Certificate of Naturalization Apostille and Legalization

Need a Certificate of Naturalization apostille? SF Notary + Apostille explains how the process works.

What is a Certificate of Naturalization?

“The Certificate of Naturalization contains certain required information identifying the person and confirming the person's U.S. citizenship through naturalization,” according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

It contains the naturalized person’s USCIS registration number (A-number), name, marital status, place of residence, and country of former nationality, as well as a photograph, signature, and other descriptors.

What Is a Certificate of Naturalization Apostille?

A Certificate of Naturalization apostille authenticates a USCIS-certified true copy for official use abroad. Because it is a federal document, it must be processed through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

For Hague Convention countries, the State Department issues an apostille. For non-Hague countries, it issues an authentication certificate, followed by embassy or consulate legalization when required. SF Notary + Apostille handles the entire process and can ship the completed document worldwide.

At the present time, it is taking about two weeks to obtain a US State Department apostille on a Certificate of Naturalization.

How do I get my Certificate of Naturalization apostilled or legalized?

Step 1: Place an order for a certified true copy of your Certificate of Naturalization with USCIS

We can obtain a U.S. Department of State apostille for some recently issued original Certificates of Naturalization. However, because the original is an important document, most certificate holders prefer to keep it and apostille a USCIS-certified true copy instead.

To obtain a certified true copy, schedule an appointment at your local USCIS field office. Bring your original Certificate of Naturalization and a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license. A USCIS officer will copy the certificate and attach an official certification.

Request an appointment through USCIS or call the USCIS Contact Center at +1 (800) 375-5283. Clearly state that you need a Certified True Copy of your Certificate of Naturalization for an apostille or use abroad. USCIS may issue a service-request number and contact you later with appointment details, so allow several days and mention any urgent deadline.

Step 2: Email us for a price quote

Pricing depends on the country where the document will be presented, your location, and the final shipping destination. For a prompt quote, email info@sfnotary.com with:

• Your name, location, and telephone number

• The destination country

• The recipient’s name, delivery address, telephone number, and email address

• The business name, if we are shipping to a company

We will respond quickly with a price quote and payment instructions. Once payment is received, we will begin the apostille, authentication, or legalization process.

Step 3: Get the Certificate of Naturalization to us

For clients in the San Francisco Bay Area, we may be able to pick up the USCIS-certified true copy of your Certificate of Naturalization from your home or office. A small pickup fee may apply, depending on your location.

If you are outside the Bay Area—or if shipping is more convenient—we can email you a FedEx Priority Overnight label to send the certificate to us. Checks should be made payable to SF Notary + Apostille. To pay by credit card, use the secure payment link included in your emailed invoice.

Step 4: We do the rest

If the documents will be presented in a Hague Apostille Convention member country, we will obtain an apostille from the US Secretary of State in Washington, DC. Some countries require apostilles plus additional legalization/authentication from a consulate or embassy. If additional certification is required, we will provide details in the price quote. Once the document is apostilled (or apostilled and legalized), we'll ship it via FedEx Priority Overnight Service (USA destinations) or FedEx International Priority Service (overseas destinations).

Contact us

For more information or to place your order, please email info@sfnotary.com or call +1 (415) 655-9455.

Disclaimer: Information on this website is for informational purposes only. These instructions are based on our knowledge and experience and are meant to be helpful; however, they might contain errors. Please let us know if you encounter mistakes so that we can promptly correct them. SF Notary + Apostille is not a law firm, and its agents are not attorneys. Please contact a licensed attorney or your local bar association for counsel on legal matters.