How to Obtain an Apostille for a Certificate of Naturalization

Step-by-Step Guide for U.S. Citizens Who Need to Use Their Naturalization Certificate Abroad

If you became a U.S. citizen and need to present proof of citizenship abroad—for example, for dual citizenship, marriage, property, or visa purposes—you may be asked to provide an apostilled Certificate of Naturalization. This document proves your citizenship and must be officially certified by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) for international use.

Because this certificate is a federal document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the process is different from state documents like birth or marriage certificates. Below is a complete guide explaining where to get the right version, how to prepare it, and how to obtain the apostille correctly.

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Step 1: Understand What Document Is Eligible for Apostille

You cannot apostille your original Certificate of Naturalization.
That document is personal property and must never be mailed to the Department of State.

❌ Do not send the original Certificate of Naturalization.
It will be rejected and returned, delaying your process. Always use an authenticated copy instead.

To be accepted for a federal apostille, you need an authenticated (certified) copy of your certificate, issued and signed by a USCIS official.

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Step 2: Request an Authenticated Copy from USCIS

To get an authenticated copy, follow these steps:

1. Schedule an Appointment with USCIS
   • Visit the official USCIS site: How to Obtain an Authenticated Copy of a Certificate of Naturalization
   • Use the InfoPass system or call the USCIS Contact Center (1-800-375-5283) to request an appointment at your local USCIS field office.
2. Bring the Required Items
   • Your original Certificate of Naturalization (for inspection only)
   • A clear photocopy of the certificate
   • Valid photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
3. Request an Authenticated Copy
   • Ask the officer to create an authenticated or certified true copy for apostille purposes.
   • The USCIS officer will verify your identity, stamp the document with the official USCIS seal, and sign it.
4. Keep the Original Safe
   • The authenticated copy—not the original—is what you’ll send for apostille.
   • USCIS does not issue these copies by mail or online; you must go in person.

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Step 3: Prepare Your Submission for the U.S. Department of State

Once you receive the authenticated copy, you can now prepare it for apostille:

1. Complete Form DS-4194
   • Download from travel.state.gov.
   • Fill it out carefully. Under “Document Origin,” select “Federal Agency” and specify “USCIS.”
   • Indicate the destination country where the document will be used.
2. Include the Payment
   • The U.S. Department of State charges $20 per document (check current rates on their website).
   • Pay via check or money order payable to: U.S. Department of State.
3. Prepare Your Mailing Package
   • Authenticated copy of the Certificate of Naturalization (with USCIS seal/signature)
   • Form DS-4194
   • Payment
   • Self-addressed, prepaid return envelope (UPS, FedEx, or USPS Priority recommended)

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Step 4: Mail to the U.S. Department of State

Mail your completed package to:

U.S. Department of State
Office of Authentications
600 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20006

📦 Use a trackable shipping service. Do not send by regular mail without tracking.

Processing typically takes 4–5 weeks by mail. For faster results, you can use a hand-delivery service (like DC Mobile Notary), which submits documents directly in Washington D.C. and returns apostilled certificates in 7–9 business days.

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Step 5: Receive and Use the Apostilled Certificate

After processing, the Department of State will attach a Federal Apostille Certificate verifying the authenticity of the USCIS signature and seal.
You can then:

• Submit it to foreign embassies or consulates
• Use it for dual citizenship, marriage abroad, or legal matters
• Keep digital and physical copies for your records

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Step 6: Simplify the Process with DC Mobile Notary

Instead of waiting 5 weeks by mail, you can simply:

1. Send us your scanned authenticated USCIS copy (PDF).
2. We will complete all required forms, and submit it in person to the U.S. Department of State.
3. Your apostilled document will be ready in 9 business days and mailed back via UPS Air.

Visit DCMobileNotary.com/Apostille to start your request today.

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Key Takeaways

✅ Never mail your original Certificate of Naturalization – it will be rejected.
✅ Request an authenticated copy directly from USCIS with an officer’s signature and seal.
✅ Use Form DS-4194 when submitting to the U.S. Department of State.
✅ Plan ahead — mailing takes several weeks, but hand delivery is 3× faster.
✅ DC Mobile Notary can manage everything for you — safely, securely, and efficiently.

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