How to Change Your Name in New York

A New York name change is a legal process that allows you to adopt a new name for marriage, divorce, personal preference, gender identity, or for a minor child. New York handles name changes differently depending on your situation — marriage and divorce typically provide automatic name change rights, while other circumstances require a court petition. Whether you're updating your name after marriage, seeking a court-ordered change, or updating a child's name, we'll walk you through exactly what forms you need and where to file them.

Quick Facts: New York Name Change

Requirement	Details
Court Filing Fee	$65 (varies by county — check with your local court)
Timeline	6-8 weeks from filing to decree
Driver's License Fee	$12.50 (license/permit), $5.00 (non-driver ID)
Publication Required	Yes, for court-ordered changes (once weekly for 6 weeks)
Court Jurisdiction	County where you live (Supreme Court)

Marriage Name Change in New York

If you're changing your name after marriage in New York, you don't need a court order. Your certified marriage certificate serves as your legal proof of name change. This is the most straightforward path for a New York name change.

Step 1: Get Your Certified Marriage Certificate
You'll need multiple certified copies (usually 3-5) since many agencies require originals. If you married in New York City, order through the NYC Department of Health at $15 per copy. For marriages elsewhere in New York State, contact the New York State Department of Health Vital Records office at $30 per copy.

Step 2: Update Social Security First
Visit your local Social Security office with your certified marriage certificate, current ID, and proof of citizenship. This is free and takes about 2-4 weeks to receive your new card. Every other agency will ask for this updated Social Security card as proof, so handle this first.

Step 3: Update Your Driver's License
Once you receive your new Social Security card, visit a New York DMV office. Bring your current license, certified marriage certificate, and pay the $12.50 amendment fee. You can also handle this by mail for standard licenses if your name is already updated with SSA.

Step 4: Update Everything Else
With your updated Social Security card and driver's license, you can now update your passport, voter registration, bank accounts, employer records, and insurance policies. Most agencies accept your certified marriage certificate as proof of the name change.

Divorce Name Change in New York

New York offers two options for changing your name during divorce proceedings. You can either request the name change as part of your divorce decree, or file a separate name change petition after the divorce is finalized.

Option 1: Include in Divorce Decree
The easiest approach is requesting the name change in your divorce papers. Your attorney (or you, if self-representing) includes language in the divorce petition asking the court to restore your prior name. The final divorce decree will include the name change order, serving as your legal proof.

Option 2: Separate Court Petition
If your divorce decree doesn't include a name change, you can file a separate petition in New York Supreme Court. You'll follow the same process as a general court-ordered name change, including the publication requirement and court hearing. This costs an additional $65 filing fee plus publication costs.

Required Documents:

• Your final divorce decree (certified copy)
• Current driver's license or state ID
• Birth certificate (if restoring birth name)

Most people changing their name after divorce are returning to a prior name (often their name before marriage), which simplifies the process since there's clear documentation of that previous name.

Court-Ordered Name Change in New York (Adult)

For adult name changes not related to marriage or divorce — such as personal preference, gender identity, or cultural reasons — you'll need to file a petition in New York Supreme Court. This is the most comprehensive process for a New York name change.

Required Documents for Filing:

• Completed petition for name change
• Birth certificate (certified copy)
• Current government-issued photo ID
• Filing fee ($65 plus index number fee)
• Self-addressed stamped envelope for the court's response

Timeline: The entire process typically takes 6-8 weeks from filing to receiving your signed court order. Most of this time is the mandatory 6-week publication period.

Minor Name Change in New York

Changing a child's name in New York requires filing a petition in Supreme Court, similar to adult name changes, but with additional consent and notice requirements to protect the child's interests.

Consent Requirements:
If both parents are living, both must consent to the name change unless one parent's rights have been terminated. If you're a single parent with sole custody, you'll need to provide documentation of this arrangement. For children 14 and older, the child must also consent to the name change.

