Obtain a Record of Naturalization

A record of each week’s naturalization ceremony is maintained by the Court. The weekly record consists of a calendar list of names, corresponding green card numbers, naturalization certificate numbers and name change petitions. Some records are maintained on-site while other records are archived off-site. Complete petitioners’ records are retained by the bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

September 6, 1996 to present

Currently, the court maintains the records of those naturalized as of September 6, 1996 to the present date. Anyone naturalized during this time and who needs to show citizenship status may request a letter of verification. Requests should be submitted to the Office of the Clerk located in Manhattan.

September 24, 1991 to September 6, 1996

If naturalization occurred during the time of September 24, 1991 to September 6, 1996, the record must be retrieved by filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request at 26 Federal Plaza. Next, the naturalized citizen must present the record to this Federal Court and then the Court will issue a verification letter.

Prior to September 24, 1991

If naturalization occurred prior to September 24, 1991, the record must be retrieved from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) located at 201 Varick Street, 12th Floor, New York City. The telephone number is (212) 401-1620. The naturalized citizen must request a certified copy of the retrieved record.

Once the naturalized citizen presents a certified copy of the record to this Federal Court, the Court will issue a verification letter.

Questions regarding the Naturalization Ceremony are to be directed to the Clerk’s Office/Naturalization (212) 805-0710.

Visit the bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to read the guide to naturalization, obtain the necessary forms and check the status of an application.