For International Adoptees and Adoptive Families
A U.S. passport and a Certificate of Citizenship (COC) both prove citizenship. A passport expires. A COC does not.
Legally, no. Practically, yes. A COC is permanent and often easier to use for employment, Social Security, and resolving citizenship questions later in life.
In most cases, no. USCIS currently allows most internationally adopted individuals to apply for or replace a COC for free.
You can ask your parent(s) or email USCIS at
childcitizenact@uscis.dhs.gov.
- Confirm whether your parents obtained a COC.
- If a COC exists but is lost, file Form N-565.
- If your parents are unsure, contact USCIS:
Buffalo Field Office (CCA Unit)
306 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
childcitizenact@uscis.dhs.gov
If no COC was ever issued, file Form N-600.
- Confirm you have a copy of your COC.
- If lost, file Form N-565.
- If never issued, contact USCIS.
Automatic issuance during this period was inconsistent.
- No COC? File Form N-600.
- Lost COC? File Form N-565.
Not legally required—but strongly recommended. File Form N-565 so your COC matches your passport, Social Security record, and ID.
This is a state-level process that recognizes an international adoption in the U.S. A foreign birth certificate alone does not prove citizenship.
No. It is recommended before 18. After 18, availability depends on state law.
- 2” x 2” passport-style photo
- Foreign birth certificate
- U.S. citizen parent(s)’ birth certificate
- Proof of parent(s)’ U.S. citizenship
- Your U.S. passport
- Marriage certificate(s)
- Final adoption decree
- Proof of custody
- All legal name-change documents
No. This information is provided in good faith.
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