Required Documents:

• Petition for Change of Name (for the minor)
• Child's birth certificate (certified copy)
• Consent forms from both parents (or sole custody documentation)
• Consent from the child (if 14 or older)
• Court filing fee (typically $65)

Special Circumstances:
If one parent objects or cannot be located, the process becomes more complex. The court may require additional notice procedures or appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child's interests. If a parent is deceased, you'll need to provide a death certificate.

Publication for Minors:
The same six-week publication requirement applies to minor name changes. However, some courts may waive this requirement if both parents consent and there are no custody disputes.

The court will consider the best interests of the child when deciding whether to grant the name change. Common approved reasons include adoption, family unity, avoiding embarrassment, or safety concerns.

Gender Identity Name Change in New York

New York is supportive of name changes for gender identity purposes, treating them the same as other court-ordered name changes. You can change both your name and gender marker on various documents, and New York allows self-attestation for gender marker updates on driver's licenses.

Court Process for Name Change:
The petition process is identical to other adult court-ordered name changes. You don't need to provide medical documentation or psychological evaluations — simply state in your petition that the name change is for gender identity purposes. New York courts routinely approve these requests.

Birth Certificate Gender Marker:
To update your gender marker on a New York birth certificate, you'll need to submit an application with an affidavit from a licensed healthcare provider stating that your gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. New York recognizes X (non-binary) markers on birth certificates.

Driver's License Updates:
The New York DMV allows self-attestation for gender marker changes — no court order or medical documentation required. You can update both your name (with your court order) and gender marker in the same visit. New York offers X (non-binary) markers on licenses and IDs.

Recommended Order:

1. File court petition for name change (6-8 weeks)
2. Update Social Security records with court order
3. Update New York driver's license (name and gender marker)
4. Apply for birth certificate amendment (if desired)
5. Update passport with State Department

Many transgender individuals find it helpful to update their driver's license and Social Security records before updating their birth certificate, as these documents are used more frequently in daily life.

Updating Your Documents After Your New York Name Change

Once you have your legal proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), you'll need to update your records with various agencies and organizations. Here's the recommended order:

1. Social Security Administration — Visit in person with your name change document. This is free and required by most other agencies. Learn more in our Social Security name change guide.
2. New York DMV — Update your driver's license or state ID with your new Social Security card and name change document. Fee is $12.50 for licenses.
3. U.S. Passport Office — Use form DS-82 (renewal) if eligible, or DS-11 (new application) if not. Our passport name change guide explains which form you need.
4. Internal Revenue Service — File Form 8822 to notify the IRS of your name change, or simply file your next tax return with your new name.
5. Voter Registration — Update with your county Board of Elections. Check our voter registration guide for New York requirements.
6. U.S. Postal Service — Set up mail forwarding and update your address records. See our USPS name change guide for details.
7. Banks and Credit Cards — Most require visiting a branch with your updated Social Security card and driver's license. Our bank name change guide covers major institutions.
8. Employer/HR Department — Update payroll, benefits, and tax withholding information with your updated Social Security card.
9. Insurance Companies — Update auto, health, home, and life insurance policies. This may affect your rates or coverage.
10. Professional Licenses — If you hold professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate, etc.), notify the licensing boards in New York.

New York DMV Name Change Details

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles requires that your name be updated with Social Security before processing your driver's license name change. They verify your new name against SSA records electronically, so wait at least 24-48 hours after your Social Security visit.

What to Bring:

• Your current New York driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID
• Original or certified copy of your name change document
• Payment: $12.50 for license/permit amendment, $5.00 for non-driver ID

Two Options Available:
You can update your name in person at any DMV office, or by mail if you have a standard license and only need to change your name (no other updates). The mail option requires form MV-44NC and takes about 2 weeks. In-person visits are faster and allow you to handle other updates simultaneously.

REAL ID Considerations:
If you want to upgrade to a REAL ID (recommended for air travel after May 2025), you must visit in person with additional documents: proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of New York residency.

New York DMV Contact Information:
Website: dmv.ny.gov | Phone: 518-486-9786
Schedule an appointment online to avoid long wait times at busy locations like those in NYC.

Last verified: 2026-03-28