Naturalization Records FAQs

Portion of a Naturalization record from 1917. A-0008(28), page 123. Click on Image for full size.
What Naturalization records do the Westchester County Archives have?

For an overview of the Westchester County Archives’ holdings for Naturalization records, click here.

 

Does the Westchester County Archives hold Certificates of Naturalizations?

The Westchester County Archives does not hold Certificates of Naturalization. For assistance in locating a Certificate of Naturalization, see the National Archives’ website at https://www.archives.gov/research/immigration/naturalization/history-cert-of-naturalization and scroll down to “Researching Certificates of Naturalization.”

 

How do I order copies of Naturalization records?

The Westchester County Archives can provide “certified” copies of naturalization Petitions held in our collection. To order a certified copy of a naturalization Petition:

  1. Check the index to Naturalization records. Names are listed alphabetically. You can search by last name or first name.
  2. Fill and print out the “Individual Record Request” form.
  3. Include payment by check or money order for $15 payable to the Westchester County Archives for the copy.
  4. VERY IMPORTANT: Please provide a SECOND check or money order for $5 payable to the WESTCHESTER COUNTY CLERK (not to the Archives) for the certification fee.
  5. Mail the form and checks or money orders to the address on the order form.
  6. We will make a copy of the Petition and forward it to the County Clerk’s office with the second check/money order.
  7. You should receive the certified copy approximately two weeks after the Archives receives your request.

 If you do not see the Petition you need in our index:

  1. Fill and print out a “Custom Research Request” form.
  2. Include the following information in the Comments section (as much as you know): name of person in record, birth date, birth place, spouse’s name, children’s names, date of arrival in U.S., date of death.
  3. Include payment by check or money order for $25 payable to the Westchester County Archives for the copy.
  4. VERY IMPORTANT: Please provide a SECOND check or money order for $5 payable to the WESTCHESTER COUNTY CLERK (not to the Archives) for the certification fee.
  5. Mail the form and checks or money orders to the address on the order form.

If we find a record, we will make a copy and forward it to the County Clerk’s office with the second check/ money order. You should receive the certified copy approximately two weeks after the Archives receives your request. If we do not find a record, we will issue a Letter of No Record Found on our letterhead stationery. We will have the letter notarized, and then send it to the County Clerk’s office to be certified. You should receive the certified letter approximately two weeks after the Archives receives your request.

Please specify on the Custom Research Request form if you do not require a certified letter.

 

Where else can I search for Naturalization records?

Many individuals applied for citizenship in New York City, even though they were Westchester County residents. Not finding records in Westchester does not necessarily mean they did not apply for citizenship at all. Naturalization records for New York City are held at the Northeast Regional branch of the National Archives, (212) 401-1620 or 1-800-840-1752. 

For information on how to obtain an apostille, see here: https://dos.ny.gov/apostille-or-certificate-authentication

For more information about dual citizenship with Italy, see here: https://www.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/italiani-all-estero/cittadinanza/

If you have any questions, please contact us at .