The short answer: both documents prove you are a U.S. citizen. The difference is how you became one.
- A certificate of naturalization is for people who applied for citizenship themselves, usually as green card holders, and took the Oath of Allegiance.
- A certificate of citizenship is for people who became citizens through a U.S. citizen parent and later ask USCIS for official proof. This happens either at birth outside the United States or automatically as a child.
Below, we explain who receives each certificate, how you apply, and what to do if you are not sure which one fits your family. This article is general information, not legal advice.
What Is a Certificate of Naturalization?
USCIS issues a certificate of naturalization when a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen through naturalization. In general, the steps are:
- You file the N-400 application.
- You attend an interview.
- You take the English and civics test.
- You attend an oath ceremony.
You usually receive your certificate at the ceremony. It shows the date you became a citizen.
You can use it to apply for a U.S. passport, register to vote and show proof of citizenship when you need to.
If you are a green card holder thinking about this step, our N-400 naturalization page walks through the process. If the test worries you, read what to do if you fail the citizenship test.
What Is a Certificate of Citizenship?
A certificate of citizenship is for people who are already citizens by law because of a parent. They did not go through naturalization themselves. Generally, this covers two groups:
- Acquired citizenship: You were born outside the United States to a parent who was a U.S. citizen when you were born, and the legal requirements were met.
- Derived citizenship: You were born abroad and became a green card holder as a child. Then, while you were still a minor living with a U.S. citizen parent, you met the legal conditions to become a citizen automatically. Often this happens when a parent naturalizes.
For these people, citizenship comes automatically once the legal conditions are met. The certificate does not make you a citizen. It is official proof from USCIS that you already are one.
To get one, you file an application with USCIS. You also send documents about your parents, your birth and where you lived growing up.
These rules have changed over the years. The law that applies often depends on your date of birth. That is why these questions can be harder to sort out than they first look.
Key Differences at a Glance
- How you became a citizen: With a certificate of naturalization, you applied and took the oath. With a certificate of citizenship, you became a citizen by law through a parent.
- When citizenship starts: Naturalized citizens become citizens on the day they take the oath. People with a certificate of citizenship became citizens at birth, or on the date they met the requirements as a child. That is true even if the certificate arrives years later.
- The application: Naturalization uses the N-400 application. A certificate of citizenship uses a separate USCIS application for proof of citizenship.
- Testing: Naturalization generally requires the English and civics test. A certificate of citizenship application does not, because you are not naturalizing. USCIS may still ask you to come in for an interview.
Do Both Certificates Carry the Same Weight?
Yes. Both are valid proof of U.S. citizenship. Citizens with either certificate can vote, hold a U.S. passport and petition for certain relatives.
If bringing loved ones to the United States is part of your plan, learn more about family sponsored immigration.
Do You Need a Certificate if You Have a U.S. Passport?
A valid U.S. passport is also proof of citizenship. Some people who became citizens through a parent get a passport and never apply for a certificate.
Others choose to get the certificate because it does not expire the way a passport does. It gives you a lasting record from USCIS of when and how you became a citizen.
What If You Lose Your Certificate?
Keep your original certificate in a safe place. If it is lost, stolen or damaged, you can ask USCIS for a replacement. You can also request an updated certificate after a legal name change.
Replacing a certificate takes time. Protecting the original is far easier than replacing it.
Not Sure Which One Applies to You?
Families often ask us about situations like these:
- You came to the United States as a child with a green card, and a parent later became a citizen.
- You are a green card holder getting ready to file for naturalization, and you wonder whether you may already be a citizen through a parent.
- You have a conditional green card through marriage and want to know what comes before naturalization. Learn about I-751 removal of conditions.
It helps to ask these questions before you file. Choosing the wrong application can cost you time and filing fees.
If you are still a permanent resident and not ready to apply, see our guides on how to renew your green card and the advantages of having a green card.
How Leiva Law Firm Can Help
Leiva Law Firm has been practicing immigration law since 2014. Our citizenship and naturalization services help permanent residents prepare their applications, get ready for the interview and understand where they stand.
Managing attorney Scarlett Leiva leads every matter. The attorney who handles your free consultation is the attorney on your case. Day to day, you will work with our experienced bilingual team, including our paralegal Betty. Hablamos español.
Here is what to expect when you reach out:
- Free evaluations for new matters that have not been filed yet.
- Consultations by phone or video, wherever you live in the U.S.
- Flat fees for many services, plus payment plans.
- Offices in San Francisco and Walnut Creek, California.
Have questions about which certificate fits your family? Request a consultation or call us at (415) 541-9290.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a certificate of citizenship the same as a certificate of naturalization?
No. Both prove U.S. citizenship, but a certificate of naturalization is for people who applied and took the oath. A certificate of citizenship is for people who became citizens through a U.S. citizen parent.
Which certificate do I receive after my oath ceremony?
If you became a citizen by filing the N-400 application and taking the Oath of Allegiance, you receive a certificate of naturalization.
Can I apply for a certificate of citizenship as an adult?
Generally, yes. If you acquired or derived citizenship as a child, you can usually apply for proof later in life. The rules that apply often depend on when you were born, so it is wise to have your documents reviewed.
Do I have to take the citizenship test for a certificate of citizenship?
No. The English and civics test is part of naturalization. A certificate of citizenship confirms citizenship you already have, though USCIS may still schedule an interview.
Can Leiva Law Firm help if I live outside California?
Yes. Our consultations are handled remotely, and we work with clients who live outside California and around the world.
Member of the State Bar of Georgia; practicing U.S. immigration law nationwide. This article is general information and not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.