filing Form N-565. This is the same petition used to replace a damaged/destroyed document. To fill out this form, you’ll need your Alien Registration Number, as well as the name of the USCIS office that issued your certificate.
As of January 2026, it costs $505 to file Form N-565 online and $555 by mail. Those submitting a physical application for a replacement certificate to USCIS must complete Form G-1450 or Form G-1650 to authorize digital transactions.
What’s on a Certificate of Citizenship
Citizenship certificates outline a lot of your personal information. You should see your:
- Full legal name
- USCIS registration number (A-number)
- Marital status
- Place of residence
- Country of birth
- Photograph
- Personal signature
- Sex, date of birth, and height
Your document should also contain:
- Your certificate number
- A statement from a USCIS director that confirms you are considered a U.S. citizen
- The date you received your certificate
- A seal from the Department of Homeland Security
- A signature from a USCIS director
Feel confident completing your N-600 for a Certificate of Citizenship. Our immigration attorneys can walk you through the application process and how to present your evidence most effectively. Request a consultation with Manifest to learn more.
Certificate of Citizenship FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about certificates of citizenship.
How long is a Certificate of Citizenship valid?
Citizenship certificates do not expire. Unlike a visa or Green Card, you do not have to extend or renew your status once you obtain citizenship.
Is my passport a Certificate of Citizenship?
No. Your passport is not the same as a citizenship certificate. However, you can use your certificate to request a U.S. passport.
Is my Social Security card a Certificate of Citizenship?
No. Your Social Security card does not count as a citizenship certificate. However, you can use your certificate to update your immigration status with the Social Security Administration.
Is a Green Card a Certificate of Citizenship? (People Also Ask Feature)
No. A Green Card shows that you are a lawful permanent resident, not a U.S. citizen. Check out our guide on the differences between the two to learn more.
How long does it take to receive my Certificate of Citizenship?
As of January 2026, USCIS takes approximately 4-14 months to complete 80% of N-600 petitions. To see how long your designated field office may take, check out USCIS’s Processing Times tool.
