Federal document
Certificate of Citizenship
How to apostille a Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561) for use abroad — and the copying restriction that applies, just as it does to naturalization certificates.
- Issuing agency
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services
- We can obtain it?
- No — you request it from the agency
- Certification first?
- No prior certification needed
- Also known as
- N-560, N-561
A Certificate of Citizenship is issued by USCIS to people who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through a parent, rather than through naturalization. When you need to prove that citizenship abroad, the certificate often has to be apostilled — but like a naturalization certificate, it cannot legally be photocopied.
Why it needs an apostille abroad
Foreign authorities cannot verify a USCIS citizenship certificate on their own. The apostille from the U.S. Department of State is the recognized proof of authenticity across Hague Convention countries; non-Hague destinations need embassy legalization on top.
How to get Certificate of Citizenship for use overseas
The USCIS procedure
Because the certificate cannot be copied, a certified replacement or true copy is obtained through USCIS using Form N-565 where needed. We advise which path applies to your situation and prepare the document for authentication once it exists in a form the Department of State accepts.
Common uses
- Dual citizenship abroad.
- Residency or citizenship by descent in another country.
- Foreign property and banking requiring proof of citizenship.
Certificate of Citizenship apostille by country
Where the document is going decides the process. Hague Convention members accept an apostille; non-Hague countries need embassy legalization on top. Pick your destination:
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Tell us what you have and where it is going. We reply with the correct route, a flat quote and shipping instructions.