There are two ways to become a U.S. citizen, one is by birth and the other is by naturalization. The basic requirements for naturalization are that the applicant hold a legal status as a full-time permanent resident for a minimum period of time and that the applicant promise to obey and uphold the laws, to which an oath or pledge of allegiance is sometimes added. 
 
1. Qualifications
(1). At least 18 years old;
(2). Reside in the U.S. for a continuous period of five years after lawful admission to the U.S. as a permanent resident.
(3). Have been physically presented in the U.S. accumulatively for thirty months within five years
(4). Ability to read, write and speak English;
(5). Knowledge and understanding of the Fundamentals of U.S. History and Government;
(6). Good moral character;
(7). Comply with the Principles of the U.S. Constitution
 
2. Filing Material
Application Letter, application form N-400, copy of Green Card, two photos, recent income tax returns, driver's License, copy of a valid passport pages, copy of SSC, police and court criminal records, proof of support to spouse or children, evidence of marriage status, proof of beneficiary's five-year physical residence in US such as real property deed, mortgage statement, lease statement, utility bills, insurance receipt, employment experience records and so on. 

For more specific list of what you need to submit, please click the link of  document list on our website: http://www.immigrationexpress.com/fwzl_c.asp?fw_id=156 
 
3. Procedures 
(1). Prepare Naturalization Filing Materials
(2). File the N-400 packet with USCIS
(3). Receive I-797 Receipt Notice
(4). Receives Biometric Appointment Letter
(5). Get your fingerprint taken at the appointed ASC
(6). Additional evidence is requested and then filed
(7). Attend Naturalization Interview
(8). Application approved
(9). Receive N-445 Notice to Oath Ceremony
(10). Attend Oath Ceremony
(11). Receive Certificate of Naturalization
The time consumed from your filing to your receiving certificate of naturalization can take about 9 months to over a year.
 
4. Notices
(1). If you have changed your name, you must submit name change certificate or court judgment;
(2). For male applicants, Check that whether you have register with Selective Service before you turned 27-year old as a permanent resident;
(3). If the applicant can’t attend the oath ceremony, he or she should mail Form N-445, Notice to Oath Ceremony back to the USCIS with a written explanation;
(4). There are three kinds of people can exempt from the requirement of ability to read, write, and speak ordinary English:
A. Those who are physically unable to comply, because of a developmental disability (blindness, deafness or other illness) or mental impairments;
B. Those who are over 50 years old on the date of filing for naturalization and have lived in the US for a total of at least 20 years after a lawful admission to permanent residence
C. Those who are over 55 years of age and have been lawful permanent residents living in the US for a period totaling 15 years
 
These are the main information concerns about naturalization of five-year residence, if you have any problems or questions, please visit our website at: http://www.immigrationexpress.com/fwzl_c.asp?fw_id=156 or contact us at: http://www.immigrationexpress.com/wjb.asp