[johnnlisaf]

I received the COC with my son's name. We just did a name change which changed his first name and middle name. Do I really need to spend $250.00 to get a new COC? Will my son or I ever use his COC?

Thanks

[lsk]

I am in the same boat as you. Our daughters name was changed in May and we haen't gotten around to sending for it yet because we aren't really sure we need it.

[Evansmommy]

The rates went up this summer...I think the rates are more like $420. If you changed your child's name, and you don't get a new COC, I don't believe you would be able to get a U>S> passport with the new name.

[DPline]

In my opinion, getting your child a COC is very important. Whether it is filing for an origional one if your child came home on an IR4, or getting an updated one after a legal name change. Personally, I feel that especially in this post-9/11 society and continuously increasing US security measures, I want my children's legal names on file with USCIS as citizens and want that certificate to prove it without a shadow of a doubt.

They may never need it (though I have been told that for things like joining the military, government jobs that require security clearance, things like that, it may be necessary and if they want to adopt internationally one day, they will need it to prove their citizenship) I want it 'just in case.' A passport can show citizenship, but it expires and is issued by the State Department, not USCIS/Homeland Security. The new birth certificate that is issued by your state will still say the child was born in Guatemala, and does not prove citizenship.

Yes, you could present an adoption decree, readoption papers, court ordered name change papers, etc. But I am sure we have all experienced at one time or another, someone in a position of authority who would not accept these papers even if they were totally valid. (For example all the problems people have with Social Security offices.) Personally I feel better having the COC even if they are never in a position to need it.

Off my soapbox now!