Finding Naturalization Records Created before 1906
Many Naturalization records prior to 27 September 1906 can be found on microfilm from the Family History Library. Try a search in the Family History Library Catalog for the place (the county, but sometimes the city or even the state) where your ancestors were living at the time they were naturalized. Then look for the topic called "Naturalization and citizenship." You may also see a topic called "Naturalization and citizenship - Indexes" -- you might check both topics. Microfilm rolls can usually be ordered from local Family History Centers. Also, the book listed below can be helpful for finding Naturalization records...
Book: Guide to Naturalization Records of the United States by Christina Schaefer
This book can help locate Naturalization records (especially those prior to Sept 1906). It contains a directory divided by State and then by County, showing the available records for each place, and where to find them. You can order the book from Amazon.com by clicking on the title. Or try your local library.
Also see...
The Online Indexes & Finding Aids Listed Below
Finding Naturalization Records Created after 1906 (September 27, 1906 and later)
Places to look for post-1906 records...
- The Family History Library (microfilmed records)... Try a search in the Family History Library Catalog for the place (county, or city if large) where your ancestors were living at the time they were naturalized. Then look under the "Naturalization & Citizenship" topic. Microfilm rolls can usually be ordered for viewing at local LDS Family History Centers (see link in the above section).
- The National Archives... See: Naturalization Records at the US National Archives
- Online Records: Footnote's Collection of Online Naturalization Records presently includes some online digitized naturalization records (indexed) for Maryland (1906-1930), Massachusetts (1906-1929), Pennsylvania (1795-1930), and Southern California (1887-1940); plus some indexes for New York City and State (searches are free; downloading copies of the documents requires payment)
- The Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS)
Please Note: the INS is now called the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services); for now this website will refer to it as the INS. The INS has copies of all Naturalization records from 27 September 1906 and later. You can use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain these records...
- You can download form G-639 for making FOIA requests here - the form includes instructions
- The specific record you are requesting from the INS is the person's "Naturalization Certificate File (C-File)"
- You should provide the INS with the following information about the person whose Naturalization record you are requesting...
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth (at least the Country)
- Residence (where the person was living when Naturalized -- city or county & state)
- If the person was born less than 100 years ago you must provide proof of death or, if the person is still living, you must provide notorized permission from the living person to obtain the records
- If the person was born more than 100 years ago you do not need to provide proof of death
- Please be aware that INS/USCIS requests for records can take several months to complete
- The Court Where the Naturalization Occurred (or an archive where the records may now be stored)... See some of the geographic links below
If your immigrant ancestor was in the military during WWI you might try:
Online Naturalization Indexes and Records
Online Naturalization Indexes, Records & Databases [on this website]
Passport Applications and Records
U.S. Passport Applications 1795-1925 - Online Collection at Ancestry (requires payment) digitized passport records from National Archives Microfilm Publications M1371, M1372, M1490 and M1834.
Passport Applications - Information a guide from the National Archives about these records
The Naturalization Process and Types of Records
Types of Naturalization Records Briefly describes the kinds of records created in the Naturalization process
Women and Naturalization a helpful article by INS historian Marian Smith
Finding Aids for Specific Locations
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