Naturalization Ceremony Information
The United States District Court for the District of Columbia has retained exclusive jurisdiction to conduct naturalization ceremonies for applicants seeking citizenship. The ceremonies are presided over by a United States District, Magistrate, or Bankruptcy Judge. Ceremonies are typically held the second Tuesday of each month.
Applicants may invite guests to their ceremony. There is not a limit to how many guests applicants can invite. Once the courtroom reaches capacity, additional guests will be directed to an overflow area.
Applicants and guests are separated during the check-in process. Therefore, it is recommended that you designate a specific location to meet after the ceremony.
Please remain quiet during the proceedings. If you must leave during the ceremony, please exit quietly.
Photographs and Camera Use
No pictures are allowed in the halls of the courthouse. However, pictures and videos are allowed after and before the ceremonies.
Ceremony Location, Dates and Times
Applicants for citizenship receive their ceremony location, date, and time via mail and email directly from the USCIS.
APPLICANTS must arrive at the location and at the time indicated. Any questions regarding scheduling should be directed to USCIS.
Media Guidelines
- No audio or video recording.
- Statements by the presiding judge and any speakers can be reported.
- Comments overheard by participants or others in the ceremonial courtroom or hallway should be considered off the record.
- New citizens may be interviewed with their consent after the ceremony, outside of the courtroom. If there is an agreed-upon interview that will involve audio or video recording, that interview should be conducted outside of the courthouse.
Naturalization Procedure
Contact the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) directly for procedures to become a naturalized citizen. Visit the US Citizenship and Immigration Service website, www.uscis.gov, for answers to common questions, copies of forms, and general information.
Replacing a Certificate of Naturalization
The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. To obtain a replacement of your naturalization certificate, please follow the instructions at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283 for assistance.
Naturalization Records
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Genealogy Program has Naturalization Certificate Files (C-Files) for the period September 27, 1906–March 31, 1956, as well as a name index to those records. NARA refers researchers to the USCIS Genealogy Program for naturalization records that NARA does not have. Their website is below:
https://www.uscis.gov/records/genealogy
To Request a True Copy of Your Petition for Name Change
To request a True Copy of your Petition for Name Change form please email the following information to the Records Department.
- Previous Name & New Name
- Date of Ceremony (Year and Month)
- Picture of Certificate (If you have it)
- Alien Registration #
Email as much of the information above as possible to Records@dcd.uscourts.gov if you do not have the exact date of the ceremony, you will be expected to pay a $34 search fee per our fee schedule.