What Is The Certificate of Naturalization & Why Notarize It?
By Tiffany V.
Published on 10/09/2023
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Certificate of Naturalization serves as proof of U.S. citizenship for naturalized individuals
- Issued after meeting eligibility, application, test, interview, and Oath of Allegiance requirements
- Notarization, while not mandatory, can enhance security, identity verification, and usability for travel or official purposes
Becoming a U.S. Citizen through the naturalization process is a meaningful milestone! Once naturalized, individuals gain nearly all the same rights and privileges as U.S.-born citizens. As proof of their new citizenship status, naturalized citizens have been issued an official document called Certificate of Naturalization.
1. What is a Certificate of Naturalization?
First things first, what is a Certificate of Naturalization?
A Certificate of Naturalization is an important legal form that serves as evidence of U.S. Citizenship for people internationally who gained citizenship from the U.S.
It contains information like:
- Full name and date of birth of the certificate holder
- Country of previous citizenship
- Current address
- Date citizenship was conferred
- Photograph and signature for ID purposes
- Department of Homeland Security seal
With this certificate, naturalized citizens can apply for a U.S. passport, vote in elections, run for public office, and access government benefits reserved for citizens only.
2. When is a Certificate of Naturalization Issued?
Certificates of Naturalization are only issued to approved applicants who have completed the naturalization process.
This involves:
- Meeting eligibility requirements
- Submitting an N-400 application
- Passing citizenship tests
- Undergoing interviews to confirm intention
- Taking the Oath of Allegiance
Once an oath is sworn, citizenship is conferred and the Certificate of Naturalization is provided as legal proof.
3. Why would I need to notarize my Certificate of Naturalization?
Notarization is not required to validate a Certificate of Naturalization. However, some choose to notarize their certificate as an extra verification measure.
Notarization can prove beneficial for identity verification, as the notary confirms the ID of the certificate holder.
It also adds an extra assurance of authenticity when using the certificate for travel or other official purposes
Notarizing the Certificate of Naturalization also adds an extra assurance of authenticity when using it for travel or other official purposes. Additionally, getting an Apostille to use a certificate internationally often requires having the document notarized first.
Finally, some institutions and organizations request notarized certificates when presenting them as identification or proof of naturalization.
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FAQ For Certificate of Naturalization
- How do I sign my Certificate of Naturalization?
- The USCIS required you to sign your name at the top of he line as well as on the photo. The certificate is the sole means to obtain your passport, and it must be signed.
- How do I obtain an authenticated copy of a certificate of naturalization?
- If required to deliver an “authenticated” copy of your Certificate of Naturalization" or “Certificate of Citizenship” to someone outside the U.S. government, you must schedule an appointment with your local USCIS office to have the photocopy of your certificate authenticated.
- Does a Certificate of Naturalization have a seal?
- Yes, a Certificate of Naturalization has a seal from the Department of Homeland Security and the USCIS officer's signature.
- Is copying the naturalization certificate illegal?
- Yes, it is illegal to copy, print, or photograph the Certificate of Naturalization without lawful permission.
**Legal Disclaimer - We are not lawyers or attorneys and do not give any legal advice. Please check with your attorneys, advisors, or document recipients if you have any unanswered questions about your documents.
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Updated Date: 04/29/2024
