Losing important citizenship documents can make applying for a passport more complicated. If you lost a citizenship document and need a passport, the first step is to determine which document is missing.
Your options may depend on whether you lost a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or another document.
Which Citizenship Document Did You Lose?
U.S. passport applicants must provide acceptable evidence of U.S. citizenship when required.
Common citizenship documents include:
- U.S. birth certificate
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Previous U.S. passport
The document you need depends on your circumstances.
What If You Lost Your Birth Certificate?
If your U.S. birth certificate is missing, you will generally need to obtain a certified replacement.
Birth certificates are typically issued by the vital records office in the state or locality where you were born.
The replacement process varies by location.
Once you receive your certified birth certificate, you can use it as citizenship evidence when applying for a passport if it meets the applicable requirements.
What If You Lost Your Naturalization Certificate?
If you became a U.S. citizen through naturalization and lost your Certificate of Naturalization, you may need to request a replacement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
This process can take time, so start as early as possible if you have upcoming international travel.
Do not submit an unofficial copy or another document that does not meet the passport requirements.
What If You Lost Your Certificate of Citizenship?
Some U.S. citizens receive a Certificate of Citizenship as evidence of their citizenship.
If you lost or damaged your certificate, you may need to apply for a replacement.
Because replacing citizenship documents can take time, consider starting the replacement process before making urgent travel plans.
Can a Previous Passport Prove Citizenship?
A previous U.S. passport can sometimes serve as evidence of citizenship, depending on the application and your circumstances.
If you have an expired passport, check whether it meets the requirements for your particular application.
If you have lost both your passport and citizenship documents, you may need to take additional steps.
What If You Need to Travel Soon?
Replacing citizenship documents can take time. If you have an upcoming international trip, begin the process as soon as possible.
Keep copies of important documents in a secure location. However, remember that a copy does not necessarily replace the original or certified document required for a passport application.
If you already have another acceptable citizenship document, you may have additional options.
Do Not Use Incorrect Documents
When applying for a passport, make sure your citizenship documentation is accurate and meets the current requirements.
Do not alter documents or submit information that you cannot verify.
If your name is different on your citizenship documents and identification, you may also need documentation showing your legal name change.
How The Passport Office Can Help
The Passport Office helps travelers understand the documents needed for passport applications.
Our team assists with new passports, renewals, expedited passport services, lost or stolen passports, child passports, and passport corrections.
If you are dealing with lost citizenship documents during your passport application, we can help you determine what documentation you may need before submitting your application.
We have locations in Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Hollywood, and Clearwater. We also offer virtual appointments for travelers nationwide.
Final Thoughts
Losing your citizenship documents does not necessarily mean you cannot get a passport. However, you may need to replace the missing document before you can complete your application.
If you lost a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship, find out how to obtain a replacement as soon as possible.
If you have upcoming international travel, start the process early so you have time to replace your documents and complete your passport application.