Your naturalization number is printed on the certificate itself

The Certificate of Naturalization number appears in the upper right corner of your certificate, usually as an eight-digit number. It is also called your naturalization number or N-number. If you have the physical certificate in front of you, that is the fastest place to look — the number sits near your name and the date of naturalization.

If you cannot locate the certificate or need a copy, you have several options depending on where you were naturalized and how recently. The process differs slightly depending on whether you were naturalized through a federal court, a USCIS office, or an older process.

Key Takeaways

  • Your naturalization number is printed in the upper right corner of your Certificate of Naturalization, usually as an eight-digit code.
  • If you have lost the certificate, USCIS can issue a replacement by mail if you submit Form N-565 and a copy of your green card or passport.
  • Federal courts that issued your certificate can also provide copies or confirm your number if you contact them directly with your name and approximate naturalization date.
  • The naturalization number is different from your A-number (Alien number) or your Social Security number, and you will need the correct one for government forms.

Requesting a replacement certificate from USCIS

If your certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged, USCIS will issue a replacement. You submit Form N-565, process for Replacement Certificate of Naturalization, along with a copy of your green card or passport and a check or money order. USCIS processes these requests by mail and typically takes several weeks to several months depending on your local office.

When you submit the form, USCIS will confirm your naturalization number and include it on the replacement certificate. You do not need to know the number beforehand — USCIS looks it up in their records using your name, date of birth, and the approximate date you were naturalized. The replacement certificate is a certified copy and is valid for all government and legal purposes.

Contacting the federal court that naturalized you

If you were naturalized through a federal district court (rather than USCIS), that court keeps records of your naturalization. You can contact the clerk's office of the court where you took the oath and provide your name, date of birth, and the year you were naturalized. The clerk can look up your case number and naturalization number in their records.

Federal courts typically charge a small fee for certified copies or record searches, usually between $10 and $25. Some courts allow you to request this information by phone or mail, while others require you to visit in person or use their online case lookup system. The court's website usually lists the procedure and contact information for naturalization records.

Using USCIS records if you do not have the certificate

USCIS maintains a database of all naturalizations they have processed. If you were naturalized through a USCIS office rather than a court, you can request your naturalization record by submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. This process takes longer — typically 30 to 60 days — but it will retrieve your complete file, including your naturalization number.

You can also visit a local USCIS office in person with your green card or passport and ask them to look up your naturalization number. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait. Some offices can provide the information on the spot, while others may ask you to return for the information or mail it to you.

What to do if you need the number urgently

If you need your naturalization number for a government form or legal document and cannot wait for a replacement certificate, contact USCIS by phone through their customer service line. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the approximate date you were naturalized. They can often confirm your number over the phone, though they will not mail you an official document without the formal replacement process.

For court-issued naturalizations, calling the federal court clerk's office directly is usually faster than submitting a written request. Have your information ready and ask specifically for your naturalization number — the clerk can often provide it within a few minutes.

Understanding the difference between naturalization and other numbers

Your naturalization number is not the same as your A-number (Alien number), which appears on your green card, or your Social Security number. Government forms sometimes ask for all three, so it is important to know which is which. The naturalization number is unique to your Certificate of Naturalization and is used primarily for citizenship verification and passport applications.

When filling out forms, read the instructions carefully to see which number is requested. If a form asks for your "naturalization number" or "N-number," that is the eight-digit code on your certificate. If it asks for your "A-number" or "USCIS number," look on your green card instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look up someone else's naturalization number?

No. Naturalization records are not public. You can only obtain your own naturalization number or that of a deceased relative if you are the executor of their estate. If you need someone else's information for legal purposes, they must request it themselves or provide written authorization.

What if my certificate is from another country before I came to the United States?

If you were naturalized in another country before immigrating to the U.S., that number is not your U.S. naturalization number. You would have a separate naturalization number if you later became a U.S. citizen. Contact USCIS or the federal court where you took the U.S. oath to find your American naturalization number.

Do I need the naturalization number to renew my passport?

The State Department asks for your naturalization number when you explore for a passport, but you can leave it blank if you do not have it. However, having it available speeds up the process. If you do not know it, you can obtain a replacement certificate from USCIS or contact the court that naturalized you before submitting your passport process.

How long does it take to get a replacement certificate?

USCIS typically processes replacement certificates within 60 to 90 days, though this varies by location. Federal courts may be faster or slower depending on their workload. If you need the certificate urgently, contact your local USCIS office to ask about expedited processing or whether they can confirm your number without a full replacement.