Printable checklist · Naturalization

Citizenship (N-400) document checklist

A printable list of the documents the official Form N-400 instructions ask for: what every applicant sends, what to add for the marriage or military path, arrests, taxes, support, Selective Service, trips abroad and disability exceptions, and what to bring to the interview.

Reviewed by Carlos Maury, former U.S. Immigration Judge. Last reviewed: October 6, 2026.

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This is a printable checklist. To print it, use your browser's Print command (Ctrl+P, or Command+P on a Mac). Tick each box as you gather the document. It lists what the official Form N-400 page and the Form N-400 instructions ask for; most applicants need only the first section plus the sections that match their own history.

Every applicant

A copy of your Permanent Resident Card (green card), both sides — the evidence checklist on the USCIS Form N-400 page.
The complete, signed Form N-400, with every page — Form N-400 instructions, "How To Complete Form N-400": include all pages, even blank ones; a stamped or typed name is not accepted as a signature.
Documents showing any legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order) — Form N-400 instructions, "Required Evidence - Name Change", if your name changed.
Your current marriage certificate and proof that every prior marriage ended (divorce decree, annulment decree or death certificate) — evidence checklist on the Form N-400 page, "Marital Status", if you are or were married.
Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative — only if a lawyer or accredited representative represents you; DHS requires the appearance form under 8 CFR 292.4(a).
Two identical color passport-style photos — only if you are applying from outside the United States (for example, as a service member, a military spouse, or the spouse of a U.S. citizen working abroad for a qualified employer); Form N-400 instructions, "Photograph Requirements for Applicants Residing Outside the United States". Lightly print your name and A-Number on the back in pencil or felt pen.

If you apply as the spouse of a U.S. citizen (the 3-year path)

From the Form N-400 instructions, "Required Evidence - Eligibility Based on Marriage to a U.S. Citizen". Send copies.

Proof your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years — one of: your spouse's U.S. birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Form FS-240 Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or the biographical page of your spouse's U.S. passport.
Your current marriage certificate and any divorce decree, annulment decree or death certificate ending your prior marriages and your spouse's.
Proof you have lived in marital union for at least 3 years — for example joint bank or credit card statements, leases or mortgages, birth certificates or adoption decrees of children born or adopted during the marriage, insurance policies, and IRS tax transcripts for you and your spouse for the past 3 years.
If your spouse works abroad for a qualified employer (INA 319(b)) — proof your spouse is a U.S. citizen, your marriage documents, and evidence of the qualified employment, its expected length of at least 1 year, any travel orders that include your name, and a statement of your intent to live in the United States when that employment ends; Form N-400 instructions, Part 5, Item 8.

If you became a permanent resident under VAWA as the abused spouse, former spouse or child of a U.S. citizen, the instructions say evidence of the spouse's citizenship, the marriage, divorce or separation, or marital union is not required.

If you apply through military service

From the Form N-400 instructions, "Required Evidence - Eligibility for Current and Former Members of the U.S. Armed Forces".

A completed Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (original or copy) — current members applying based on their service.
A photocopy of your official military orders — if you are on active duty, inside or outside the United States. Do not send an original DD Form 214.
Copies of your DD Form 214, NGB Form 22 or other official discharge document for every period of service — if you have separated from the armed forces.
Documents authorizing you to accompany your service member spouse under official orders, and documents of your spouse's military service — if you are the permanent-resident spouse of a service member living abroad with them; instructions, "Eligibility and Evidence for the Spouse of a Member of the U.S. Armed Forces".

If you were ever arrested, cited or charged

From the "Crimes and Offenses Evidence" table in the Form N-400 instructions. It covers incidents anywhere in the world, including expunged or sealed ones and offenses before age 18. You may send photocopies with the application, but you must bring originals or court-certified copies to your interview. If a record no longer exists, send an original or certified confirmation from the law enforcement agency or court that it is not available.

Arrested or detained, no charges filed: the arrest report and an official statement from the arresting agency or court confirming that no charges were filed.
Arrested or detained, charges filed: all arrest reports, charging documents, court dispositions, sentencing reports and other relevant documents, plus any evidence you want considered about the circumstances.
Convicted and sentenced (including suspended sentence, probation or parole): the sentencing record for each incident and evidence that you completed the sentence, such as probation or parole records.
Diversion, deferred adjudication or another alternative sentence or rehabilitative program: the sentencing record and evidence that you completed the program.
A vacated, set-aside, sealed or expunged record, or a pardon: the motion and court order removing it, the pardon petition and the decision granting it, or a statement from the court that no record exists.
Traffic incidents: documents only if the incident involved alcohol or drugs, led to an arrest, or seriously injured someone.
A fine, restitution or wage garnishment: the order and proof that you paid it or are paying it.

