USCIS

Form N-426

Citizenship & Naturalization (N Series)

Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service

This form is used by an applicant for naturalization to request that the Department of Defense verify the applicant's military or naval service.

✦ Fill in AI Editor

Need help? AI Editor guides you through every field of Form N-426.

Start filling →

Plain English

This form is used in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Whether you're applying for naturalization, requesting a hearing after a denial, or obtaining a certificate of citizenship, this is your pathway to full U.S. citizenship with voting rights and a U.S. passport.

Quick Facts

Who: Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) seeking to become U.S. citizens through naturalization.
What: Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service — used in the naturalization process to apply for U.S. citizenship, request hearings, or obtain certificates of citizenship.
When: After meeting the continuous residence requirement (3 years if married to U.S. citizen, 5 years for others).
Where: Filed with USCIS by mail or online, followed by biometrics appointment and citizenship interview.
Why: Naturalization grants full U.S. citizenship rights including voting, a U.S. passport, and protection from deportation.
How: Complete extensive biographical information, document residence history, demonstrate good moral character, pass English and civics tests.

Common Risks & Mistakes

  • •Applying too early before meeting the continuous residence requirement
  • •Excessive travel outside the U.S. — absences over 6 months may break continuous residence
  • •Not disclosing all criminal history — USCIS reviews all arrests, even expunged records
  • •Failing the English or civics test — be prepared for the citizenship interview
  • •Lying or omitting information on the application — can lead to denial and deportation

AI Assistant

Get field-by-field guidance, auto-fill suggestions, and error detection.

Try it now →

Field-by-Field Guide

Eligibility
Eligibility CategoryREQUIREDselect

Select: 5-year permanent resident, 3-year married to U.S. citizen, or military service.

Personal Info
Current Legal NameREQUIREDtext

Your name exactly as shown on your Green Card.

A-NumberREQUIREDtext

Found on your Green Card. Required.

Date of BirthREQUIREDdate

MM/DD/YYYY from your Green Card.

Residence
Residence HistoryREQUIREDtext

All addresses for the past 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen).

Physical PresenceREQUIREDtext

Calculate days outside the U.S. in the past 5 years — must total less than 30 months.

Moral Character
Good Moral CharacterREQUIREDcheckbox

Answer questions about criminal history, taxes, and immigration violations honestly.

Signatures
SignatureREQUIREDsignature

Certifies all answers are true under penalty of perjury.

🔍 This guide shows typical fields for this form type. The AI Editor provides precise field-level guidance when you upload the actual PDF.

Almost done reviewing the fields?

✦ Open in AI Editor

Downloads

Blank Form N-426↗Instructions↗

Fill Form N-426

AI-powered guidance for every field

✦ Open AI Editor

Free to start · No account required

Ready to get started?

Upload the form or open it in the AI Editor for intelligent guidance

✦ Open in AI Editor with guided fill

Disclaimer: We do not provide legal advice. We translate legal language into plain English and help you prepare for a conversation with a lawyer.