Legal Name Change in New York: Court-Ordered Process
Petition the New York Supreme Court (or NYC Civil Court) for a name change.
A court-ordered name change in New York uses a generic Petition for Change of Name filed at your county Supreme Court (or NYC Civil Court if you live in one of the five boroughs), under Civil Rights Law Sections 60-64. How long the court process takes varies by county; check your court (official source).
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New York Name Change Forms
New York doesn’t use a single statewide form number. Each county Supreme Court (or NYC Civil Court) provides its own packet, but the documents follow the same structure.
The main petition. Current name, requested name, date and place of birth, residency, criminal history, judgments, reason for change. Must be signed and notarized.
The proposed order the judge signs at your hearing. Becomes your legal proof of name change.
No statewide requirement.
If you can’t afford the filing fee (varies; check your court). Approved based on financial hardship or public-assistance eligibility.
Step-by-Step New York Name Change Process
Step 1: File Your Petition
Under New York Civil Rights Law Section 60, file your petition with the county court where you live. NYC residents can file with either the Supreme Court or the Civil Court in any of the five boroughs.
Your petition must include specific information required by Section 61 of New York law: current name, date and place of birth, age and residence, the new name you want, your reasons, any criminal convictions, any bankruptcy filings, any outstanding judgments or pending legal cases, and your birth certificate (required for anyone born in New York).
The petition must be signed and notarized. Filing fees vary by county but typically are around $210. Check with your specific county court for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
Step 2: Check Whether Notice Is Required
New York law does not require newspaper publication for a name change (Civil Rights Law §63); the court may still require notice to certain people (official source).
Step 3: Attend Your Court Hearing
Brief, informal proceeding where the judge reviews your petition and asks a few questions to confirm the change isn’t intended to defraud creditors or avoid legal obligations.
Common questions:
- Why do you want to change your name?
- Are you trying to avoid any debts or legal problems?
- Do you understand changing your name doesn’t eliminate legal obligations?
Valid reasons are broad — personal preference, family considerations, religious or cultural reasons, gender identity, professional needs. The judge isn’t looking for a specific “right” answer; they just want to ensure you’re not hiding from legal responsibilities. If approved, the judge signs the order the same day.
Step 4: Get Your Certified Order
Once the judge signs your order, request 3-4 certified copies from the clerk. You’ll need them to update Social Security, DMV, passport, and other agencies.
After Your Court Order: Updating Your Documents
Federal first. Social Security, then everything else cascades.
Show 6-step update checklist
Form SS-5 with certified order. Free, 5-10 business days by mail after SSA processes your request. Required first — NY DMV verifies against SSA.
The State Department explains which passport form applies to a name change on its Change or Correct a Passport page; its fee calculator and form guide shows what you’ll pay.
Varies; check your state's DMV fee. Form MV-44 in person or MV-44NC by mail (Standard license only). New card mailed. Check your state's DMV.
Update at elections.ny.gov. Free. Can update at the same time as your DMV visit.
No separate IRS form for most people: the IRS matches your next return to Social Security records. Free.
Certified order + new license at branch. Same day.
Special Situations in New York
New York has specific rules for minors, gender identity, and survivors of domestic violence.
Show special situations (minors / gender / DV)
Minor Children Name Changes
The petition can be filed by either parent or the child’s legal guardian. Both parents must be notified of the hearing unless one parent is the petitioner, in which case the other parent must be served notice.
- Both parents notified — out-of-state parents served by registered mail to last known address
- Diligent search — if a parent cannot be located, the court may proceed without notice after due diligence is shown
- Best-interest standard — the judge evaluates whether the change serves the child’s interests
- Older minors’ consent — practice varies by county; courts often expect older children to support the petition
See our minor name change guide for the full process.
Gender Identity Name Changes
New York courts handle gender-identity name changes like any other petition. No medical documentation or mental-health evaluation required.
- No medical proof required — no transition documentation needed
- Sealed records — courts can seal the case file on request
- DMV self-attestation — NY allows self-attested gender marker including X (non-binary), no court order required for the marker change
See our gender identity name change guide.
Domestic Violence Exemptions
Survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault qualify for additional protections in New York courts.
- Sealed records — case file kept confidential
- Address confidentiality — your address can be kept off the public record
- Fee waiver — Poor Person Order available based on financial hardship
New York Name Change Cost Breakdown
ID updates are extra. A Poor Person Order can waive court fees; check your court. Passport fees: State Department passport fees (last checked 2026-10-11).
Show full cost table
| Expense | New York Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | Varies; check your court | Varies by county; Poor Person Order waiver available |
| Certified Copies (3-4) | Varies; check your court | Varies; check your court |
| DMV License Update | Varies; check your state's DMV | After receiving certified order; varies for non-driver ID |
| Passport Renewal | $130 (DS-82); DS-11: $130 + $35 acceptance fee ($165 total) | DS-82 or DS-11 |
| Court costs total | Varies | Filing + publication (if required) + 4 certified copies; ID updates extra |
Other state guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a legal name change take in New York?
How long the court process takes varies by county; check your court. New York law does not require newspaper publication for a name change (Civil Rights Law §63); the court may still require notice to certain people.
Can I change my name without going to court in New York?
In New York, you can only change your name outside of court if it's tied to marriage or divorce. A New York marriage certificate or divorce decree gives you the legal right to use the new name directly. For any other reason, New York requires a Petition for Change of Name filed under Civil Rights Law Sections 60-64 and a signed order from the Supreme Court or NYC Civil Court.
Do I have to publish my name change in New York?
New York law does not require newspaper publication for a name change (Civil Rights Law §63); the court may still require notice to certain people. If someone files an objection, the New York court will hold a hearing to review it. Most objections are resolved with additional documentation or a brief explanation at the hearing.
Can I change my name to anything I want in New York?
New York courts grant most name change petitions, but a judge can deny requests for names that are fraudulent, obscene or offensive, or likely to cause public confusion. You can't pick a name made entirely of numbers or punctuation, and you can't adopt a famous person's name for purposes of deception. Standard personal, family, religious, cultural, or gender-identity reasons are all accepted.
Do I need a lawyer for a name change in New York?
Many people handle a name change themselves. If your situation involves custody, immigration, or a criminal record, consider talking to a lawyer.
Can I get my filing fees waived in New York?
Yes. New York courts can waive the $210 filing fee through a Poor Person Order (CPLR 1101) for petitioners with financial hardship. If you receive public assistance such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI — or your income is below the court's threshold — ask the clerk for the Poor Person application when you file your petition. New York law does not require newspaper publication for a name change (Civil Rights Law §63); the court may still require notice to certain people.
Official sources
Forms, fees and rules change. Check these official pages (and your county court) before you file.
- Adult name change petition program (DIY forms) (New York State Unified Court System)
- Change information on DMV photo documents (New York State DMV) Last checked 2026-10-09.
- Change your name with Social Security (Social Security Administration) Last checked 2026-10-09.
- Replace your Social Security card (card mailed 5-10 business days after processing) (Social Security Administration) Last checked 2026-10-09.
- Name change for a U.S. passport or correct an error (U.S. Department of State) Last checked 2026-10-09.
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Last verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy