Form N-648 Disability Exception for the Citizenship Test: Edit Online Free & Download PDF
Disability Exception for the Citizenship Test: Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
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Form N-648 in short
Form N-648 is a medical certification that asks USCIS to excuse a naturalization applicant from the English and civics tests. A licensed medical professional completes it to explain how a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment prevents the applicant from learning or showing that knowledge. The applicant signs an attestation and release.
| Issued by | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
|---|---|
| Current version | Edition 09/25/24 (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | A naturalization applicant who cannot meet the English and civics requirements because of a disability, even with accommodations. Only a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist licensed in the United States may certify it. |
| Who receives it | USCIS, as part of the naturalization case. |
| Where to send it | Submit it with Form N-400 or separately later. For online N-400 filings it may be uploaded as additional evidence. |
| Deadline | USCIS may not consider a Form N-648 completed more than 180 days before the N-400 is submitted. |
| Fee | $0 (Form G-1055 Fee Schedule, edition 10/16/26, checked 2026-10-25). USCIS notes the medical professional may charge for the exam and paperwork. |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF · Official instructions |
How to fill out Form N-648, line by line
| Part 1 | Applicant information The naturalization applicant's name, A-Number, and identifying details. |
| Part 2 | Certifying medical professional The professional's name, license type (MD, DO, or clinical psychologist), license number, licensing state, practice type, contact details, and whether an interpreter was used. |
| Part 3, Item 1 | Diagnosis and how it prevents learning The clinical diagnosis and medical code for each condition, and a plain-language explanation of how each one stops the applicant from learning English or civics. |
| Part 3, Item 2 | Diagnostic methods The clinical or laboratory methods used to diagnose each condition. |
| Part 4 | Ability to understand the Oath of Allegiance Whether the applicant can understand the oath. An oath waiver requires a legal guardian, surrogate, or designated representative. |
| Part 5 | Interpreter Completed if an interpreter was used during the medical exam. |
| Part 6 | Applicant's attestation and release The applicant, or a legal guardian, surrogate, or designated representative, reads and signs it. |
| Part 7 | Medical professional's certification The medical professional certifies they examined the applicant and signs. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a medical professional who is not a licensed MD, DO, or clinical psychologist in the United States.
- Describing the diagnosis without explaining how it prevents learning English or civics. USCIS will ask for a new form.
- Using abbreviations or medical terms a non-medical reader cannot follow.
- Leaving questions blank. USCIS will not accept an incomplete N-648.
- Submitting a form completed more than 180 days before the N-400 was filed.
- Filing N-648 when accommodations such as extra time or a sign language interpreter would be enough.
- Relying on illiteracy or advanced age alone. USCIS says these are not valid reasons.
Questions about Form N-648
Who can sign Form N-648?
A medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist licensed to practice in the United States.
Is there a fee?
No USCIS fee. The medical professional may charge for the exam and form.
Can the exam be done by telehealth?
USCIS may accept it if state law permits and the exam is a real-time interaction with a licensed professional.
Does N-648 also excuse the oath?
No. The oath waiver is separate. Part 4 records whether the applicant can understand the oath.
When should I submit it?
With your N-400 or later. It should be completed no more than 180 days before the N-400 is submitted.
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Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.