Do I Have to Show Proof if My Citizenship Paper Got Lost or Taken?
Do I Have to Show Proof if My Citizenship Paper Got Lost or Taken?
You must give documentation of the loss if you're utilizing Form N-565 to obtain a new naturalization or citizenship document because your previous one was stolen, misplaced, or destroyed. Simply put, the USCIS wants to know what occurred and see some proof. Giving them a police report or a sworn statement is often the best course of action.
Getting a Police Report
Contact the local police in the area where your citizenship or naturalization certificate was stolen or lost. Ask how to receive your case's police report. If you can't acquire a police report, provide a written statement.
A Sworn Statement
A sworn statement is a written note of what happened. Think of it as telling your story in writing. Explain the details of when, where, and how your citizenship document got lost, robbed, or damaged.
You don't have to get a sworn statement notarized. When you finish writing it, just add a sentence saying:
N-565 Example of a Sworn Statement
usa-immigrations.com provides this N-565 example of a sworn statement. Make sure to update it to your particular circumstances before sending it in.
Consult the personalized filing instructions for the mailing address of the USCIS, the application fee, and the supporting papers needed to accompany Form N-565.
Related
Form N-565 | Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document
/form/form-n-565-or-application-for-replacement-naturalization-citizenship-document/amp/
How Fast Does Acquiring U.S. Citizenship Take?
/faq/how-fast-does-acquiring-u-s-citizenship-take/amp/
How to attach additional records to my N-400 application?
/faq/how-to-attach-additional-records-to-my-n-400-application/amp/
Should all the children be listed on N-400 form?
/faq/should-all-the-children-be-listed-on-n-400-form/amp/
How can you discover your travel records required for the N-400 application?
/faq/how-can-you-discover-your-travel-records-required-for-form-n400/amp/
How does time outside the U.S. count and how are you supposed to state it in the N-400 form?
/faq/how-does-time-outside-the-u-s-count-and-how-are-you-supposed-to-state-it-in-the-n-400/amp/
Recent posts
DV-2026 Deadline: What Diversity Visa Winners Must Do Before September 30
A time-sensitive, official-source checklist for DV-2026 selectees: confirm selection safely, understand Visa Bulletin cut-offs, prepare for the right process, and act before the fiscal-year deadline.
Form I-9 Update for August 2026: Which Version Employers Must Use Now
A practical August 2026 update for employers on the correct Form I-9 edition, where to check the expiration date, and how to update an onboarding workflow without confusing new hires or existing records.
August 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-2 India Unavailable, Filing Charts, and DV-2026 Deadlines
A plain-English guide to the August 2026 Visa Bulletin, with the employment-based, family-based, and Diversity Visa details applicants should check before acting.
How to Change Your Address With USCIS After Moving: E-COA, AR-11, and Pending Cases
A practical, official-source guide to reporting a move to USCIS, including pending cases, sponsors, receipt numbers, and situations requiring special instructions.
July 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-2 India Unavailable and What Applicants Should Do
The July 2026 Visa Bulletin brings major employment-based green card changes, including EB-2 India becoming unavailable for the rest of FY 2026, EB-1 India retrogression, and EB-5 unreserved India unavailability.
Form I-20 and I-901 SEVIS Fee Before the F-1 Visa Interview
A pre-interview guide for F-1 students covering Form I-20 review, SEVIS fee timing, payment basics, and the documents students commonly prepare before the visa interview.