Can I Change My Name During Naturalization?

Yes, you can legally change your name during the naturalization process. According to USCIS Form N-400 instructions, you can request a name change as part of your application, and USCIS will file a petition with a court on your behalf. This requires a judicial oath ceremony rather than an administrative one, since only a court can authorize a legal name change.

Two Ways to Change Your Name

According to USCIS, there are two scenarios for name changes during the citizenship process:

1. Name Changed While N-400 is Pending

If your name has changed after you filed Form N-400 (for example, due to marriage or divorce), you must promptly provide USCIS with the documents that legally changed your name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Make sure to mention your name change and bring the documents to your interview.

2. Request a Name Change at Naturalization

You can also request to legally change your name as part of the naturalization process itself. The Form N-400 instructions include information on what is required when you wish to change your name at the time of naturalization.

For related interview and ceremony preparation, read about correcting your N-400 at the interview and what to expect at the oath ceremony.

How the Name Change Process Works

If you request a name change during naturalization, the process works like this:

• At your interview, the USCIS officer will record your name change request
• You will sign a name change petition
• USCIS files this petition with a court before your oath ceremony
• The court signs and seals the petition
• You receive the petition as evidence of your name change at the naturalization ceremony

Judicial vs. Administrative Oath Ceremonies

There's an important distinction to understand: if you request a name change through USCIS, you will be required to take the Oath of Allegiance at a judicial ceremony rather than an administrative one. This is because USCIS is not authorized to make name changes—only a court can do that.

Possible Delays

Requesting a name change may add time because the court schedules your judicial ceremony. Court availability affects the date.

Prepare for Your Interview

Review your N-400 answers and study for the civics and English tests. Citizenry offers unlimited mock interviews for practice.

Official Sources

Sources last checked October 17, 2026.

• USCIS: N-400, Application for Naturalization
• USCIS: Instructions for Form N-400 (edition 01/20/25, PDF)