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.