Name change after naturalization

[FilAmRouge 15]

My spouse completed the naturalization process in late 2017. She subsequently has changed her name. As I understand it, she can file a form to have her naturalization certificate updated to her new name, for around $500. My question is, is she required to change her name on her naturalization certificate? It is a lot of money and if it's not required, we may just keep a copy of her name change court order with her naturalization paperwork. 

[Alabamak1 688]

20 minutes ago, FilAmRouge said:

My spouse completed the naturalization process in late 2017. She subsequently has changed her name. As I understand it, she can file a form to have her naturalization certificate updated to her new name, for around $500. My question is, is she required to change her name on her naturalization certificate? It is a lot of money and if it's not required, we may just keep a copy of her name change court order with her naturalization paperwork. 

Would have been U$D 0 if they had done it on her naturalization. The certificate is no good now, since she changed her name. Naturalization certificate is the only thing that proofs you are a USC. Given the current state of things, it's best to update and pay for a new certificate IMO

Edited July 2, 2018 by Alabamak1

[little immigrant 801]

I don't agree with getting a new certificate. You have the name change court order. With that and the naturalization certificate your wife gets a US passport and/or passport card with her new name. Which is also proof of citizenship. As you said just keep the documents together and you'll be fine. You'll only need the naturalization certificate once and that's when you get your passport. 

 

Congratulations on your wife's naturalization. 

Edited July 2, 2018 by little immigrant

[anniesdream 5]

1 hour ago, little immigrant said:

I don't agree with getting a new certificate. You have the name change court order. With that and the naturalization certificate your wife gets a US passport and/or passport card with her new name. Which is also proof of citizenship. As you said just keep the documents together and you'll be fine. You'll only need the naturalization certificate once and that's when you get your passport. 

 

Congratulations on your wife's naturalization. 

Agree. But there are other scenarios where you may need your naturalization certificate other than applying for passport, such as when you are applying for green card for a family member or when you are applying for a gun license as some states require it. So it's a personal decision whether to replace it or not.

 

Good luck!

 

Edited July 2, 2018 by anniesdream

[FilAmRouge 15]

Thanks. I wasn't sure if there was a law that required we update the certificate.

We  were going to change the name during the naturalization process, but after our interview, after months of waiting, we made an infopass appointment to see what was taking so long. They told us since there was a name change, they were sending our file to our local courts in Baton Rouge instead of the courts in New Orleans, which was our field office. They said the local courts only do naturalization ceremonies twice a year, so could be a 6 month wait. We did not have the time for that, so they allowed us to naturalize without the name change. 

[VanDerFran 10]

As far I as know, her US passport is a more powerful prof off citizenship, I would apply for a new passport, and passport card, l it ease to carry on the wallet, and keep the court name change and certificate on a safe.