Name Change and Immigration in Los Angeles: Legal Name Updates for Immigrants
Navigate name changes during naturalization, green card, and other immigration processes
Quick Answer
Many immigrants in Los Angeles wish to change their names - whether to adopt an Americanized version, correct spelling errors, or for personal reasons. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arab families navigate name changes during the immigration process and update all necessary documents.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Many immigrants in Los Angeles wish to change their names - whether to adopt an Americanized version, correct spelling errors, or for personal reasons. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arab families navigate name changes during the immigration process and update all necessary documents.
When Immigrants Commonly Change Names
- •During naturalization (citizenship ceremony)
- •After marriage or divorce
- •To correct misspellings on immigration documents
- •To adopt a preferred English name
- •To match name across all documents
- •Cultural or religious reasons
- •To use a name you've been known by
Name Change During Naturalization
• Request name change on Form N-400
• No separate court petition required
• Judge will grant name change at oath ceremony
• New name appears on Certificate of Naturalization
• One of the easiest ways for immigrants to change names
This is the most convenient option if you're eligible for citizenship and want to change your name.
How to Request Name Change with N-400
- 1Complete N-400 Part 1
Answer 'Yes' to question about legally changing your name
- 2Provide Your New Name
Write the exact name you want on your naturalization certificate
- 3Attend Interview
Confirm your name change request with the USCIS officer
- 4Oath Ceremony
Federal judge officially grants name change during ceremony
- 5Receive Certificate
Certificate of Naturalization shows your new legal name
Name Change Outside of Naturalization
- •File petition in Los Angeles County Superior Court
- •Complete required forms (NC-100, NC-110)
- •Pay filing fee (approximately $435-$500)
- •Publish notice in local newspaper (if required)
- •Attend court hearing
- •Receive court order granting name change
- •Use court order to update all documents
Updating Immigration Documents After Name Change
| Document | Form to File | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green Card | I-90 | File within 30 days of name change |
| Employment Authorization (EAD) | I-765 | Request new card with corrected name |
| Travel Document | I-131 | Apply for new document with new name |
| Social Security Card | SS-5 | Free to update at SSA office |
| State ID/Driver's License | DMV forms | Bring court order or naturalization certificate |
Correcting Name Errors on Immigration Documents
• File Form I-90 for green card corrections
• Include evidence of correct spelling (passport, birth certificate)
• USCIS error corrections are typically free
• Your error corrections may require fee
The process depends on whether the error was made by USCIS or by you.
Special Considerations for Arabic Names
- •Transliteration variations (Mohamed, Mohammed, Muhammad)
- •Missing family name or surname conventions
- •Father's name vs. family name confusion
- •Hyphenation and spacing issues
- •Religious names and honorifics
- •Matching names across countries' documents
Documents Needed for Name Change
- •Current valid ID (passport, green card, or state ID)
- •Birth certificate (original country, translated)
- •Marriage certificate (if changing due to marriage)
- •Divorce decree (if reverting to maiden name)
- •Court order (for non-naturalization name changes)
- •Certificate of Naturalization (if changing through citizenship)
- •All immigration documents with current name
Timing Your Name Change
- •During naturalization: Easiest option, no extra filing
- •Before applying for new immigration benefit: Reduces document mismatches
- •After green card but before citizenship: Requires I-90 filing
- •While case pending: May complicate processing - consult first
- •Consider all documents that need updating before deciding timing
Common Name Change Mistakes
- •Not updating all documents after name change
- •Using new name before legal change is complete
- •Inconsistent spellings across different documents
- •Not bringing proper evidence to appointments
- •Missing deadlines to update immigration documents
- •Not checking name accuracy on new documents received
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I change my name at the citizenship oath ceremony?
A: Yes! This is the easiest way to legally change your name. Simply request it on your N-400 application, and the judge will grant the name change during your oath ceremony.
Q:How much does a court name change cost in Los Angeles?
A: Filing fees in Los Angeles County are approximately $435-$500. Additional costs include newspaper publication (if required) and certified copies of the court order.
Q:Do I need a lawyer to change my name?
A: Not necessarily. Name changes during naturalization don't require a lawyer. Court name changes can often be done yourself, but we recommend guidance for complex situations.
Q:Can I change my name on my green card?
A: Yes. File Form I-90 to request a replacement green card with your new legal name. Include proof of the legal name change (court order, marriage certificate, or naturalization certificate).
Q:How do I fix a misspelled name on my immigration documents?
A: If USCIS made the error, contact them for free correction. If you made the error, you'll need to file the appropriate form with evidence of correct spelling.
Q:Can I use my American name before legally changing it?
A: You can use a nickname informally, but legal documents require your legal name. To put an American name on official documents, you need a legal name change.
Q:Will changing my name affect my immigration status?
A: No, a legal name change doesn't affect your immigration status. However, you must update your immigration documents to reflect the new name.
Q:How long does it take to update all my documents?
A: Social Security can be updated immediately. Green card replacement takes 8-12 months. Driver's license is typically same-day. Plan for several months to update everything.
Change Your Name the Right Way
Whether through naturalization or court process, our Arabic-speaking team in Los Angeles helps you change your name and update all your documents correctly.
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