How do I get a passport if I lost my naturalization papers?

Question

I was born in another country and became a citzen in 1973 at age 9. I have no idea where my naturalization papers are and I have never had a passport or a need for one. I contacted te USCIS and they said a replacement could take up to a year to get and I have to travel out of the country this month. I have my birth certificate but that does not help since It's from a different country. I have a valid DL, Soc sec card, have worked in this country all of my life, pay taxes, and have never had a problem, but now I could lose my job if I am unable to travel and I do not resolve this issue.

Any ideas on how to get a passport and prove I am a citzen without having my naturalization papers?

Ps, it makes no sense anyway because the picture on the original certificate is of me at age 9; I'm 43 now! Go figure.

Answer 1

Sorry to say but because you are a naturalized citizen you have to have that record. They will not issue you a passport without a US birth certificate or naturalization papers.

All the information about people vouching for you is just for ID purposes with the agent. It doesn't count toward ID in issuing a passport. You need the papers or no deal.

Answer 2

He is right! only chance is to call them back and BEG if necessary..see if paying a fee wuld help. anyway, only wat to get a pssport in that amount of time is to use one of the private companies that can get one in one or two days. just do a web search and enter "passports, fast." There are several companies. if you apply in the normal way...thru the post office...even if you pay the expedited service fee..you habe no chance of getting a passport fast enough. Could your employer be of help? Maybe if they place a call for you to the USCIS it would help. And do they help employees get a passport? Do you have family members who may know what happened to your naturaliation papers? You probably already thought of these things, but Iam just rrying to think of everything possible to help you.