New York Name Change — Process, Fees & Required Forms
Your New York name change at a glance: steps, cost, forms, and timing.
New York Name Change at a Glance
| Filing Fee | About $210 (index number fee) plus a small surcharge; some counties add local fees. |
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| Required Forms |
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| Waiting Period | Typically 2 to 4 months, including publishing notice in a newspaper once a week for several weeks. |
| After Marriage | After marriage in New York, a surname change can be done through Social Security and the DMV with the marriage certificate. A full legal name change requires the court petition. |
| After Divorce | Your former name can be restored in the divorce judgment, or by a later petition. |
| Key Source | N.Y. C.P.L.R. Sec. 63 / Dom. Rel. Law (name change by court order). |
Step-by-Step Process
- File a Petition for Change of Name in the Supreme Court of the county where you live.
- Pay the index number fee and request an Order to Show Cause.
- Publish the Order to Show Cause in a court-approved newspaper for the required weeks.
- Attend the court hearing.
- The judge signs the order; use certified copies to update your records.
Rules for Adults and Self-Help
New York requires publication in a newspaper unless the court grants a waiver. The process runs through the Supreme Court, not a lower court.
What to Know Before Filing
New York name changes are handled in Supreme Court with required newspaper publication. Marriage-based surname changes are administrative. Re-confirm current fees with the NYS courts.
Figures above are a general reference for New York. Name-change fees, forms, publication rules, and waiting times differ by state and can change. Confirm current requirements with the New York state court clerk before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a name change cost in New York?
In New York, the court filing fee is typically a few hundred dollars, and some counties add local fees. If you have low income you can usually request a fee waiver. Publication and any legal help are extra.
Do I need a court order to change my name after marriage in New York?
A surname change after marriage can usually be done with your marriage certificate through Social Security, the DMV, and your bank, without a court order. Changing your full legal name still requires the petition and court order described above.