USCIS will not approve an application while you are on probation, on parole or under a suspended sentence, so the instructions ask for court evidence that it has ended.

Taxes, support, Selective Service and trips abroad

Overdue federal, state or local taxes: IRS tax transcripts for the past 5 years (3 on the marriage path), a signed agreement with the tax office showing you filed and arranged to pay, and a document showing the current status of the repayment plan — instructions, "Required Evidence - Taxes". Transcripts are not required in every case.
Child or spousal support: if you have children living apart from you or a support order, the court or government order and proof you complied, such as cancelled checks or money order receipts, a court or agency payment record, wage garnishment records, or a notarized letter from the parent or guardian who cares for your children — instructions, "Required Evidence - Child and Spousal Support".
Selective Service: if you were required to register and did not before age 26, a status information letter from the Selective Service and a statement of your reasons; the instructions' table explains which ages need it — "Required Evidence - Selective Service System".
A trip abroad of more than 6 months but less than 1 year: evidence that you kept your residence here, such as IRS tax transcripts, rent, mortgage or pay statements, bank or loan statements, car registration and insurance, or your passport with entry and exit stamps — instructions, "Required Evidence - Continuous Residence".
Your travel dates: Part 8 of the N-400 asks for your trips outside the United States; your passports help you list them accurately.

Disability exception and a guardian or representative

Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions — if you answer "Yes" to Part 2, Item 11 and ask for an exception to the English and civics tests; file it with the N-400 (instructions, "Required Evidence - Disability Exceptions").
A court order appointing a legal guardian or surrogate, or documents showing the family relationship and that the designated representative is your primary custodial caregiver — if someone completes the process for you; instructions, "Required Evidence - Legal Guardian, Surrogate, or Designated Representative".

Translations, copies and originals

A full English translation of every foreign-language document, with the translator's signed certification that it is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate, plus the translator's printed name, signature date and contact information — 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) and the N-400 instructions, "Translations".
Legible photocopies, not originals, unless the instructions ask for an original — instructions, "Copies". USCIS may ask for an original at any time (8 CFR 103.2(b)(5)), and originals sent when not asked for may be destroyed.

Naturalization is decided by USCIS, not by the immigration court. If you also have a case in immigration court, foreign-language documents filed there need an English translation and the translator's certification under 8 CFR 1003.33.

What to bring to the interview

Your interview appointment notice — USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization, and everything else that notice lists.
Originals or court-certified copies of every arrest and court record — instructions, "Crimes and Offenses Evidence".
Your IRS tax transcripts — the instructions say to bring them, especially if you traveled outside the United States for more than 6 months.
Any evidence you did not send with the application — USCIS asks for evidence at filing but may accept evidence at the interview (instructions, "Evidence").
An interpreter, only if you qualify for an exception to the English test — the interpreter completes an oath and gives a copy of a government-issued ID; USCIS Policy Manual, vol. 12, part B, ch. 3.

Before you file

Forms and instructions change. Before you file, open the Form N-400 page and check which edition USCIS accepts and what the current instructions ask for; all pages must come from the same edition. Have an attorney review the full packet first, especially if you have any arrest, citation or past immigration problem. Our citizenship lawyer page explains how we review an N-400.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to send photos with Form N-400?

Only if you are applying from outside the United States, for example as a member of the U.S. armed forces, a military spouse, or the spouse of a U.S. citizen working abroad for a qualified employer. The N-400 instructions then ask for two identical color passport-style photos. Other applicants are photographed at the biometrics appointment if USCIS schedules one.

Do I send originals or copies?

Copies. The N-400 instructions say to send legible photocopies unless the instructions ask for an original, and originals sent when not requested may be destroyed. For arrests and court cases you may send photocopies, but you must bring originals or court-certified copies to the interview.

Do I need court records for an arrest that was dismissed or expunged?

Yes. The N-400 asks about every arrest, citation and charge anywhere in the world, including expunged or sealed ones. The instructions ask for the records of the case and, for a removed record, the court order or a court statement that no record exists. If a record is unavailable, send certified confirmation from the agency or court.

What extra documents do I need for the 3-year marriage path?

Proof your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years, your current marriage certificate and proof that prior marriages ended, and evidence you have lived in marital union for at least 3 years, such as joint statements, leases or mortgages, children's birth certificates, insurance policies, and IRS tax transcripts for the past 3 years.

Do documents in Spanish need a translation?

Yes. Under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) and the N-400 instructions, every foreign-language document needs a full English translation with the translator's signed certification that it is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate.

What should I bring to the naturalization interview?

Your appointment notice and everything it lists, originals or court-certified copies of any arrest and court records, and your IRS tax transcripts, especially if you traveled abroad for more than 6 months. You may also bring evidence you did not send with the application.

Official sources

Related services: Citizenship lawyer

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