Federal Apostille Services for Certificate of Naturalization (Certified Copy)
At Orange County Apostille, we specialize in handling complex document authentication needs for international use, including federal apostille services for certified copies of the Certificate of Naturalization. This document, issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), serves as official proof that an individual has become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process. While it is a powerful legal record domestically, using it internationally—whether for dual citizenship, immigration, or legal procedures—requires a certified true copy and a federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State.
In this in-depth guide, we explain what the Certificate of Naturalization is, why the original document cannot be apostilled, and the exact steps you must take to obtain a certified copy and secure an apostille for overseas use. We also highlight how Orange County Apostille can simplify and expedite this process for you.
What Is a Certificate of Naturalization?
A Certificate of Naturalization is a legal document issued by USCIS to foreign nationals who have completed the naturalization process and officially become U.S. citizens. It includes essential identifying information, such as:
• Full name of the naturalized citizen
• Date and country of birth
• USCIS registration number
• Date and location of the naturalization ceremony
• Certificate number
This document serves as the primary evidence of citizenship for naturalized individuals and may be used for passport applications, social security benefits, and more.
Why the Original Certificate Cannot Be Apostilled
One of the most common questions we receive is, “Can I get an apostille on my original Certificate of Naturalization?”
The answer is no. The original Certificate of Naturalization is a federal document that is considered irreplaceable and non-duplicable. Because it is a protected legal record, USCIS does not allow the original to be submitted for apostille authentication.
Instead, individuals must request a certified true copy of their certificate from USCIS, which can then be submitted to the U.S. Department of State for an apostille.
What Is a Certified Copy of a Certificate of Naturalization?
A certified true copy is a document provided by USCIS that confirms the authenticity of the original certificate. This copy bears an official stamp and signature verifying that it is an accurate replica of the original.
A certified copy is the only acceptable version of the Certificate of Naturalization that can be apostilled for international use. USCIS provides two main avenues for requesting this copy:
1. Submitting Form G-639 (Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act Request)
2. Requesting directly from USCIS for specific legal or dual citizenship use
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Certified Copy and Apostille
Here’s how the full process works, from start to finish.
Step 1: Request a Certified Copy from USCIS
You must request the certified copy using Form G-639, which is the Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act Request form. This form allows you to obtain your immigration records, including a certified copy of your Certificate of Naturalization.
Important tips when completing Form G-639:
• Clearly state that you are requesting a “certified true copy of my Certificate of Naturalization for apostille purposes.”
• Include a copy of your original certificate (if available).
• Provide a government-issued photo ID.
• If applicable, include a notarized letter authorizing a representative to request on your behalf.
Processing Time: 3 to 6 months (standard). Expedited options may be available for urgent matters—contact our office for assistance.
📌 USCIS Official Site: https://www.uscis.gov/g-639
Step 2: Receive the Certified Copy
Once USCIS processes your request, you will receive a certified true copy of your Certificate of Naturalization. This document will include:
• A statement attesting that it is a certified copy
• An official USCIS stamp or seal
• An authorized signature from a USCIS officer
Ensure the document is complete and intact before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Submit to the U.S. Department of State for Apostille
Once you have the certified copy in hand, it must be sent to the Office of Authentications at the U.S. Department of State.
Required Documents:
• Certified copy of the Certificate of Naturalization
• Completed DS-4194 Form (Request for Authentication Services)
• Payment (check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State”)
• Prepaid return envelope with tracking
Mailing Address:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Authentications
600 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20006📌 DS-4194 Form and Info: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications/authenticate-your-document.html
Step 4: Receive Your Apostille
After the U.S. Department of State processes your request, they will affix an apostille certificate to the certified copy of your Certificate of Naturalization. This federal apostille makes the document legally valid for use in any country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Why You Might Need an Apostille on Your Certificate of Naturalization
Many people need an apostille on their Certificate of Naturalization for the following purposes:
• Dual Citizenship Applications: Countries such as Italy, Mexico, and the Philippines often require apostilled proof of U.S. citizenship.
• International Inheritance or Probate Cases
• Foreign Bank Account Openings
• Immigration Petitions Filed Abroad
• Legal Residency or Retirement Visas
Every country has its own legal documentation requirements. The apostille ensures your document is accepted abroad without further legalization.
Common Countries That Require Apostilled Certificates of Naturalization
The Hague Apostille Convention has over 120 member countries. Here are a few examples of common countries where a Certificate of Naturalization might be required with an apostille:
• Mexico
• Italy
• Philippines
• Spain
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• South Korea
If you are not sure whether the receiving country requires an apostille or full embassy legalization, Orange County Apostille can help you determine the proper process.
Let Orange County Apostille Handle It All for You
Navigating federal apostille processes can be daunting. That’s why clients trust Orange County Apostille to simplify every step of the journey.
Our Services Include:
✅ Review and consultation before you request the certified copy
✅ Guidance on properly filling out Form G-639
✅ Help requesting the certified copy directly from USCIS when Form G-639 is not required
✅ Submission of your documents to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
✅ 24/7 status updates and fast return shipping
✅ Bilingual assistance (English/Spanish)
📍 Serving clients across the U.S. and globally from our California and Washington, D.C. locations.
🖥️ Book your appointment now: https://orangecountyapostille.org
FAQs About Apostilling a Certificate of Naturalization
Can I apostille the original Certificate of Naturalization?
No. USCIS does not allow original Certificates of Naturalization to be apostilled. Only certified copies issued by USCIS are eligible.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
Standard processing through Form G-639 can take 3–6 months. Direct requests may be faster. Contact us for faster assistance.
How long does it take to get a federal apostille?
Processing time at the U.S. Department of State can take 2–4 weeks. Expedited services are available for additional fees.
What is Form DS-4194?
It is the official request form required by the U.S. Department of State to authenticate or apostille federal documents.
Can Orange County Apostille expedite my apostille?
Yes! We have an office in Washington, D.C., which allows us to hand-deliver your documents to the U.S. Department of State, significantly reducing processing time.
Real Use Case: Apostille for Dual Citizenship in Italy
Mario, a U.S. citizen by naturalization, needed to apply for dual Italian citizenship through his ancestry. The Italian consulate required:
• Apostilled certified copy of Certificate of Naturalization
• Apostilled birth and marriage certificates
• Apostilled FBI background check
With Orange County Apostille, Mario was able to:
• Request his certified copy with the correct language on Form G-639
• Receive his apostilled documents in less than 4 weeks
• Submit his complete application to the Italian consulate successfully
Conclusion: Make It Simple With Orange County Apostille
Getting an apostille for your Certificate of Naturalization may seem complex—but it doesn’t have to be.
By trusting Orange County Apostille, you gain a dedicated team of professionals who understand the federal process inside and out. We work directly with USCIS and the U.S. Department of State to ensure your documents are processed quickly, correctly, and securely.
🔒 Confidential.
📦 Fast turnaround.
🌍 International expertise.
📞 Call us today or book online at https://orangecountyapostille.org to begin your apostille process for your Certificate of Naturalization.
