Why You Might Need Your Naturalization Certificate Apostilled
An apostille is like an international “stamp of approval” for your documents. It proves that your paperwork is legit, recognized by other countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Without it, you might face delays or even outright rejection when trying to use your documents abroad.
For a Naturalization Certificate, the apostille confirms your status as a U.S. citizen. It’s often required for things like immigration, marriage, or legal proceedings outside the U.S.
If you need your Naturalization Certificate apostilled, it’s important to know that these certificates cannot be notarized or certified as true copies by any state office. Only certified copies issued by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) are eligible for apostille certificates.
Naturalization Certificates are federal documents and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.,
Using Your Original Naturalization Certificate or Obtaining a Certified Copy
When it comes to apostilling your Naturalization Certificate, you have two main options: use your original document or request a certified copy from USCIS. Here’s how to decide and what steps to take:
1. Using Your Original Certificate
If you’re comfortable submitting your original Naturalization Certificate, you can send it directly to the U.S. Department of State for apostille processing. While this is the quickest route, keep in mind that mailing the original comes with a small risk of loss or damage. Ensure you use a secure courier service with tracking.
2. Obtaining a Certified Copy from USCIS
If you’d rather not use your original certificate, you can request a certified copy from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is particularly helpful for safeguarding your original document while still meeting the apostille requirements.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact the USCIS Contact Center at (800) 375-5283 to make an appointment at your local USCIS office.
- What to Bring to the Appointment:
- Your original Naturalization Certificate.
- A plain photocopy of the certificate.
- An additional government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- At the Appointment: A USCIS officer will verify your identity and naturalized status. Once confirmed, the officer will create a certified true copy of your certificate. Be sure to request a “Certified True Copy” specifically.
- Using the Certified Copy: This certified copy can now be submitted to the U.S. Department of State for apostille processing.
Important Notes:
- Certificates of Naturalization cannot be notarized or certified as true copies by any state-level office.
- Only the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., can issue apostilles for Naturalization Certificates, whether you use the original or a USCIS-certified copy.
By choosing the right option for your needs, you can complete the apostille process securely and with peace of mind.
What Does a Certified Copy Look Like?
When you get a certified copy of your Naturalization Certificate from USCIS, it’s a two-page document designed specifically for official use. Here’s what you’ll find:
Certificate of Authenticity:
- This is a formal document from USCIS that proves your copy is legitimate. It includes:
- An official USCIS stamped seal.
- The signature of a USCIS certifying officer.
- A statement confirming the copy’s authenticity.
- This is a formal document from USCIS that proves your copy is legitimate. It includes:
A Copy of Your Naturalization Certificate:
- Attached behind the Certificate of Authenticity is either a photocopy or an electronic version of your original Naturalization Certificate.
This two-page certified copy is the only version of your Naturalization Certificate that qualifies for an apostille from the U.S. Department of State. It’s a great way to protect your original document while still meeting all the legal requirements for international use.
How to Get a Federal Apostille for Your Naturalization Certificate
Since a Naturalization Certificate is a federal document, it can only be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Here’s what you need to know to make the process simple:
1. Why a Federal Apostille is Required
Naturalization Certificates cannot be notarized or authenticated at the state level. Since these documents are issued by the federal government, only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to apostille them. This ensures your certificate is officially recognized under the Hague Apostille Convention by participating countries.
2. Let Us Handle the Process for You
To make things easier, you can send your Naturalization Certificate to us—either the original or a certified copy. We’ll handle the entire process, including walking your document into the U.S. Department of State for apostille certification.
Our Process:
- First Contact: Reach out to us to discuss your document, whether you need a quote, have questions, or need assistance with the apostille or authentication process.
- Document Submission: Once we confirm the details, we will take your document to the U.S. Department of State for authentication or apostille certification.
- Document Pickup: After the certification process is complete, we will pick up the document from the Department of State.
- Scanning Services: If you need scans of the certified document, we will provide them upon request.
- Shipping: We will then ship the document to its destination via USPS, FedEx, or DHL International, whether it’s being sent to another country, your lawyer, or any other location you specify.
Why Choose Our Walk-In Courier Service?
Our walk-in service eliminates the need to mail your documents to the U.S. Department of State and wait for their lengthy processing times. Instead, our team handles the process for you, personally handling the submission to ensure speed and reliability.
Here’s what sets our service apart:
Fast Turnaround: Your documents are ready in just 9-12 business days, compared to the typical 4-week processing time for mail-in requests.
Hassle-Free: We manage the entire walk-in process, saving you the time and effort of navigating complex procedures.
Secure Handling: With our professional and reliable courier service, your documents are in safe hands every step of the way.
Still Need More Help? Send Us a Message
Other federal documents that can receive an apostille certificate:
- FBI background checks
- Court documents issued by federal courts (previously a certified by the US prominent of justice) (i.e. District Court name change)
- Naturalization certificate
- Immigration records
- Certificate of citizenship
- Health certificates
- Medical examination records
- NIH research certificate
- FDA certificate (i.e. export certificates for pharmaceutical, medical devices)
- Phytosanitary Certificates
- Animal Health Certificates
- Certificates for Export of Animal Products Organic Certificates
- Certified copies of tax returns
- Income verification letter
- Certificate of status (form 6166)
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Read MoreCountries that Require an Apostille Certificate:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Burundi
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Chile
- China,
- Hong Kong &
- Macao
- Colombia
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jamaica
- Kazakhstan
- Korea, Republic of
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malawi
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova,
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niue
- North Macedonia, Republic of
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Suriname
- Swaziland
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom of Great Britain
- and Northern Ireland
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
