Name Change Required Documentations

[nightowl00 0]

Hi. I am a San Francisco N400 filer. Upon reading some forum posts, I realized that San Francisco only does administrative ceremonies and therefore those who desire to change their names must file through court beforehand. I wanted to confirm a few things before I go ahead and start my name change process:

 

1. My estimated case completion time is in November 2018. I wanted to confirm if it would create any problems if I change my name right now as I am probably still under the background check process (?). I am not planning to change my identifications such as driver license, SSN card under my new name until I receive the citizenship, just to prevent any hassles. Would this be OK? Can it cause any delays in my interview time by doing this? I still hope my case can be completed in or before November 2018.
2. What kind of identifications do you need when you go to the court and file the name change application? My 2-year conditional green has expired and I did not get a I-551 stamp because I do not plan on traveling abroad until I receive my citizenship. Should I get a I-551 stamp before I go to court and file? 
3. I've searched everywhere and I could not locate a payment method for filing the name change application. Would credit card suffice?

 

Thank you all so much for reading this post. Look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Edited April 9, 2018 by nightowl00

[nightowl00 0]

Just to bump up the question... Highly appreciated for responses!