The full N-400 document list
Here is every item the checklist above can include, grouped by situation. Everyone needs the first group; add the groups that apply to you.
Everyone
Send with your application:
- A copy of your Permanent Resident Card (green card), front and back.
- The filing fee in the exact amount, unless you are requesting a reduced fee or a fee waiver. Check the current amount on uscis.gov/n-400.
Bring to your interview:
- Your interview appointment notice.
- Your original green card.
- A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or state ID card.
- All passports and travel documents, valid and expired, that you used since becoming a permanent resident.
- A copy of the Form N-400 you submitted, so you can review your answers.
If you're applying through marriage to a U.S. citizen (also see the next group)
Send:
- Proof your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years: their U.S. birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Form FS-240, or the biographical page of their U.S. passport.
- Proof you have lived in marital union for at least 3 years, such as joint bank or credit card statements, leases or mortgages, insurance policies, children's birth certificates, or IRS tax transcripts for you and your spouse for the past 3 years.
Bring:
- Originals of your marriage documents and your spouse's proof of citizenship.
If you're married now or were married before
Send:
- Your current marriage certificate.
- Divorce decrees, annulment decrees or death certificates showing that any earlier marriages (yours and your spouse's) ended.
If your legal name has changed
Send:
- The document that legally changed your name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.
If you took a trip abroad of more than 6 months (but less than 1 year)
Send:
- Evidence you kept your continuous residence during the trip: IRS tax transcripts, rent or mortgage and pay statements, bank or credit card statements, car registration and insurance, or other proof of your U.S. residence.
Bring:
- IRS tax transcripts for the last 5 years (3 years if applying through marriage). The instructions say to bring them, especially after a trip of more than 6 months.
If you've ever been arrested, cited, detained or charged
Send:
- If you were arrested or detained and no charges were filed: the arrest report and an official statement from the arresting agency or court confirming no charges were filed.
- If charges were filed: all arrest reports, charging documents, court dispositions and sentencing reports, plus any other evidence you want USCIS to consider.
- If you were convicted or placed in an alternative sentencing or rehabilitative program: the sentencing record for each incident and proof you completed it (including probation or parole).
Bring:
- Originals or court-certified copies of every court and arrest record. Include records even if they were sealed, expunged or cleared. If a record is unavailable, bring certified confirmation of that from the agency or court.
If you owe overdue taxes
Send:
- IRS tax transcripts for the past 5 years (3 years if applying through marriage).
- A signed agreement with the IRS or state or local tax office showing you filed and arranged to pay what you owe, and a document showing the current status of your repayment.
If you have children who live apart from you, or pay court-ordered support
Send:
- Any court or government order to pay child support or spousal support.
- Proof you support your children who live apart from you and follow any order: cancelled checks or money order receipts, a court or agency record of payments, wage garnishment records, or a notarized letter from the parent or guardian caring for your child.
If you were required to register with Selective Service and didn't
Send:
- A Status Information Letter from the Selective Service System (see sss.gov) and a statement explaining why you did not register.
If you're asking for a disability exception
Send:
- A completed Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, filed together with your N-400.
If you're asking for a reduced fee
Send:
- For a reduced fee: each household member's most recent federal tax return, or recent pay stubs, a W-2, Form SSA-1099 or employer statements if a return doesn't reflect current income. A reduced fee requires filing on paper.
If you're applying based on military service
Send:
- Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (if you are a current member applying based on military service).
- A copy of your official military orders if on active duty (not originals), or your DD Form 214, NGB Form 22 or other discharge document for all periods of service if separated.
If you qualify for an age-based English exception
Bring:
- Your own interpreter, if you qualify for an age-based English exception (50/20, 55/15 or 65/20). The interpreter must show government-issued ID.
How to use this checklist
Everyone sends a copy of their green card and the fee, and brings the same basic documents to the interview. The rest depends on your situation. For example, applying through marriage, a long trip abroad or a past arrest each add their own documents. This checklist follows the “Required Evidence” sections of the Form N-400 instructions and the USCIS checklist of required initial evidence.
A few tips:
- Start early. Court records, IRS tax transcripts and Selective Service letters can take weeks to get.
- Keep a full copy of everything you send, and bring it to your interview.
- Don't send originals unless USCIS asks. The instructions say USCIS may destroy originals it didn't request.
Related: how to fill out Form N-400, what to bring to your interview and when you can apply.
Sources: Form N-400 Instructions (edition 01/20/25), “Required Evidence” sections; USCIS: Form N-400, checklist of required initial evidence. This is general information, not legal advice. CitizenshipBound is not affiliated with USCIS.