How do I renew an expired passport if I lost my naturaliazation papers?

by Jackie
(Miami, FL)

Question: I lost my expired passport, don't have my naturalization papers, and need to have a passport in the next 3 months. I have a copy of my last passport (but that doesn't seem to help), social security card, and am married to an American citizen.

What is my best option? Isn't there another way of proving my citizenship? I heard that it could take up to a year to receive another copy of my naturalization papers. Since I went through the process already, isn't there a way to tap into my last application? Help! There must be an easier way.

Answer: Since your passport has been lost, you must appear at a Miami application acceptance facility in order to apply for a new passport.

One of the required supporting documents is proof of United States citizenship.

Since you lost your naturalization papers, you have two options. One, apply for a copy of your naturalization certificate.

To apply to replace your Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship issued by USCIS or by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, file a Form N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization Citizenship Document.

An alternative is to submit a written request for a file search at the time you apply for a new passport. Passport Services will locate records of documents previously submitted as evidence of citizenship. There is an additional fee of $150 for a record search.

Comments for How do I renew an expired passport if I lost my naturaliazation papers?

I lost my 47 year old passport.
by: Anonymous

Question: I lost my 47-year-old passport. I do not have a birth certificate. But I do have my original green card that was issued 7/11/68. What do I need to do? I'm scared.

Answer: Hello! The process to obtain your new passport will require a few more steps but there is no need to be scared.

Since you were issued a passport in the past but have no evidence of U.S. citizenship on hand, you can request for a file search at the same time that you apply. Passport services will then search their database for records of your old passport and use such records as your citizenship evidence. The file search fee (non-refundable) is currently at $150 and must be paid on top of the regular fees.

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Lost certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I lost my citizenship certificate and my passport expired about 7 years ago what can i do to renew it?

Answer: You may request for a file search, the result of which (if any) may be used as your evidence of U.S. citizenship. The fee for this service is currently at $150 and is non-refundable even if passport services find nothing.

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Father only has expired identification documents
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I am traveling on June 10, 2016 to Mexico with my daughter if it's possible. I am trying to get her passport but her father never renewed his residence and now has an expired license and an expired green card. I would like to know if I could still present an expired identification card? And will she be able to her passport? She is a U.S citizen and so am I (her mother). Please help. This trip is really important to her. Thank you

Answer: When you submit your daughter's application, the parents (or child, if he or she has an ID in his or her own name) must present valid primary photo identification documents. Expired documents are not accepted. We recommend the father renew his documents before you submit the passport application.