How to Correct the Date of Birth After Naturalization

So you've gone through all your immigration paperwork and you've finally made it through the process. You are now a U.S. citizen. Just one problem--you discover a typo on your naturalization certificate. It shows the wrong birth date. The process for fixing it fairly simple. All you need to do is fill out a form. If the error was due to your own negligence, you must also pay a fee. Then simply file it with your local USCIS office.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Form N-565
• Filing fee (if the error was your fault)
• Birth certificate

Instructions

1. First you need to get the appropriate form. You can download form N-565 from the Visapro website (http://www.visapro.com/US-INS-Forms/Form-N-565.asp). Be sure to download the instructions as well so that you can refer to them and make sure you fill everything out correctly.

2. Answer all of the questions on the form. You may fill out the form by typing it out or using black ink. Do not use pencil or colored ink. Do not leave any questions blank. If the answer is "none," say so. If there is no applicable answer, put "N/A" in that space. If you need extra space, you may answer on a blank piece of paper, with your name, A#, and the number of the question and attach it to the form.

3. Sign the document and file it at your local USCIS office with the appropriate fee. For people under 14 years old, the form must be signed by a parent or guardian. The fee is $380 and is only due if the error was yours. If the typo occurred in the office, then no fee is due.

4. When you file your application, you will be required to supply some evidence. You must submit two standard passport photos of yourself along with your application. Print your name and A# on the back of each photo. You must also submit your original document and your birth certificate with proof of the correct birth date.

5. File your document at the appropriate location. If you reside in AL, AR, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, SC, OK, PA, PR, RI, TN, TX, VA, VI, VT or WV, submit your N-565 to the Texas Service Center at:

   DHS/USCIS
   Texas Service Center
   PO Box 851182
   Mesquite, TX 75185-1182

   If you reside in AK, AZ, CA, CO, GU, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, ND, OH, OR, SD, UT, WA, WI or WY, submit your N-565 to the Nebraska Service Center at:

   DHS/USCIS
   Nebraska Service Center
   PO Box 87565
   Lincoln, NE 68501-7565

Tips & Warnings

• Before submitting your form, check that your fee is correct by visiting www.uscis.gov and scrolling down to "Forms and e-Filing," or by calling [phone]. If you are going to submit the form in person, use the InfoPass system on the www.uscis.gov website to schedule an appointment so that you don't have to wait in a long line.

• When submitting a fee, do not send cash. Submit a check in the exact amount. It cannot be refunded. If the bank does not honor the payment, a charge of $30 will be imposed. If you falsify anything on the document, your request and any other immigration benefit will be denied. You also will face severe legal penalties and criminal prosecution.

References

• VisaPro FAQ
• Instructions for Form N-565

Resources

• U.S. Citizenship and Information Services