Naturalization Records

What reproduction quality can I expect if I select CD/DVD or Electronic Transfer as my delivery method?

All NARA reproductions contain the best available images of the original archival documents. Due to age, physical deterioration and equipment available at the time the original documents were imaged, some images may not be up to today’s standards of clarity. NARA makes every effort to provide customers a clear and accurate duplicate of the original microfilm master.

How long will an Electronic Transfer be available?

Files will be available for 30 days from date of upload; downloads of the files should take place within that period. Files will be deleted after that point.

What is naturalization?

Naturalization is the process by which an alien becomes an American citizen. Naturalization records may provide a researcher with information such as a person’s birth date and location, occupation, immigration year, marital status and spouse information, witnesses’ names and addresses, and more.

What is included in a naturalization petition file (records)?

A naturalization petition file at a minimum consists of a petition for naturalization and may include other documents such as a declaration of intention. The information in records issued prior to September 27, 1906, varies widely and may contain no genealogical information at all.

What is a naturalization petition?

Naturalization petitions are documents by which persons who had declared their intention to become U.S. citizens and who met residency requirements made formal application for U.S. citizenship. Through September 26, 1906, information on the petitions was limited to names of the petitioner and sovereign to whom he is foreswearing allegiance, and occasionally the petitioner’s residence, occupation, date and country of birth, and port and date of arrival in this country. The amount of information usually given in these early petitions varies but is typically quite limited. Starting on September 27, 1906, information includes name, residence, occupation, date and place of birth, citizenship, and personal description of applicant; date of emigration; ports of embarkation and arrival; marital status; names, dates, places of birth, and residence of applicant’s spouse and children; date at which U.S. residence commenced; time of residence in state; name changes; and signature. Copies of declarations of intention and certificates of arrival are often interfiled with petitions. After 1930 declarations of intention may include the applicant’s photograph.

Why would I want my paper copies of naturalizations certified?

For the additional fee, certified copies are affixed with a formal NARA statement and embossed seal to declare that they are true copies of original documents in NARA’s legal custody. Certified copies may be used for legal purposes such as court submissions and Social Security applications.

Where can I find naturalization records before September 27, 1906?

Before September 27, 1906, any “court of record” (municipal, county, state, or federal) could grant U.S. citizenship. As a rule, the National Archives does not have naturalization records created in state or local courts. However, a few indexes and some records have been donated to the National Archives from county, state, and local courts and may be ordered as paper reproductions or National Archives microfilm publications.

For naturalization records before September 27, 1906 you can: - Use this online ordering system to place an order for a reproduction of a naturalization record in the National Archives’ holdings - See the list of county and state microfilm available. - Contact the State Archives for the state where the naturalization occurred to request a search of state, county, and local court records.

Where can I find federal naturalization records after September 26, 1906?

After September 26, 1906, the courts forwarded copies of naturalization petitions to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Naturalization petitions from federal courts are held in the NARA’s regional facilities for the federal courts for their area. The National Archives in Washington, D.C. holds naturalization records for federal courts in Washington, D.C. For naturalization records of non-federal courts contact the State Archives for the state where the naturalization occurred to request a search of state, county, and local court records.

What is a Declaration of Intention?

Declarations of intention are documents by which applicants for U.S. citizenship declared their intention to become U.S. citizens. Early declarations of intention usually show the following for each applicant: name, country of birth or allegiance, date of the application, and signature. Some show the date and port of arrival in the U.S. After September 26, 1906 a longer and more detailed form was used, including such information as the applicant’s name, age, occupation, and personal description; date and place of birth; citizenship; present address and last foreign address; vessel and port of embarkation for the U.S.; port and date of arrival in the U.S.; and date of application and signature. A declaration of intention normally preceded a petition to become a citizen by two or more years, but the declaration was sometimes not required, e.g. if the person had been honorably discharged from certain military service or had entered the country when a minor or was married to a citizen of the U.S.

Can NARA provide a statement confirming the absence of naturalization records for purposes such as dual citizenship applications?

NARA does not provide such statements as it is not possible for us to prove a negative, i.e. to assert beyond doubt that our voluminous holdings absolutely do not contain a particular type of documentation. Also, NARA does not issue letters of verification of naturalization/citizenship and does not contact individuals, government offices, or other organizations to discuss the status of one’s citizenship or the legal interpretation of naturalization documents in our custody. Only U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has the legal authority to verify U.S. citizenship of naturalized persons.

Where can I find additional information about naturalizations?

More information about naturalizations can be found on the Archives.gov website at https://www.archives.gov/research/genealogynaturalization