Many immigrants use the naturalization process as an opportunity to legally change their name.
Whether you want to Americanize a difficult-to-pronounce name, take your spouse's surname, or correct a long-standing misspelling, the U.S. citizenship oath ceremony offers a unique, court-ordered name change without needing a separate state court petition.
This guide explains exactly how to request a name change on Form N-400 and what documents you need.
How Name Change Works During Naturalization
Unlike a standard court name change (which requires filing with your local county court, paying fees, and publishing a notice), the naturalization process includes an optional name change request.
- Legal effect: When a USCIS officer or federal judge approves your naturalization with a name change, that name becomes your new legal name nationwide.
- Automatic record update: USCIS notifies the Social Security Administration for you (no separate trip needed).
- Certificate shows new name: Your Naturalization Certificate will display your chosen name.
Important: You cannot request a name change after filing Form N-400 unless you amend the form before the interview.
Step 1: Indicate Name Change on Form N-400
On the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400), you will find Part 1 (Your Name).
Answer honestly:
- Question 2: 'Name exactly as it appears on your Green Card' (your current legal name).
- Question 3: 'Name you want us to use on your Certificate of Naturalization (if different from above)'. Write your desired new name here.
- Example: Current name 'Maria García López' – desired name 'Maria Garcia-Lopez' or 'Mary Garcia'.
Attach an additional sheet if you need to explain the reason (marriage, divorce, personal preference, religious conversion).
No separate form is needed.
Step 2: Required Documents to Submit
While no special supporting document is required just to request a name change on N-400, you should bring specific evidence to your naturalization interview:
- Your Green Card (shows current legal name).
- Marriage certificate (if taking spouse's surname).
- Divorce decree (if reverting to a former name).
- Court-ordered name change (if you previously changed your name through state court).
- Foreign passport (shows consistent identity).
Pro tip: Even though USCIS doesn't require a background check for the name alone, the officer must verify you aren't changing your name to commit fraud or evade debts.
Step 3: The Interview and Oath Ceremony
During your naturalization interview, the USCIS officer will review your name change request.
They will ask:
- Why do you want to change your name?
- Are you changing your name to avoid legal obligations (child support, criminal warrants)?
- Is this name change for a legitimate purpose?
If approved, your oath ceremony will be a judicial ceremony (with a federal judge) rather than an administrative one (with only USCIS).
The judge signs the court order for your name change. Not all USCIS field offices offer judicial ceremonies – if yours doesn't, they may require you to complete a separate state court name change after naturalization.
What If You Decide to Change Your Name After Naturalization?
If you already received your Naturalization Certificate and want a new name, you cannot use USCIS.
You must:
- File a name change petition with your local county or state court (fees: $150–$500).
- Publish notice in a newspaper (in some states).
- Attend a court hearing.
- Then file Form N-565 with USCIS ($555) to get a new certificate reflecting the court-ordered name.
In summary, requesting a name change during naturalization is free, efficient, and legally binding.
Just remember to write your desired name clearly on Form N-400 and bring supporting documents to the interview.