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Naturalization Ceremonies

The United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri has retained exclusive jurisdiction to conduct naturalization ceremonies for applicants seeking citizenship. The ceremonies are presided over by a United States District Judge, Magistrate Judge, or Bankruptcy Judge. Ceremonies are typically held once a month. Please contact the court for scheduled locations and times. Most naturalization ceremonies are conducted in the Kansas City area.

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.

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.

Photographs and Camera Use

Cameras are only allowed in the courtroom during naturalization ceremonies. No cell phones are allowed in courthouse. However, cell phones are allowed during ceremonies held at other venues.

Naturalization Records

Only records verifying citizenship of individuals naturalized in the Western District of Missouri and name changes are available from the court:

  • From 1992 to Present
    Clerk’s Office
    U.S. District Court – Western Missouri
    Johnathon Bish - johnathon_bish@mow.uscourts.gov
    (816) 512-5010
     
  • 2019 - mid-2024
    Miscellaneous pictures and recordings

  • 1991 and Prior
    National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
    Kansas City Region
    400 West Pershing Road
    Kansas City, Missouri 64108
    (816) 268-8000

Lost Certificate

Contact the USCIS to replace a lost Certificate of Naturalization: https://www.uscis.gov/n-565. Duplicates and/or certified copies are NOT available through the Court

Lost Name Change Petition/Order

Contact Johnathon Bish, johnathon_bish@mow.uscourts.gov to replace a lost Name Change Petition/Order.  Provide name and date of naturalization ceremony.