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Form N-565 photo requirements

Form N-565 photo: size and rules

As of November 3, 2026, Form N-565 needs photos only if you live outside the U.S.: a pair of identical, recent 2 x 2 in color prints, head 1 to 1 3/8 in, white to off-white behind (per uscis.gov, checked on Nov 3, 2026).

On the USCIS checklist for a replacement naturalization or citizenship document, the photos appear only for people who live outside the United States.

Replacement-document applicants residing abroad enclose two identical color photos in passport style, recently taken.

Updated Rules checked against uscis.govHow we check

Measured drawing: Form N-565 photo2 in2 in1 3/8 in1 inchin1.2 in, our target
Form N-565 photo. Printed size 2 x 2 in. Head 1 to 1 3/8 in, measured from the chin to the top of the hair. The coral dot is where our tool places the top of the head (60% of the height).

Form N-565 photo at a glance

Printed size
2 x 2 inuscis.gov
Head height
1 to 1 3/8 inuscis.gov
Background
White to off-whiteuscis.gov
Prints needed
2 identical photosuscis.gov

Questions people ask

Who sends photos with Form N-565, and what size are they?

Only applicants who live outside the United States put photos in the package, and they send two identical, recent color prints. Applicants in the U.S. mail none, although USCIS can still schedule biometrics, which include a photograph.

Each print is 2 inches square with a frontal, full-face pose. The head, crown of the hair to chin, measures 1 to 1 3/8 inches, and the top of the eyes sits 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches up from the lower edge.

Sources: uscis.gov (pages 1, 2)

How should N-565 photos be printed and labeled?

On thin glossy paper against a white to off-white backdrop, with no mounting and no retouching. Your name, plus your A-Number if you have one, goes lightly on the reverse in pencil or felt pen.

The head stays uncovered unless your religious denomination requires headwear. The copy of your U.S. government-issued photo ID that the application also asks for is a different item and does not replace these prints.

Source: uscis.gov

Every rule, with its source

Size and head position

  • An N-565 photo measures 2 inches on each side and shows a frontal, full-face pose. uscis.gov
  • USCIS sets the head in an N-565 photo at 1 to 1 3/8 inches, counted from the crown of the hair to the base of the chin. uscis.gov
  • The top of the eyes in an N-565 photo lands 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches above the bottom edge. uscis.gov

Background

  • Behind the applicant, an N-565 photo is white to off-white. uscis.gov

Glasses, head coverings and clothing

  • For Form N-565 the head stays uncovered, unless the applicant’s religious denomination requires headwear. uscis.gov

Editing and filters

  • USCIS takes N-565 photos on thin glossy paper, left unmounted and free of retouching. uscis.gov

Printed photo

  • Replacement-document applicants residing abroad enclose two identical color photos in passport style, recently taken. uscis.gov
  • The reverse of every N-565 print carries the applicant’s name, and the A-Number if one exists, in light pencil or felt-pen strokes. uscis.gov

Where photos come from

  • On the USCIS checklist for a replacement naturalization or citizenship document, the photos appear only for people who live outside the United States. uscis.gov
  • Every N-565 filing, wherever the applicant lives, also includes a copy of a U.S. government-issued photo ID, which is a separate item from the passport-style prints. uscis.gov
  • Form N-565 is how USCIS replaces a Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, Declaration of Intention or Repatriation Certificate. uscis.gov

Who reviews the photo

  • Even without mailed photos, USCIS may ask an N-565 applicant to come in for an interview or for biometrics, a photograph among them, to confirm identity. uscis.gov

FAQ

Do I need photos to replace my naturalization certificate if I live in the U.S.?

No. The N-565 instructions limit the photo requirement to applicants who reside outside the United States. USCIS may still call you in for biometrics, which include a photograph. Source: official page "Instructions for Form N-565 (edition 02/27/25) › Initial Evidence › Photographs", checked on Nov 3, 2026.

Is the photo ID copy for Form N-565 the same as the passport-style photos?

No. Every applicant includes a copy of a U.S. government-issued photo identification; the two passport-style prints are added only by applicants living abroad. Source: official pages "Instructions for Form N-565 (edition 02/27/25) › Initial Evidence › Photographs" and "N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document | USCIS", checked on Nov 3, 2026.

Is SelfieToPassport U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services?

No. SelfieToPassport is not affiliated with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or any other government agency. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services publishes the photo rules for free at uscis.gov; this page links to each one.

Does SelfieToPassport replace the background of a Form N-565 photo?

For U.S. documents we crop and resize your original photo. We do not replace the background: the State Department lists photos with a background cut out by software as unacceptable.

Ready? Free preview with the measurements drawn on your photo; $6.95 for the digital file and both print sheets.

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Where this information comes from

Every rule on this page comes from a page published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, read on the date shown. We rewrite each rule in plain words and link to the page it came from. Each rule has a review deadline; one that passes it without a new check comes off the page.

Something here out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official page.