Your naturalization certificate number commonly appears in red near the upper right corner of your Certificate of Naturalization. It identifies the certificate itself and is different from an A-Number, USCIS receipt number, or passport number.
Key Takeaways
- Look near the upper right corner of your certificate for a commonly red, alphanumeric certificate number.
- A Certificate of Naturalization and a Certificate of Citizenship are different documents, but each has its own certificate number.
- The certificate number is not the same as an Alien Registration Number, even when both appear on the document.
- Enter the number exactly as printed, including any letter prefix on an older certificate.
- There is no public naturalization certificate number lookup that lets you search for another person's certificate online.
- USCIS uses Form N-565 for eligible replacement, correction, and update requests involving naturalization and citizenship certificates.
Where to Find the Naturalization Certificate Number
Start with the upper right area on the front of your Certificate of Naturalization. The certificate number commonly appears there in red and may be labeled as the certificate number. On many certificates, it is an eight-character alphanumeric identifier, although the format can vary by certificate series and age.
Use placement and labeling together. A naturalization certificate can display several identifiers, so choosing a number solely because it is prominent can lead to a mistake. The number beginning with an "A," for example, is generally the person's Alien Registration Number, not the certificate number.
If the form asks for the "Certificate of Naturalization Number," "Naturalization Certificate Number," "Certificate Number," or sometimes a "C-Number," it ordinarily means the unique number assigned to the certificate. Copy every character as shown. Include any letters, leading zeros, or older series prefixes. Do not add spaces or punctuation unless the form's instructions tell you to reproduce them.
A worn or older certificate may have a different layout. The number can still be valid even if it does not resemble a newer example. Check the document's label and upper right area before assuming that a differently formatted number is wrong. If the number is unreadable, do not guess from an A-Number, green card, passport, or USCIS notice. Those documents contain different identifiers.
Certificate of Naturalization vs. Certificate of Citizenship Number
A Certificate of Naturalization proves that a person became a U.S. citizen through naturalization. USCIS issues the initial certificate as Form N-550 after the person completes the naturalization process and takes the Oath of Allegiance. A replacement Certificate of Naturalization is generally designated Form N-570.
A Certificate of Citizenship serves a different group. It documents citizenship acquired or derived through a U.S. citizen parent rather than citizenship granted through the standard adult naturalization process. The initial document is generally Form N-560, while a replacement is generally Form N-561.
| Document | Common designation | Who generally receives it |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Naturalization | N-550 | A person who completed naturalization |
| Replacement Certificate of Naturalization | N-570 | A naturalized citizen receiving a replacement certificate |
| Certificate of Citizenship | N-560 | A person documenting acquired or derived citizenship |
| Replacement Certificate of Citizenship | N-561 | A citizen receiving a replacement citizenship certificate |
The form designation is not your personal certificate number. If a form asks for the certificate of citizenship number, do not enter "N-560." Likewise, "N-550" is not a certificate of naturalization number. Those designations identify document types. Your unique citizenship certificate number or naturalization number appears separately on the certificate.
Both certificates prove citizenship already held. They do not create a new immigration status simply because someone writes the certificate number on a form. When an application asks what document proves your citizenship, select the certificate type you actually possess and provide its unique number if requested.
What Is a Citizenship Number, A-Number, or USCIS Number?
"Citizenship number" is an informal phrase that can mean different things. On a U.S. form, it often refers to the unique number on a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. Other countries may use "citizenship number" or "citizen number" for a national identification record, so you should rely on the form's definitions rather than the phrase alone.
U.S. immigration records also use A-Numbers, USCIS numbers, and receipt numbers. These identifiers are not interchangeable in every context.
| Identifier | What it identifies | Where you may see it |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate number | The specific Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate | Commonly in red near the certificate's upper right corner |
| A-Number | A person's immigration record | USCIS documents, including some certificates and green cards |
| USCIS number | Often another label for the A-Number on a Permanent Resident Card | A green card or a form requesting a USCIS or A-Number |
| USCIS receipt number | A particular application or petition | A USCIS notice, usually as three letters followed by 10 numbers |
An A-Number is generally seven, eight, or nine digits. If a document displays it with an "A" before the digits, the letter helps label the number but does not turn it into the certificate number. A receipt number may begin with a USCIS service or filing prefix, such as IOE, and tracks a pending or completed filing rather than your citizenship certificate.
If a form requests both an A-Number and a certificate number, complete the fields separately. Do not assume that the same entry belongs in both boxes. Some forms may use "USCIS Number" as the label for an A-Number, so read the field instructions before responding.
Citizenship Number Check Before Submitting a Form
Perform a citizenship number check directly against the original certificate or a clear, secure copy. Compare each letter and digit individually. Similar characters, such as the number zero and the letter O, can be difficult to distinguish on an old, faded, or scanned document.
- Confirm whether you hold a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
- Read the form field carefully to determine which identifier it requests.
- Locate the certificate number near the upper right area of the certificate.
- Compare it with any A-Number printed elsewhere on the document.
- Enter the certificate number exactly as displayed, including letter prefixes.
- Review the completed field before signing or submitting the form.
For a passport application, your certificate may serve as evidence of U.S. citizenship. Follow the current Department of State citizenship evidence instructions about submitting an original or acceptable certified document. A naturalization certificate number is not located on a U.S. passport, and your passport number does not replace the certificate number when a form specifically requests the latter.
