This checklist provides general information only. The documents required depend on your answers and circumstances. MimiDocu is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
How to use this checklist
Your document list depends on your situation
There is no single list that fits every applicant. USCIS asks for evidence that matches your answers — your filing pathway, your travel history, your marriages, and any tax or court issues. Use the sections below as a starting point, and gather only what applies to you.
Documents and information commonly needed
Most applicants start by gathering the basics that confirm identity and permanent-resident status.
- A copy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card (green card)
- Your A‑Number, exactly as printed on your green card
- Government-issued photo identification, such as a state ID or driver’s license
- Your Social Security number, if you have one
- Current and prior home addresses for the required period
- Employment, school, or unemployment history for the required period
Marriage-based 3-year applicants
If you are filing based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, USCIS normally looks for proof of the marriage and of your spouse’s citizenship.
- Your marriage certificate
- Proof of your spouse’s U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or U.S. passport
- Documents ending any earlier marriage for you or your spouse, such as divorce decrees, annulments, or death certificates
- Records showing you have lived together, such as a joint lease, joint accounts, or joint tax returns
Travel and residence history
Trips outside the United States and where you have lived affect continuous residence and physical presence.
- Passports and travel documents covering the required period, including expired ones
- Dates of every trip outside the United States and the countries visited
- Records that help confirm dates, such as boarding passes, entry stamps, or travel itineraries
- Documents about any trip of 6 months or more, if you had one
Name changes
Bring records if the name on your documents does not match the name you use today.
- Your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change
- Any document that explains a difference in spelling between your records
Taxes, child support, or Selective Service when applicable
These only apply to some applicants. Bring them if the situation matches your circumstances.
- Federal tax returns or IRS tax transcripts for the required period
- A written payment agreement and payment records, if you owe federal, state, or local taxes
- Proof of child-support payments, if you are required to pay support
- Selective Service registration information, if you were required to register
Arrests, citations, or court records when applicable
If you have any police or court contact, USCIS normally asks for the official records, even if the case was dismissed.
- Arrest records or police reports for each incident
- Court dispositions showing the final outcome of each case
- Proof that you completed any sentence, probation, fine, or program
- Records of any immigration proceedings, if you had any
Documents to bring to the naturalization interview
USCIS will tell you what to bring in your appointment notice. Applicants commonly bring the following.
- Your interview appointment notice
- Your Permanent Resident Card
- Your state ID or driver’s license and all passports and travel documents
- Originals of any document you submitted as a copy
- Updated information about anything that has changed since you filed
Next step
Not sure which documents apply to you?
Use our free eligibility check to see whether your situation appears ready for the N‑400 questionnaire.
Questions about filling out Form N-400
Which trips do I list in the time outside the United States section?
If you file under the general provision, list every trip outside the United States in the last 5 years, starting with the most recent. Do not list trips completed within 24 hours.
Applicants filing under a different eligibility option use the period stated for that option in the Form N-400 instructions.
For any trip that lasted more than 6 months, the form points you to the Continuous Residence evidence section of the instructions. Whether a trip affects eligibility depends on the facts and is not something this guide can decide.
Form section: Part 8. Time Outside the United States · Edition 01/20/25
How far back do my address and employment history need to go?
Under the general provision, list where you lived and where you worked or attended school during the last 5 years.
If you file based on another eligibility option, the instructions give the time period that applies to it.
Start with the most recent entry and keep the dates continuous where you can, so the history is easy to follow.
Form section: Part 4. Information About Your Residence and Part 7. Information About Your Employment and Schools You Attended · Edition 01/20/25
What do I do if there is not enough space for an answer?
Use Part 14. Additional Information and identify the page, part and item number each answer belongs to.
The form directs extra trips and other overflow answers to Part 14. The instructions explain what identifying information to add on each additional sheet.
Form section: Part 14. Additional Information · Edition 01/20/25
Official N‑400 form and instructions
For the latest official version of Form N‑400 and filing instructions, visit the USCIS website.
https://www.uscis.gov/n-400