Independent form guide. BrieflyGo is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRS, USCIS, SSA, DOL, or any U.S. government agency. Official forms are sourced from public government websites.
Official form guide
Form N-426: Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form N-426 is a Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service, filed by current honorably serving members applying for naturalization under INA 328/329. Only a certifying official of pay grade O‑6 or higher (or GS‑15+) may sign.
Need help with Form N-426?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Need help? AI Editor guides you through every field of Form N-426.
Start filling →Form Overview
USCIS Form N-426 - Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form N-426 is a Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service, filed by current honorably serving members applying for naturalization under INA 328/329. Only a certifying official of pay grade O‑6 or higher (or GS‑15+) may sign.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Having an unauthorized recruiter certify the request will cause denial.
- 2Submitting Form N-426 after separating from service instead of using discharge documents.
- 3Having a recruiter or other unauthorized person certify the form.
- 4Leaving any required signature blank or using a typed name.
- 5Using ink colors other than black for entries.
Plain English
Form N-426 tells USCIS that you are serving honorably in the U.S. military and lets you claim special naturalization benefits. You fill out your personal info, a qualified officer signs to certify your service, and you send it with your N-400 application.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- Use this form when you are currently serving honorably in the U.S. armed forces and are applying for naturalization under INA section 328 or 329 with your Form N-400.
- Do not use it when you have separated from the armed forces; instead submit discharge documents with your Form N-400.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when you need to determine the filing fee for Form N-426.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Separated from military service
Official discharge document
✓ Verify discharge status before filing N-400
National Guard separation
Guard separation record
✓ Ensure the form is current and signed
Need to know filing fee for N-426
Fee schedule publication
✓ Confirm fee amount matches current schedule
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
A-Number if assigned · USCIS records or immigration documents
USCIS Online Account Number (OAN)
OAN if receipt number begins with IOE · Online USCIS account profile or Account Access Notice
Service Member's Certification and Signature
Handwritten signature · Service member's original signature on the form
Certifying Official's Signature
Handwritten signature of authorized official (pay grade O‑6+ or GS‑15+) · Certifying official's signature block
Date of Birth
DOB in mm/dd/yyyy format · Service member's personal records
Before you submit
- 1Confirm you are currently serving honorably in the U.S. armed forces.
- 2Verify you are applying for naturalization under INA section 328 or 329.
- 3Obtain a signature from a certifying official of pay grade O‑6 or higher (or GS‑15 or higher).
- 4Provide a handwritten signature in the Service Member's Certification section.
- 5Enter your USCIS Online Account Number only if you have a receipt number that begins with IOE.
- 6Complete all required fields in Parts 1 and 2, typing “N/A” where a question does not apply.
- 7Check that the form edition date reads 03/13/26.
- 8Determine the correct filing fee by consulting Form G-1055.
How to file this form
- 1Gather personal and service details and keep a checklist copy.
- 2Complete Parts 1‑2 in black ink, typing or printing legibly, and retain the filled form.
- 3Secure the authorized certifying official’s handwritten signature and keep a copy of the signed page.
- 4Attach any supporting documents such as OAN proof and include originals or certified copies.
- 5Add the filing fee as indicated on Form G-1055 and keep the fee receipt.
- 6Mail the package to the USCIS filing address listed on the website and retain the mailing receipt.
- 7File a complete copy of the submission in your personal records for future reference.
Known limitations
- 1The form cannot be used by service members who have separated from the armed forces.
- 2Recruiters are not authorized to certify the form.
- 3Only certifying officials of pay grade O‑6 or higher (or GS‑15 or higher) may sign.
- 4Do not send the completed form to the address listed under Authorities (5900 Capital Gateway Drive).
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Eligibility
1 items
Select: 5-year permanent resident, 3-year married to U.S. citizen, or military service.
Personal Info
3 items
Your name exactly as shown on your Green Card.
Found on your Green Card. Required.
MM/DD/YYYY from your Green Card.
Residence
2 items
All addresses for the past 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen).
Calculate days outside the U.S. in the past 5 years — must total less than 30 months.
Moral Character
1 items
Answer questions about criminal history, taxes, and immigration violations honestly.
Signatures
1 items
Certifies all answers are true under penalty of perjury.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The form is the edition dated 03/13/26, which is the current version per the source.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form edition reads 03/13/26 as shown on the top of the form.
