How to Get Another American Citizenship Card
There are no cards issued specifically to prove that you're an American citizen. Generally, American citizens prove their nationality with their passport. If you're a legal alien, permanent resident or naturalized, you're issued a card that proves that you're a legal resident of this country. If you lose this card or your passport, which also proves that you're an American citizen, it's important to promptly obtain another one to be able to travel freely inside and outside the United States.
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Instructions
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Obtaining a Replacement Passport
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1
Report your passport lost or stolen immediately after you've discovered that it's missing. Complete Form DS-64 available at the Bureau of Consular Affairs website and submit it online or via the mail. Reporting a lost or stolen passport invalidates the passport, protecting you from identity theft and maintaining national security.
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2
Complete the DS-11 application for a passport form by providing the required information, including place of birth, full name, permanent address and Social Security number. The DS-11 form can be downloaded online (see Resources) or picked up at your local post office or passport processing facility. Print the completed DS-11 form, but wait to sign it until you're in the presence of a federal employee.
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3
Obtain the documents necessary for proof of identity and citizenship. These documents vary based on your citizenship status. For instance, people born in the United States are required to present a Social Security card, birth certificate and a form of photo identification. Naturalized citizens are required to submit the proof of identity above, in addition to their naturalization papers.
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4
Obtain one passport photo. Passport photos can usually be obtained quickly at hour-photo labs and copy shops.
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5
Take your DS-11 form, proof of identity and citizenship, and passport photo to a passport-authorized post office or passport processing center. Submit all materials to the agent and sign your DS-11 form in her presence. Pay the passport processing fees with cash, credit or debit card.
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Wait to receive your passport in the mail. It can take up to eight weeks to obtain your nonexpedited passport, so be sure to complete Steps 1 through 5 to allow plenty of time for processing before out-of-country travel. If you require quicker service, you can opt for expedited processing, which allows you to receive your passport in approximately three weeks, for a higher fee.
Obtaining a Replacement Permanent Resident Card
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7
Report your card lost or stolen if it has been lost or stolen. Contact the police to report a lost or stolen permanent resident card. This helps prevent identity theft.
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8
Complete the I-90 form, or the permanent resident card application. Include all information required of the form, including current name, permanent residence and all information regarding your immigration and visas.
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Print out the form and submit it via mail with a check for processing fees to the address included at the bottom of the form. The I-90 form can also be submitted electronically via the US Immigration website. Fees can also be paid by check, money order and credit card.
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10
Wait to receive notice of your fingerprinting appointment. All applicants for new or replacement green cards must submit to fingerprinting before a permanent resident card can be issued. If you can't attend your appointment, call to reschedule as soon as possible. If you miss your appointment without rescheduling, you have to submit the I-90 form and processing fee again to obtain a replacement card.
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11
Make an appointment with your local immigration office to obtain an I-551 stamp in your passport for temporary proof of residence. This step isn't required, but if you're traveling abroad or require proof of citizenship, you need this stamp while you wait for your permanent resident card. Applicants generally receive their permanent resident cards within four to eight weeks after the application is submitted.
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References
Resources
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