N-400, Application for Naturalization

You generally have two options for filing your Form N-400 with USCIS:

• Online, or
• By mail (paper).

Filing your Form N-400 online

You must create a USCIS online account to file your Form N-400 online. Having an online account will also allow you to:

• Pay your filing fee online;
• Check the status of your case;
• Receive notifications and case updates;
• View personalized case completion date estimates;
• Respond to requests for evidence; and
• Manage your contact information, including updating your address.

Note for Attorneys and Accredited Representatives: You can also create an online account, which will allow you to manage all of your clients’ applications in one place.

Filing your Form N-400 by mail

If you are applying based on being a current or former member of the military, a spouse of a current member of the military, or a close relative of a deceased member of the military, do not use this chart. Go to section 3 below to see where you must mail your form.

All other applicants must use the chart below.

If you submit Form N-400 on paper, you will receive a USCIS Account Acceptance Notice in the mail with instructions on how to create an online account to track and manage your case.  We will process your application even if you do not create an online account, but we encourage you to create and access your online account. We will continue to mail you copies of notifications about your case.

Military Members

If you are applying based on being a current or former member of the military; a spouse of a current member of the military; or a spouse, parent or child of a deceased member of the military, you may file your Form N-400 online or by mail. If you choose to file by mail, send your application to the location listed below:

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

          USCIS
          P.O. Box 4446
          Chicago, IL 60680-4446

For FedEx, UPS, or DHL deliveries:

          USCIS
          Attn: Military N-400
          131 S. Dearborn, 3rd Floor
          Chicago, IL 60603-5517

If you submit Form N-400 on paper, you will receive a USCIS Account Acceptance Notice in the mail with instructions on how to create an online account to track and manage your case.  We will process your application even if you do not create an online account, but we encourage you to create and access your online account. We will continue to mail you copies of notifications about your case.

Filing Tips: Go to our Form Filing Tips page for information on how to help ensure we will accept your application.

Don’t forget to sign your form! We will reject any unsigned form.

Please do not submit this checklist with your Form N-400. It is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form, but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements. We recommend that you review these requirements before completing and submitting your form. Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations.

If you submit any documents (copies or original documents, if requested) in a foreign language, you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate, and that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language to English.

Did you provide the following?

• A copy of your Permanent Resident Card
• A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (if applying for naturalization based on military service)
• DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or discharge orders (if applying for naturalization based on military service and separated from service)
• A copy of your official military orders (if applying for naturalization based on military service and currently serving)
• Evidence of your citizen spouse’s employment abroad (if applying under 319(b))
• Two passport-style photographs (if you reside outside the United States)

• Read A Guide to Naturalization (Form M-476) carefully before filing this form. The Form N-400 Instructions often refer to information in the guide, and it provides important information about citizenship eligibility requirements and processing procedures.
• Biometrics: Applicants who file Form N-400 and later appear at an application support center (ASC) for biometric capturing are required to submit to a photograph and signature process. If we determine you are eligible for naturalization, we may use the photograph taken at the ASC on your Certificate of Naturalization. Therefore, we recommend that on the day of your ASC appointment, you dress in clothing that is acceptable for display on your Certificate of Naturalization. We will not reject a photograph based solely upon your desire to modify the photograph shown on your certificate.
• Photographs: Based on processing needs, you may need to submit physical passport photographs after you have already filed your Form N-400. We will send you a request for physical photographs with instructions on how to submit them.
• Download the form: This version of the Form N-400 is available above in two files – the instructions and the form itself. We recommend that you download the form directly to your local computer instead of completing it on your web browser.
• Attorney or representative: You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S. government, by an attorney or other duly authorized representative. Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Representative, with your Form N-400.  Your representative may also submit Form G-28 at the time of your interview.
• Lost or Expiring Permanent Resident Card: If you lost your Permanent Resident Card (commonly called a Green Card) or your card expired, you generally must still file Form I-90 even if you have applied for naturalization. However, if you properly file Form I-90 or you filed your Form N-400 at least six months before your Green Card expired, we may issue you an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp as temporary proof of your lawful permanent resident status. 

Biometrics for Service Members

We will review your application and conduct required security checks, which include obtaining your fingerprints. This can be done in one of the following ways: 

• If you were fingerprinted for a previous immigration application, we will use these fingerprints, if available.
• If stationed outside the United States, you may submit two properly completed FD-258 fingerprint cards and two passport-style photos taken by the military police or officials with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. embassy, or U.S. consulate.

We allow you to submit your fingerprints at an application support center before you file your Form N-400. Be sure to include your A-Number and show your unexpired military ID card or Delayed Entry Program ID card.

If you have case specific questions, you can contact the Military Help Line at 877-CIS-4MIL (877-247-4645, TTY: 800-877-8339) or militaryinfo@uscis.dhs.gov.