Imagine growing up your entire life in the United States. Maybe your parent became a U.S. citizen when you were young. You’ve always thought of yourself as American, only to find out you need proof. That proof comes in the form of a Certificate of Citizenship, and Form N-600 is used to request it.
The N-600 is the official USCIS citizenship application form for individuals who derived or acquired U.S. citizenship through their parents but were not issued a citizenship certificate at the time. And unlike the naturalization process (which requires a separate application, the N-400), the N-600 confirms citizenship that already exists.
Understanding how to fill out Form N-600 is crucial, whether you’re filing for yourself or your child. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about completing the application for a certificate of citizenship successfully.
Who Should File Form N-600?
Not everyone needs Form N-600. You should only file this form if you’re already a U.S. citizen through birth or naturalized parentage. Remember that you’re not applying for citizenship; you’re applying for proof of it.
You should consider filing the Form N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship if:
- You’re a U.S. citizen by derivation (your parent naturalized before you turned 18, and you met the legal requirements).
- You acquired citizenship at birth through a U.S. citizen parent, but were never issued a certificate.
- You’re the parent or legal guardian of a qualifying child and want official proof of their citizenship.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before starting your N-600 application, gather the following:
- Proof of the U.S. citizen parent’s status (naturalization certificate, U.S. passport, or birth certificate).
- The applicant’s birth certificate, showing the parent-child relationship.
- Any relevant marriage certificates, legal custody orders, or adoption decrees.
- The applicant’s green card or permanent resident proof, if applicable.
- Your USCIS online account login or prepare to mail a paper application.
Having all the required documents upfront makes the process smoother and helps you avoid delays. Be sure to review the Form N-600 instructions carefully and double-check that your documents are translated (if not in English) and properly certified.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out N-600 Form
Filling out Form N-600 may feel overwhelming, but once you understand the structure, it will become much easier to complete. Here’s a breakdown of each part of the form and how to fill it out:
Part 1: Information About the Applicant
This section gathers basic information about the person applying for the certificate, either you or your child. You’ll need to provide:
- Full legal name (exactly as it appears on official documents)
- Date and place of birth
- A-number (if available)
- Current mailing and physical address
- Gender, marital status, and contact information
Always use the full legal name and double-check all dates for accuracy. Inconsistencies here can trigger requests for evidence (RFEs) or even denials.
If you’re filing on behalf of a child, make sure the information is consistent with the child’s birth and immigration documents.
Part 2: Information About the U.S. Citizen Parent
If you’re claiming citizenship through a parent, USCIS needs to know how that parent obtained their citizenship. Be prepared to share:
- Parents’ full name and date of birth
- Certificate of Naturalization number or U.S. passport details
- When and how they became a U.S. citizen (birth or naturalization)
Double-check the parent’s certificate number and ensure it matches what’s on the official documents.
Part 3: Additional Information
Here you’ll have to provide details related to:
- The parents’ marital history
- Legal custody of the child (if parents are separated or divorced)
- Adoption details (if the child was adopted)
- If the child was born out of wedlock and later legitimized
Legal custody and physical presence requirements matter here. Attach supporting court documents if needed.
Parts 4–11: Other Details, Certifications, and Signatures
These final sections of Form N-600 may look procedural, but they’re just as critical as the personal and parental information sections. USCIS uses this part to verify the truthfulness of the application and identify who assisted with preparing it.
Here’s what you’ll need to cover:
- Applicant’s certification: If you’re 14 years old or older, you must certify that everything in the form is true to the best of your knowledge.
- Parent or legal guardian certification: If you’re under 14, this section must be completed and signed by your U.S. citizen parent or legal guardian on your behalf.
- Interpreter and preparer information: If someone translated the form or helped you fill it out (like an attorney or accredited representative), they need to complete their sections with contact info, certification, and signature.
- Signatures and dating: Whether you’re filing online or on paper, all the required signatures must be included. For online submissions, you’ll be prompted to sign digitally through your USCIS account. For paper filings, use a black pen and sign by hand.
USCIS rejects forms that are unsigned or undated. Double-check all signature lines before submitting.
How to Submit the Form
Once you’ve completed Form N-600 and gathered your supporting documents, you have two options for submission: online or by mail.
- Online: Create or log into your USCIS account to upload the application and pay the filing fee.
- Paper Filing: Mail the completed form and supporting documents to the correct USCIS lockbox address based on your state.
The filing fee is $1,385 for paper filing and $1,335 for online filing (as of July 2025). Make sure to include copies of all required documents (do not send originals unless specifically requested) and keep a complete copy of everything for your records.
Get All the Help You Need
Filing Form N-600 may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, it’s entirely manageable. Accuracy and thoroughness are your best allies, whether you’re applying for your child or validating your own citizenship.
Double-check your supporting documents, make sure your form is signed correctly, and don’t leave sections blank unless instructed. Even small errors can lead to delays.
If you’re unsure whether you or your child qualifies for a Certificate of Citizenship, or you’re struggling with documentation, it helps to get professional guidance. Visit ImmigrationQuestion.com and ask your own questions for free. You’ll get answers from immigration attorneys within hours. You may also qualify for a free consultation with an attorney about your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the N-600 application for certificate of citizenship?
Form N-600 is used to request a Certificate of Citizenship for individuals who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through a parent, rather than naturalization.
2. Can I file Form N-600 online, or must I mail it?
You can file online through a USCIS account or submit a paper application by mail. Online filing is often faster and easier to track.
3. Who can fill out the N-600 form on behalf of a child?
A parent or legal guardian can complete and sign the N-600 form for a child under 14. Children aged 14 or older may sign for themselves.
4. What documents are required for Form N-600?
You’ll need proof of the parents’ U.S. citizenship, the child’s birth certificate, legal custody or adoption records (if applicable), and ID documents.