- Fee — Not stated in the official source; refer to Form G-1055 for fee information.
- Mailing address — Do not mail the completed Form N-426 to 5900 Capital Gateway Drive; verify correct filing address on USCIS website.
- Signature — Must be original handwritten; a photocopy, fax, or scan of the original handwritten signature is acceptable.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep the signed Form N-426 and all supporting documents for at least five years.
- 2Monitor your USCIS online account or mail for a receipt notice confirming acceptance.
- 3If USCIS requests additional information, respond promptly with the requested originals or copies.
- 4Correct any errors by submitting a revised Form N-426 with a cover letter explaining changes.
- 5Retain copies of all correspondence and USCIS communications for your records.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form N-426 is to certify honorable service for naturalization exemptions.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — use this form when currently serving and applying under INA 328 or 329 with Form N-400.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — do not use this form if separated; submit DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or other discharge documents.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — only personnel with certifying authority (pay grade O‑6+ or GS‑15+) may certify.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — signatures must be handwritten; a photocopy, fax, or scan of the original handwritten signature is acceptable.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — filing fee information is found on Form G-1055.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — do not mail the completed Form N-426 to 5900 Capital Gateway Drive; verify correct filing address.
- SRCForm p.1 — edition date is 03/13/26 and expires 03/31/2029.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — OAN is only available if receipt number begins with IOE.
Common confusion points
Do I need to submit Form N-426 if I am no longer in the military?
Many think the form applies after separation, but the source says it is only for currently serving members.
→ Verify your service status; if separated, submit discharge documents with Form N-400 instead.
Can a recruiter sign Form N-426?
The source specifies recruiters cannot certify.
→ Check the certifying official’s rank; ensure they are O‑6+ or GS‑15+.
Should I include my OAN if I don’t have an IOE receipt?
OAN exists only with an IOE receipt; otherwise you do not have one.
→ Confirm your receipt number; omit OAN if it does not begin with IOE.
Is a typed signature acceptable on the form?
USCIS requires a handwritten signature; typed or stamped signatures are not accepted.
→ Provide a handwritten signature; a scanned copy of that signature is permissible.
Where do I mail the completed Form N-426?
The address under Authorities is not for filing; the source says do not mail there.
→ Check the USCIS website for the correct filing address before sending.
Do I need to attach discharge documents with Form N-426?
The form is for current service; discharge documents are required only when not using N-426.
→ If you are separated, do not use N-426; instead attach DD Form 214 or NGB Form 22 with Form N-400.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
Questions about USCIS Form N-426
What is USCIS Form N-426 used for?
Form N-426 tells USCIS that you are serving honorably in the U.S. military and lets you claim special naturalization benefits. You fill out your personal info, a qualified officer signs to certify your service, and you send it with your N-400 application.
Who must file USCIS Form N-426?
Current honorably serving members of the U.S. armed forces who are applying for military naturalization under INA section 328 or 329 must file this form.
What information does USCIS Form N-426 require?
The form gathers the service member’s data in Parts 1‑2 and the certifying official’s attestation in Parts 3‑4, and requires signatures from both parties.
How do I complete USCIS Form N-426?
The service member completes Parts 1‑2, typing or printing in black ink and signing where indicated. The certifying official then fills Parts 3‑4, attests to the service record, and signs. Both signatures must be handwritten; scanned, faxed, or photocopied copies are accepted. Include an OAN if you have one, otherwise leave that field blank.
What happens if USCIS Form N-426 is filed incorrectly?
If the form is not properly completed, USCIS may reject or deny the accompanying Form N‑400, jeopardizing the naturalization request.
Do I need to submit Form N-426 if I am no longer in the military?
Many think the form applies after separation, but the source says it is only for currently serving members. Verify your service status; if separated, submit discharge documents with Form N-400 instead.
Can a recruiter sign Form N-426?
The source specifies recruiters cannot certify. Check the certifying official’s rank; ensure they are O‑6+ or GS‑15+.
Should I include my OAN if I don’t have an IOE receipt?
OAN exists only with an IOE receipt; otherwise you do not have one. Confirm your receipt number; omit OAN if it does not begin with IOE.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.