The Naturalization Oath Ceremony: What to Expect and What to Bring

If you asked at your interview to change your name as part of naturalization, USCIS says you must take the Oath at a judicial ceremony, because USCIS cannot change names. The court then gives you the name change document at the ceremony.

1. 1Read your Form N-445. It has the date, time and place.
2. 2Answer the questionnaire on the N-445 before you go. USCIS asks you to complete it before you arrive. The officer reviews your answers at check-in.
3. 3If you cannot go, return the N-445 to your local USCIS office with a letter that asks for a new date and explains why. If you miss your ceremony more than once, USCIS may deny your application.
4. 4Prepare what to bring (see the list below).
5. 5Ask for an accommodation early if you need one, for example because of a disability. USCIS suggests asking as soon as you get your appointment notice.

• Your Form N-445, with the questionnaire completed.
• Your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). You give it back at check-in. If you lost it, USCIS can waive this when you showed proof at the interview that it was lost and that you tried to recover it. There is also an exception for some members of the military.
• Any travel documents USCIS issued to you. The officer collects USCIS-issued travel documents at check-in.

Check the Federal Protective Service list of items prohibited on federal property before you go. For clothes, see what to wear.

USCIS administrative ceremonies usually follow this order, when possible:

1. 1A video called "Faces of America."
2. 2The national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
3. 3Welcome remarks.
4. 4The "call of countries": the countries of the new citizens are named.
5. 5The Oath of Allegiance. An official reads the Oath in parts and you repeat the words.
6. 6Remarks by a speaker and a congratulatory message.
7. 7The Pledge of Allegiance.
8. 8Closing remarks.
9. 9You receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

Some offices add other approved music to the program. During those extra songs, you are not required to stand or sing.

In the Oath you promise to give up loyalty to other countries, to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States, to be loyal to the United States and, when the law requires it, to serve in the armed forces, do noncombatant service or do important civilian work. The law allows certain changes to the Oath in some cases, for example for religious reasons. You can read the full text on uscis.gov.

• Review your certificate. Look at your name, date of birth and other details. Tell USCIS about any error before you leave.
• Voter registration. You will get a voter registration application after the Oath. Sometimes election officials or approved nonprofit, nonpartisan groups help you register right after the ceremony.
• Passport. The U.S. Citizenship Welcome Packet includes a passport application.
• Other materials. You may also receive a flag, the Citizen's Almanac and a pocket copy of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Next steps are in what to do after the oath ceremony.

Question 67 on the 2025 test asks for two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance. If you studied it with Citizo's flashcards, you already know two of them: defend the Constitution and be loyal to the United States. Now you will say them for real.