Employment and benefit forms have their own evidence rules. Do not assume that presenting a certificate, entering its number, or providing an A-Number satisfies every request. Check the current instructions and provide only the identifier and supporting document the agency or employer is authorized to request.
There is no public naturalization certificate number lookup online for confirming a person's citizenship record. Avoid websites that claim they can search private certificate numbers. If you are checking your own records, use the original document, a retained copy, prior filings, or the formal USCIS process applicable to your situation.
How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Certificate
If your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship is lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged beyond use, USCIS provides Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document. This process requests a new certificate. It is not an online tool that simply reveals a missing certificate number.
Review the current USCIS Form N-565 instructions before filing. USCIS may require identity evidence, an explanation of what happened, photographs, or the damaged certificate when it remains available. Requirements depend on why you need the replacement, so do not rely on an old checklist, filing fee, or mailing address.
You may be able to prepare or submit parts of the replacement request through a USCIS online account when USCIS permits online filing. That does not mean you can download a free duplicate of the original certificate. A replacement is an official USCIS document issued after the agency reviews and approves the request.
If you need the naturalization number without the certificate, first review secure copies, earlier passport paperwork, or immigration records in your possession. Do not substitute a green card number because the naturalization certificate number is not printed on a green card. If no reliable record is available, follow USCIS instructions for replacing the certificate or requesting an appropriate record. Keep copies of anything you submit and protect them as sensitive personal information.
Correcting a Name, Birth Date, or USCIS Error
Form N-565 may also be used in qualifying situations to request a corrected or updated certificate. Common concerns include a misspelled name, incorrect date or country of birth, clerical mistake, legal name change, or other information that no longer matches supporting records.
The reason for the discrepancy matters. USCIS may treat an agency error differently from incorrect information supplied by the applicant or a later legal change. Provide the evidence requested in the current instructions, such as a court order, civil document, or copy of the certificate. Do not alter the certificate yourself, write a correction on it, or enter information on another form that you know conflicts with the document without explaining the discrepancy where permitted.
A disagreement about a name or date can affect more than the certificate number. It may create inconsistent records across USCIS, passport, Social Security, state identification, or family immigration filings. Compare your source documents before requesting a correction so that you can identify which record is actually inaccurate.
If a replacement request involves conflicting identity records, an unusual name change, or a disputed USCIS error, an immigration attorney can review the certificate and supporting documents, identify the appropriate correction request, and help explain the discrepancy. You can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace to connect with an attorney. Responses typically arrive within a day, which can help when another filing depends on corrected citizenship evidence.
Older Certificates, Secure Copies, and Genealogy Records
Older naturalization and citizenship certificates can use layouts and number formats that differ from current documents. Some legacy certificate series include letter prefixes such as "AA" or "AAA" followed by numbers. Enter the complete certificate number as printed rather than removing the letters to make it resemble a newer format.
An older design does not automatically make a certificate invalid. Its usefulness may become an issue if the document is damaged, unreadable, altered, or contains information that must be corrected. When an agency questions an older certificate, ask what evidence or certification its current instructions require before ordering a replacement.
Store the original in a secure, dry place. Keep a clear paper copy and an encrypted digital copy for reference, but remember that an ordinary photocopy may not satisfy a request for an original or certified citizenship document. Avoid carrying the original routinely because replacing it requires a formal USCIS process.
Records involving a deceased relative require a different approach. USCIS operates a genealogy program for certain historical immigration and naturalization records. Its availability depends on the record's age, location, and agency custody. Review the USCIS Genealogy Program rather than filing Form N-565 to obtain a replacement certificate for genealogy purposes.
A Nepali citizenship number is not a U.S. naturalization certificate number. If a form asks for a foreign citizenship number, national identity number, or prior-country document number, check the form's definitions and the issuing country's current instructions. Do not enter a U.S. certificate number merely because the field uses the general phrase "citizenship number."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find my citizenship Certificate number?
You can usually find it in the upper right area on the front of your Certificate of Citizenship. If several numbers appear there, look for the one identified as the certificate number rather than the A-Number. Older documents may use a different layout or lettered series, so reproduce the complete identifier exactly as it appears.
Does a naturalization Certificate have an A-Number?
Many Certificates of Naturalization display an A-Number in addition to the certificate number. The A-Number identifies your immigration record, while the certificate number identifies the issued citizenship document. If an application has separate fields for both, enter each number in its corresponding field instead of copying one number twice.
What is the Certificate of Naturalization number N-550 or N-570?
N-550 and N-570 are document designations, not your unique naturalization certificate number. N-550 generally identifies an original Certificate of Naturalization, while N-570 generally identifies a replacement. Your personal certificate number appears elsewhere on the document and should be entered when a form asks for the certificate's number.
Can I get a copy of my naturalization Certificate online?
You cannot download a free replacement certificate from a public online database. USCIS permits eligible applicants to request a replacement through Form N-565, and online filing options may be available under current USCIS procedures. Check the official filing instructions for required evidence, filing methods, and current fees before submitting your request.
How can I get my naturalization number without my Certificate?
You may find the number on a secure copy of the certificate or in prior paperwork where you accurately recorded it. There is no public search tool that retrieves it by name. If you cannot locate a reliable record, use the appropriate USCIS replacement or records process rather than guessing or substituting an A-Number.
Is the naturalization certificate number on a passport or green card?
No, a U.S. passport and green card do not ordinarily display your naturalization certificate number. A passport has its own passport number, while a green card displays immigration identifiers such as the USCIS or A-Number. Use the Certificate of Naturalization itself when a form specifically requests its certificate number.
