Documents to Bring to Your Citizenship Interview - Checklist

Updated: October 30, 2026

Every applicant should bring four things to the naturalization interview: the interview appointment notice, the green card, a state-issued photo ID, and all passports and travel documents (valid and expired) used since becoming a permanent resident. Depending on your case, you may also need marriage, tax, travel, or court records. Bring originals or certified copies, plus a set of photocopies.

The core items - everyone

According to USCIS guidance on what to expect at the interview, bring:

Your interview appointment notice (Form I-797C)
Your Permanent Resident Card (green card, Form I-551)
A state-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or state ID card
All passports and travel documents, valid and expired, issued to you since you became a permanent resident, documenting your trips outside the United States

Also helpful:

A copy of your N-400 as filed, so you can review your answers
Your N-400 receipt notice, especially if your green card has expired (for N-400s filed on or after December 12, 2022, the receipt notice extends the card's validity by 24 months)
A list of changes since filing: new address, job, trips, marriage, children, any citations

Original vs. copy - the rule

The N-400 instructions say you must bring originals or court-certified copies of documents to your interview. Uncertified photocopies are not acceptable for things like court records. A good habit: bring the original and a photocopy of each document, so you can give the officer a copy if asked and keep your original.

Any document in a foreign language must come with a full English translation, certified by a translator who states they are competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.

If you are married or were married before

Current marriage certificate
Divorce decrees, annulment records, or death certificates for any prior marriages, for both you and your spouse
If you applied under the 3-year rule as the spouse of a U.S. citizen: proof your spouse has been a citizen for the required time (for example, a U.S. birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, or U.S. passport), and evidence that you have been living in marital union, such as joint tax returns, a joint lease or mortgage, joint bank statements, and birth certificates of children you have together. See the three-year rule.

Taxes

IRS tax return transcripts for the last 5 years (3 years if you applied based on marriage to a U.S. citizen). Transcripts can be requested free from the IRS.
If you owe taxes: a signed payment agreement with the IRS or state tax office and proof you are making payments.
If you did not file a return in any year because you were not required to: be ready to explain why.

The N-400 instructions recommend bringing tax transcripts especially if you have traveled outside the United States. Unpaid taxes and unfiled returns can affect good moral character.

Travel and residence

All passports (already on the core list) so the officer can match stamps to your trip list
For any trip of more than 6 months: evidence you kept ties to the U.S., such as pay stubs or a letter from your employer, lease or mortgage records, utility bills, and tax returns as a resident
If you have an approved Form N-470: the approval notice

Why this matters is explained in continuous residence and physical presence.

Arrests, citations, and court cases

If you were ever arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement officer, anywhere in the world, even if no charges were filed:

Certified court dispositions for each incident, or an official statement that no charges were filed
Proof you completed any sentence, probation, community service, or fines
Records of any expungement or sealing (you still must disclose the incident)

According to the current N-400 instructions, you only need documentation of a traffic incident if it involved alcohol or drugs, led to an arrest, or seriously injured another person. If you have any criminal history, consult an immigration attorney before the interview.

Children and family support

If you have children who do not live with you: court or agency records of child support and proof of payment
If you were ordered to pay support and fell behind: records of the order and of payments or a payment plan

Military service and Selective Service

If you served in the U.S. military: discharge documents
If you are a man who lived in the U.S. between ages 18 and 26: proof of Selective Service registration (registration number or acknowledgment letter). If you did not register, bring a status information letter from the Selective Service System and be ready to explain.

Name changes

Documents that legally changed your name, such as a marriage certificate or court order
If you want to change your name at naturalization, tell the officer at the start. See name change during naturalization.

Disability or medical exception

If you filed Form N-648, any updated medical records. If you did not file one but need an accommodation, follow the instructions on your appointment notice. See the N-648 disability exception.

How to organize your folder

Put the core items in the front.
Group the rest by topic using tabs: marriage, taxes, travel, court, other.
Put the original and a copy of each document together in the same sleeve.
Add your list of changes and a copy of your N-400 at the back.

A well-organized folder makes the interview faster and shows the officer you take the process seriously. Then use the last few days to review your civics answers, for example with a 20-question Exam Mode session in Civio, and read what to expect at the citizenship interview.

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-have documents for the citizenship interview?

Your interview notice, your green card, a state-issued photo ID, and all valid and expired passports and travel documents showing your trips since you became a permanent resident.

Do I need original documents?

Yes. Bring originals or court-certified copies. Uncertified photocopies of documents like court records are not accepted. It is a good idea to also bring photocopies.

My green card expired. Can I still go to the interview?

Bring your expired card together with your N-400 receipt notice. For N-400s filed on or after December 12, 2022, the receipt notice extends the card's validity by 24 months from the expiration date.

Do I need my tax returns?

USCIS recommends bringing IRS tax transcripts for the last 5 years, or 3 years if you applied as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.

What if I forget a document?

The officer may give you a request for evidence with a deadline, which can delay your decision. Use a checklist the night before and bring more rather than less.

Prepare for the civics test with Civio: every official question from the 2025 USCIS civics test, Exam Mode with your state's questions, and spaced repetition.

Informational article, not legal advice. Civio is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; always check current requirements at uscis.gov.