Need ‘certified true copy’ of my Naturalization Certificate. Help!

[sheppard1977]

I am Dutch and recently became an American citizen. The Netherlands allows me to keep my Dutch citizenship since I am married to a person who possesses the nationality I acquired. I now would like to apply for a Statement of Confirmation with the Dutch government. This process is described here:

http://www.netherlands-embassy.org/a...f=AR00001778EN

One of the things I need is a so-called ‘certified true copy’ of my Naturalization Certificate. Please refer to the “INSTRUCTIONS AUTHENTICATION OF NATURALIZATION CERTIFICATES” on the webpage above. The page directs me to the USCIS website where it tells me about making an appointment (InfoPass) with my local USCIS office (Anchorage, Alaska), which I did.

I just went there this morning with my original Naturalization Certificate and a copy, plus my ID and made sure I used the term ‘certified true copy’ (as the USCIS website tells me!) to tell them what I needed. The USCIS officer had no clue at all what I was talking about and I left the office stunned! I am now doing my homework to go back early next week and get this sorted out. Are some of these folks incompetent?
Any input? Same experiences? Do I do something wrong?

Thanks for your help.

[JoeF]

Are some of these folks incompetent?

Not just "some" :D

Of course, I also think that requiring such a copy is overkill. Other European countries don't require that to keep the old citizenship.
For example, Germany, after paying some money, just wants to get a copy, not even notarized, of the Naturalization Certificate.

[sheppard1977]

So I did not do anything wrong and should be able to get a ‘certified true copy’ at my local office? That makes me so mad, that some folks there not even have a clue what I am talking about. I'll go back next week and will be a bit more firm if they simply want to send me home.

[Ron Gotcher]

There is no such thing as a certified true copy of a US naturalization certificate. Indeed, it is illegal to make a copy for any purpose other than a personal record for yourself. Take your original to the Dutch consulate and ask them to verify the information and forward it.

[sheppard1977]

Ron,

Thanks for your help with this subject.

No such thing? But the USCIS website states how to get a 'certified true copy'? Search their website using this keyword and it will come up. They will then attach G-24 form (Certification of document), see example here:

http://www.fpdnj.org/PDF/forms/IV-28...orm%20G-24.pdf

It appears the Dutch consulate needs to see my Naturalization Certificate as well as a 'certified true copy' (probably for their records to keep). I am all confused now. Please advise.

Thank you

[JoeF]

There is no such thing as a certified true copy of a US naturalization certificate. Indeed, it is illegal to make a copy for any purpose other than a personal record for yourself.

However, for some applications, e.g for I-130s, CIS allows the use of a copy of the naturalization certificate to verify that the applicant is a US citizen, as the instructions for the I-130 show.
So, are they asking people to violate the law?

[Ron Gotcher]

I think that you are talking about an apostille, which is a government certification of a record. Naturalization certificates and green cards may not be copied (other than for personal records). An apostille, however, is a government certification of the record. It is not a copy, but rather an official acknowledgment of a record or event. This is a very long, time consuming endeavor.

[marco2009]

There is no such thing as a certified true copy of a US naturalization certificate. Indeed, it is illegal to make a copy for any purpose other than a personal record for yourself. Take your original to the Dutch consulate and ask them to verify the information and forward it.

I was suprised with your answer as it was incorect.

There is Certified True Copy of a Certificate of Naturalization.

And it is not illegal to make a photocopy of your naturalization certificate for your own purposes. It is ilegal for someone else to make such copy.

Here is quote from USCIS site:

"How Do I Obtain Certified True Copies of a Certificate of Naturalization?

When a naturalized US citizen needs to have a Certificate of Naturalization “authenticated” by the U.S. State Department for use by Foreign Governments/Embassies, USCIS can copy the document and certify it as a true copy. “Authentication” is a term used by the U.S. Department of State and other Governments to describe what USCIS refers to as Certified True Copies. When you require a Certificate of Naturalization to be authenticated, be sure to use the term "Certified True Copy."

If you have the original document to be certified, you must make an appointment with your local USCIS office by using the InfoPass Appointment Scheduler on our website. When you go to your appointment, be sure to bring your original naturalization certificate and a copy of it. Also bring another form of photo identification, such as a drivers license or passport. A USCIS officer will review the documents and may certify the copy, if the officer can confirm your identity and status as a naturalized citizen.

[Ron Gotcher]

I believe I wrote that "Naturalization certificates and green cards may not be copied (other than for personal records) in my earlier posting. The CIS will authenticate a record, verifying that someone has been naturalized, and I have seen this done. What I have never seen, however, is the authentication of a COPY of a naturalization certificate. If you obtain an authenticated COPY of your naturalization certificate, please let me know. This is opposed to an authenticated record.

[sheppard1977]

Please advise: I will go back to my local USCIS office next week. What do I ask for to satisfy the Dutch governments requirement as decribed here:

http://www.netherlands-embassy.org/a...f=AR00001778EN

Thanks!