The Oath of Allegiance ceremony is the final and most meaningful step in your naturalization journey. After months or years of preparation, this is the moment you officially become a United States citizen.
What Happens at the Ceremony?
Ceremony formats vary widely. Some are held at USCIS offices with small groups β sometimes the same day as your successful interview. Others are large public events at courthouses, historic sites, or community centers, particularly around national holidays like Independence Day. The ceremony typically includes a welcome by the presiding officer, a video message from the President, the recitation of the Oath of Allegiance, and presentation of your Certificate of Naturalization.
The Oath of Allegiance Text
Know the Oath of Allegiance before your ceremony so you can recite it confidently. The oath states that you renounce and abjure all allegiance to foreign nations, will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies, will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, will bear arms or perform noncombatant service when required by law, and take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
What to Bring to the Ceremony
Always bring: your ceremony notice letter (Form N-445), your Permanent Resident Card β you must surrender it at the ceremony, and any other documents listed in your notice. Bring family and friends to celebrate β most ceremonies welcome guests. Check your notice for any guest limits, which vary by venue and ceremony size.
Completing Form N-445
Before entering the ceremony you complete Form N-445, which asks whether your circumstances have changed since your interview. Answer every question honestly. If something significant has changed β an arrest, extended travel outside the U.S., or another major life event β disclose it to the USCIS officer reviewing your form before the ceremony begins.
Your First Steps as a U.S. Citizen
- Apply for a U.S. passport: Use your Certificate of Naturalization as proof of citizenship. Many post offices accept passport applications immediately.
- Register to vote: As a citizen you now have the right to vote in all elections. Register at vote.gov or your local election office.
- Update your Social Security record: Visit the Social Security Administration to update your records to reflect your new citizenship status.
- Update your driver license or state ID: Visit your state DMV to update your citizenship status on your identification.
- Safeguard your Certificate of Naturalization: Store it in a secure location and make certified copies. This document is proof of your citizenship and difficult to replace if lost.