How to Change Your Name in New York

If you’re looking for a name change after marriage in New York, you can typically initiate this process when submitting your marriage license. However, it’s advisable to check with your county clerk, as procedures and regulations can vary between counties.

Once married, your marriage certificate becomes the primary legal document for your name change. Upon filing your marriage license at the county courthouse, you can expect to receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate by mail within approximately two weeks. This certified copy can then be used to update your name with various agencies, institutions, and businesses.

In New York, changing your name after a divorce is a straightforward process. The name change request can be included in the divorce decree. If the judge approves, the name change becomes official when the decree is signed. You’ll need to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and other important documents to reflect your new name. Obtain certified copies of the divorce decree to present as legal proof of your name change. This ensures all your records and identification match your new name, helping you transition smoothly to your post-divorce identity.

For a legal name change in New York via petition, you’ll need to file a Petition for Name Change in the county where you reside. The petition must include your current name, the new name you desire, and the reasons for the change. You may also need to undergo a background check. Once filed, a court hearing will be scheduled, and a judge will review your petition. If the judge approves your request, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. You’ll then use this court order to update your name on official documents like your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport.

Want to change the name on a birth certificate in New York state or for a child? To change the name of a minor in New York, a parent or guardian must file a Petition for Name Change of a Child in the county where the child resides. The petition must include the child’s current name, the desired new name, and the reasons for the change. Both parents typically need to consent, but if one parent does not agree, the court may still grant the change if it is in the child’s best interest. A court hearing will be scheduled, and if the judge approves, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. This order is then used to update the child’s official documents.

Here is the process for changing your name on your New York Driver’s License:

1. Update Your Name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Before updating your driver’s license, you must inform the SSA about your name change. The New York DMV verifies your name change with the SSA.
• Submit a completed Form SS-5, along with your certified name change document (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of identity (e.g., U.S. driver’s license or passport), and proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate). This process must be done in person or by mail.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following documents for the DMV:

• Your current New York driver’s license, permit, or ID card.
• Proof of your name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
• Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship, if not previously provided.
• A completed Application for Permit, Driver License, or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44).

3. Visit a New York DMV Office

• You must visit a DMV office in person to update your name on your driver’s license. This process cannot be completed online, by mail, or by phone.
• Bring all necessary documents. Note that there are fees associated with updating your driver’s license or ID card.

4. Receive Your Updated License

• After submitting your documents and paying the required fees, the DMV will process your request. You will receive a temporary non-photo document until your updated license arrives by mail, typically within two weeks.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Vehicle and Title Registration in New York:

1. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following:

• Your current title or other acceptable proof of ownership.
• A completed Vehicle Registration/Title Application (Form MV-82).
• Your current driver’s license, permit, or non-driver ID card, or at least 6 points of proof for identity and date of birth.
• An original or certified copy of your U.S. marriage certificate, U.S. divorce documents, or other court papers indicating a legal name change.

2. Visit a New York DMV Office

• Visit a DMV office in person to update your name on your vehicle registration and title. This process cannot be completed online, by mail, or by phone.
• Bring all necessary documents. Note that changing your name on your vehicle registration and title certificate is free. However, if you need a duplicate title, there may be a fee.

3. Receive Your Updated Documents

• After you submit your documents, the DMV will process your request. If you visit in person, you will receive a new registration card immediately, and your new title certificate will be mailed to you, typically within 4-6 weeks.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Voter Registration in New York:

Prepare the Required Documents

You need the following to update your voter registration:

• Your New York State driver’s license, permit, or non-driver ID.
• Your Social Security Number (last four digits).

Online Update

• Use the New York State Board of Elections’ Online Voter Registration system. You can register to vote or update your voter registration information, including your name and address.
• If you have a New York State DMV-issued ID, you can use the DMV Electronic Voter Registration Application to update your information. The completed application will be forwarded to your County or City Board of Elections for approval and processing.

By Mail

• Download the New York State Voter Registration Form from the Board of Elections website.
• Complete the form, print it, sign it, and mail it to your local County Board of Elections.

In Person

• Visit your local County Board of Elections, any New York State Agency-Based voter registration center, or the DMV office.
• Submit the completed form and required identification in person.

Important Deadlines

• Make sure to submit your updated registration at least 15 days before a special, primary, or general election to ensure your changes are processed in time.

• Social Security Administration
• Passport 
• Postal Service

Criminal Background Check: If you are an adult petitioning for a name change, you may need to undergo a criminal background check. This helps ensure that the name change is not being requested to evade law enforcement or creditors.

Consent Requirements: For minors, both parents typically need to consent to the name change. If one parent does not consent, the court will consider whether the change is in the child’s best interest.

Court Discretion: The court has the discretion to deny a name change request if it believes the change is being requested for fraudulent or misleading purposes.

Notification Requirements: You may need to notify certain parties of your name change, such as creditors, employers, and schools.

Impact on Legal Documents: A name change will require updating all legal documents, including your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and any other identification or financial documents.

Restrictions on Frequency: While there are no specific limits on how often you can change your name, multiple name changes may raise suspicion and could be scrutinized by the court.

Legal Status: If you have any pending legal actions, such as bankruptcy or criminal charges, the court may consider these when reviewing your petition.

Debt and Financial Obligations: Changing your name does not absolve you of any existing debts or financial obligations. Creditors must still be able to track you, and you are required to notify them of your name change.

Immigration Status: If you are not a U.S. citizen, changing your name could affect your immigration status or documentation. It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney before proceeding.