Do I replace a lost citizenship certificate through the passport office?
The institution that issued the document controls its replacement process. USCIS's N-565 inquiry concerns replacement naturalization or citizenship documents, while State handles passports and CRBA records. Losing evidence does not mean repeating the citizenship event, and a correction differs from a newly acquired status.
Sources: Form N-565: replacement citizenship and naturalization documents · Naturalization ceremonies · Consular Report of Birth Abroad: citizenship evidence · All 5 sources · Checked October 25, 2026
What this guide covers
- Identify the missing document before the form
- USCIS certificates have a separate replacement inquiry
- A CRBA is a State record
At a glance
- Citizenship documents have different issuers and replacement routes.
- Replacing evidence does not repeat the original citizenship event.
- Initial CRBA issuance and obtaining an existing record are distinct tasks.
Identify the missing document before the form
A naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad and a U.S. passport are different records. They may all relate to citizenship but were not necessarily issued by the same institution or for the same reason. Start with the actual document name and issuer. A State passport replacement request should not be assumed to generate a replacement USCIS certificate.
USCIS certificates have a separate replacement inquiry
USCIS identifies Form N-565 for replacement naturalization or citizenship documents. The naturalization ceremonies page specifically directs a lost-certificate inquiry to that form. Use the current form instructions for the actual replacement or correction reason rather than treating every document problem identically. This page does not publish current fees, edition dates or filing methods, or decide whether a particular correction request meets the form's requirements.
A CRBA is a State record
State's CRBA guidance describes a consular document evidencing citizenship at birth abroad, rather than a naturalization event. The same source directs replacement, amendment and additional-copy requests for existing records through State's vital-records process. That is distinct from seeking an initial CRBA for an eligible child under eighteen. An adult's request for an existing CRBA record should not be confused with the age requirement governing initial issuance.
Name changes need the authoritative chain
A legal name change after an original document was issued can require evidence connecting the old and current names. USCIS's naturalization FAQ distinguishes an existing legal change from a newly requested change through a court at naturalization. Preserve the marriage, divorce, court or other authoritative record relevant to the actual event. The fact that a different name is currently used does not itself decide how a replacement document should be issued.
A passport application has its own evidence rules
State lists naturalization and citizenship certificates and CRBAs among citizenship evidence for passports, along with specified qualifying U.S. passports. The applicable evidence path depends on what authentic records are available. Do not assume a phone photo automatically replaces a required original or certified copy. Keep secure copies for identification and recovery purposes, but follow the issuing institution's actual requirements for the transaction.
| Item or stage | Meaning | Owner or next source |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalization certificate | Evidence following naturalization | USCIS N-565 replacement inquiry |
| Certificate of citizenship | USCIS citizenship documentation | Current USCIS replacement instructions |
| CRBA | State evidence of citizenship at birth abroad | State vital-records process for an existing record |
| Passport | State travel and citizenship evidence document | Current State passport process |
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Version: October 25, 2026.
Go to the source
Sources & verification
Follow the institution that owns the requirement and check its current instructions.
Common questions
Does losing my certificate mean I must naturalize again?
A lost evidence document is a replacement inquiry, not a new citizenship event. USCIS directs the lost-certificate question to N-565.
Sources: Form N-565: replacement citizenship and naturalization documents · Naturalization ceremonies · Consular Report of Birth Abroad: citizenship evidence · All 5 sources
Can the passport office replace my naturalization certificate?
Do not confuse the issuers. USCIS handles its certificate replacement process, while State handles passports and its own records.
Sources: Form N-565: replacement citizenship and naturalization documents · Naturalization ceremonies · Consular Report of Birth Abroad: citizenship evidence · All 5 sources
Can an adult request another copy of an existing CRBA?
State describes replacement and additional-copy requests for existing records separately from the under-eighteen rule for initial CRBA issuance.
Sources: Form N-565: replacement citizenship and naturalization documents · Naturalization ceremonies · Consular Report of Birth Abroad: citizenship evidence · All 5 sources
Is a phone photo always enough for a passport application?
No such universal rule is supported. Follow State's actual citizenship-evidence and original or certified-copy requirements for the application.
Sources: Form N-565: replacement citizenship and naturalization documents · Naturalization ceremonies · Consular Report of Birth Abroad: citizenship evidence · All 5 sources
About this guide
By Immigrant Insider editorial desk. Updated .
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