Name Change / Passport after Naturalization

[hmmxkrazee 1]

So my wife was recently naturalized under her current name. However we're in the process of changing her name with our state court since we didn't do it during the ceremony.

We were waiting for the name change to apply before going for the passport.

 

Since the Certificate of Naturalization is required when applying for the passport, does this mean we also have to get the name change reflected on that (via N-565)? I see there's a hefty $555 fee as well... Or can we still submit the original cert along with the name change documents as supporting evidence?

 

Wondering if the easier option is we just get her passport now with her current name and then request a new passport later with the new name so we don't have to deal with changing the Certificate of Naturalization (along with the fee).

Once we have her passport, I assume that becomes her main form of US citizenship evidence anyways rather than the certificate.

Option 1: Complete name change -> get new Certificate -> apply for passport

Option 2: Apply for passport -> Complete name change -> apply for new passport

[Mike E 11,739]

2 minutes ago, hmmxkrazee said:

does this mean we also have to get the name change reflected on that (via N-565)?

No.

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Moved from US Citizenship General Discussion to What to do now that you are a US citizen ***

 

22 minutes ago, hmmxkrazee said:

can we still submit the original cert along with the name change documents as supporting evidence?

 

Yes -- name change court order (dated after the accompanying original naturalization certificate listing previous name) will be enough.  No need for N-565.

 

[hmmxkrazee 1]

Awesome, appreciate the help.

[hmmxkrazee 1]

One additional question: for the passport application, it requires a "proof of us citizenship" and "proof of identity". 

Does the Certificate of Naturalization cover both (since it's listed in both) or do we have to use a separate document/ID for "proof of identity"?

If the latter, will the name change court order also cover using her current DL (with old name)?

[JCG1121 15]

@hmmxkrazee I am in the same situation and going to go thru the same process(es). Would you mind share the step-by-step process you finally do for your wife to change her name?

Thank you very much!