Legal Name change through divorce - What changes are needed?

[glowie85 11]

Hello everyone!

I became a US citizen last year. 

Sadly, my marriage is falling apart and we are filing for divorce. 

Obviously, all my documents are in my married name, but I like to use my maiden name again after the divorce is finalized. 

 

Is it a requirement to change the naturalization certificate? Or can I use the certificate with the married name and the divorce decree as proof of citizenship whenever necessary?

Also, I have upcoming international travel (if that happens with the current situation... who knows), if the divorce is final bevor and I change my name (on SSN, driver's license, etc), can I still use my passport in my married name? Tickets are booked on the married name. 

 

Thanks a lot in advance! (Also, please move to somewhere more fitting if this is the wrong section.)

[igoyougoduke 1,656]

once you have a passport, you can apply for name change based on divorce. you dont need anything else to travel

 

always make sure your passport and ticket name matches or else airlines can cause trouble

 

you can apply for a new naturalization certificate based on the below info. it might take a while https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-k-chapter-4

 

you dont have to change your name on naturalization as the divorce will satisfy the bridge. It more like what documents are practical to change names 

Edited July 8, 2020 by James120383

[glowie85 11]

3 minutes ago, James120383 said:

once you have a passport, you can apply for name change based on divorce. you dont need anything else to travel

 

always make sure your passport and ticket name matches or else airlines can cause trouble

 

you can apply for a new naturalization certificate based on the below info. it might take a while https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-k-chapter-4

 

you dont have to change your name on naturalization as the divorce will satisfy the bridge. It more like what documents are practical to change names 

Thank you!
I do already have a passport, but it is in my married name. My question is, after I changed my name in driver's license, etc. can I still travel with my married name passport? 

 

Okay, that is good to know, thanks for the info! I will update the naturalization cert in time, but wanted to know if it was okay to put it off for a bit and use it together with the divorce decree. 

[igoyougoduke 1,656]

1 minute ago, glowie85 said:

Thank you!
I do already have a passport, but it is in my married name. My question is, after I changed my name in driver's license, etc. can I still travel with my married name passport? 

 

Okay, that is good to know, thanks for the info! I will update the naturalization cert in time, but wanted to know if it was okay to put it off for a bit and use it together with the divorce decree. 

yes as always carry a copy of your divorce to explain if you are questioned. changing name is a personal issue. some people keep their last names while some change.  the only thing airlines will question is when your ticket is booked in your birth last name while your passport has married name. 

 

As long as they are in sync, it shouldnt be an issue.