Federal document
Certificate of Naturalization
How to apostille a Certificate of Naturalization for use abroad — and the federal restriction on copying it that trips up most people and most competitors.
- 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-550, N-570, naturalization papers
A Certificate of Naturalization is the document USCIS issues when you become a U.S. citizen. When you need to prove that citizenship abroad — for dual nationality, foreign property, residency by descent, or a marriage overseas — the certificate often has to be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
But this document carries a restriction most others do not, and getting it wrong wastes weeks. Read the next section before you do anything with your certificate.
Why it needs an apostille abroad
A foreign government cannot verify a U.S. naturalization certificate on its own. The apostille — issued by the U.S. Department of State — is the internationally recognized proof that the certificate is genuine and properly issued, accepted across the 120-plus Hague Convention countries.
For non-Hague destinations, the certificate needs Department of State authentication followed by embassy legalization — the same document, a longer path.
How to get Naturalization Certificate for use overseas
Because the certificate cannot be copied, the process is different from every other document on this site.
The USCIS procedure
Rather than photocopying and certifying the original, a certified true copy is obtained through USCIS using Form N-565, or the appropriate procedure for your situation. We advise you on which path applies and prepare the document for authentication once it is available in a form the Department of State will accept.
What not to do
Do not photocopy your certificate and mail it in for apostille. It will be rejected at best, and the copy itself is a legal problem. If another service told you to do this, stop and talk to us first.
Common reasons people apostille a naturalization certificate
- Dual citizenship — proving U.S. citizenship to a second country of nationality.
- Foreign property purchase — many countries require proof of citizenship to buy real estate.
- Residency or citizenship by descent — establishing your status for a family-based claim abroad.
- Marriage overseas — some countries require it as part of the marriage file.
Naturalization Certificate 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:
Ready to start?
Tell us what you have and where it is going. We reply with the correct route, a flat quote and shipping instructions.