Naturalization and name change

**ssnatu** · 20th October 2007, 12:41 PM

I would like to change my first name. can this be done in N-400 application?

**eccevino** · 20th October 2007, 02:19 PM

Yes. I changed mine by removing one of my middle names.

**jjyct** · 20th October 2007, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by eccevino

Yes. I changed mine by removing one of my middle names.

May I know if you have your interview and oath done? If so, how long did it take between your inteview and oath? Thanks.

**ssnatu** · 21st October 2007, 02:45 PM

eccevino,

what happens ion this process? do you automatically get your oath at the court then? what else did you do? you waited till u get that and then change names with like driver license etc.?

thanks for sharing your experience

**ssnatu** · 22nd October 2007, 06:26 PM

any help?

**boatbod** · 23rd October 2007, 03:28 AM

Once you've taken your oath, you can use the new natz cert to change your name with other agencies.

**ssnatu** · 23rd October 2007, 04:31 PM

do they automatically send you to court to take oath in the case of name change?

**N400Atl** · 26th October 2007, 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by ssnatu

do they automatically send you to court to take oath in the case of name change?

Yes, name change is judicial oath in front of judge in the court. (the other oath is administrative oath given at many DOs, no judge present)

Be careful with name change during nat. In Atlanta DO, the wait for judicial oath is more than 8-9 months now. Administrative oaths can be taken same day. It might be quicker to get certificate and then apply for name change in local court. May cost a little but takes less time and little bit of money/time.

**brb2** · 26th October 2007, 07:28 AM

In some states such as Minnesota, all oath are required to be administered by a judge and oath ceremonies are typically held at court houses. In such states, there is no delay for oath of people who have requested name change.

**ssnatu** · 26th October 2007, 02:37 PM

thanks for all the replies.

how do you usually change name here in USA (after you become a citizen)? Is it easy to apply in court or there any how to sites?

**N400Atl** · 30th October 2007, 01:25 PM

This is how it works in Georgia. Could be slightly different in your state.

You need to go to your county court. They will have about 3-4 forms to fill. They are usually very simple forms, where you mention your current name, new name you want, , address, reason for name change etc. Then give those forms to court. The take fee (78$ in Atlanta) You have to pay for an ad in news paper for 4 weeks. In GA, when you file the case, they take extra $80 from you and send the ad themselves to correct paper. At the same time, clark will assign you to next judge.
After 4 weeks of ad is over, judge's office will schedule the hearing on your name change case. They usually try to club all name change cases together and may have only once a month or so (Depends on judge) On the day of hearing, you go there, go take the stand when your case is called. Judge will ask some questions (Why name change etc) and grant the name change by signing name change order. You can go to judge's clark and get more copies of that order.
Overall process can take 2-3 months (1 month for ad + some more weeks to get hearing scheduled) May be faster too for some judges and your timing of filing.

Hope that helps. If you have any specific questions, post them here