changing name of a minor after entering US IR2 category

[LadyJLeague 1]

my stepsons recently came to live with us here in New Jersey after nearly two years of waiting.  Their mom passed away after a tragic car accident.  my husband is a naturalized citizen and I am US born.  now that they are here I am curious to know the next steps in them obtaining citizenship.  I believe I only need to get their social security numbers and then later apply for a us passport is this correct?  I am also curious to know if there is an easy way to change their name legally without paying ridiculous fees.  We wish to drop the second last name for simplicity sake, things get so mixed up and complicated with two last names here in the states.  my husband did this with his n400 but the boys are taking different route to citizenship.  any recommendations appreciated!

[milimelo 4,479]

Name change through the local courthouse. May want to do that before getting their passports. 

[aaron2020 11,651]

The only way to legally change their names is through state court.  There will be court fees.  

If the kids are under 18, then they can apply for US passports as proof of their US citizenship.  The names in their passports will reflect their legal names.  You can not change their names by applying for passports.  

 

 

Edited January 20, 2021 by aaron2020

[Ontarkie 14,225]

~~moved to Moving Here and Your New Life, from Ir1/CR1 P&P~~