need naturalization number?

[yachachiq12 43]

My USC naturalized spouse is filing an I-130 that asks for his certificate of naturalization number. When he filed for his first US passport, they never sent back the certificate of naturalization, or perhaps it was lost in the mail. The I-130 asks if he ever had a certificate (he did) and what the number is. We have no copy of the number, unfortunately. What should we do with regard to the I-130? File without the number? File for replacement certificate of naturalization and wait? It would be financially painful to spend the $555 to file the N-565. I'm grateful for any insight anyone can offer

[Mike E 11,722]

When he got his first passport, did he include a photocopy of the certificate and the original?
 

He didn’t make a copy of this document. My phone has my naturalization certificate, all my green cards, my last 3 passports, my wife’s last two passports, her green cards, our drivers licenses, etc.  
 

He should enter

 

”unknown: DoS did not return NC”

 

USCIS will figure it out. Does he know his alien number?

Is this I-130 for a consular or adjustment of status case? If the latter, sometimes at the interview, the USCIS officer demands to see the original naturalization certificate (the officer at my wife’s interview demanded my certificate).  So after filing I-130, your husband should file to replace his naturalization certificate. Then if he or the beneficiary gets an RFE for the certificate, then can reply with a copy of the N-565 receipt.  
 

He should also file an FOIA request with passport agency.  

Edited April 24, 2022 by Mike E