N-565 for both lost nat cert and name change

[truebirdie]

Hi everyone, I'm in a sort of peculiar position. Several years ago I successfully applied for US citizenship. I have a valid passport and updated social security records, etc. Now I am applying for a legal name change, which should be approved in a couple of months. When I went to look for my certificate of naturalization, however, I could not find it. Since I will have a new name soon, I want to wait until the name change is approved to send in my N-565 for a new certificate of naturalization. That way, I can get a certificate with my new name - killing two birds with one stone, if you will.

Unfortunately, the instructions for N-565 say (Step 2) "If you are applying for a new document because your name has been changed, you must submit the original USCIS document and a copy of the ... court order showing the name change." Of course, I only have a color copy of the certificate of naturalization. Is it OK anyway to file the N-565? The form seems to suggest that multiple reasons for requesting a replacement may be selected (Step 2 part 1 says "check one" but part 2 doesn't), but I also want to err on the side of caution to avoid wasting my money in case my application is rejected for not following the instructions. If my request seems unlikely to be granted, what is my best course of action?

Thanks much!

 

[Jackolantern]

If they cash the check they're not going to dismiss the application just because you made a wrong choice on the first page. If they have a problem with what you chose, they'll send an RFE and then you'll have the opportunity to follow up.

Like you noticed, part 2.2 doesn't restrict you to one option. So pick both the name change and lost/stolen options, send a copy of the certificate, and deal with the RFE if it happens.

Meanwhile as you wait for the name change to go through the court system, keep searching for the certificate and you might find it.