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New York Name Change Guide 2026 — How to Legally Change Your Name

Complete guide to changing your name in New York. Learn residency requirements, filing fees, court locations, publication requirements, background checks, and step-by-step instructions.

New York Name Change Guide 2026

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed New York attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Changing your name in New York requires filing a petition with the court, publishing notice, and obtaining a court order. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Quick Facts: Name Change in New York

RequirementDetails
ResidencyMust be a New York State resident
Where to FileSupreme Court or County Court
Filing Fee$65–$210 (varies by county)
PublicationRequired in newspaper
Background CheckRequired for adults
Processing Time4–8 weeks typically

Who Can Change Their Name in New York?

You ARE eligible if:

  • You are a resident of New York State
  • You are at least 18 years old (minors need parent/guardian to petition)
  • You are not changing your name to defraud creditors
  • You are not changing your name to avoid criminal prosecution

Background Check Requirement

New York requires a criminal history background check for all adult name change petitions:

  • New York State criminal history record, OR
  • FBI fingerprint-based background check

Special Requirements for Minors

If changing a minor child's name:

  • Both parents must typically consent
  • If parents disagree, the court applies the best interest of the child standard
  • Notice must be given to both parents
  • The court may appoint a guardian ad litem

The Name Change Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Obtain Background Check

New York State Criminal History:

  1. Go to: criminaljustice.ny.gov
  2. Submit request for CHRI
  3. Fee: $13.50
  4. Results in 3–5 business days

Or FBI Background Check:

  1. Go to: fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
  2. Fee: $18 (plus fingerprinting)
  3. Takes 3–5 weeks

Step 2: Complete Your Petition

  1. Download forms from nycourts.gov or get from County Clerk
  2. Include your current name, requested new name, and reasons
  3. Include date and place of birth
  4. Disclose any criminal history

Step 3: Get Your Petition Notarized

  1. Take your unsigned petition to a notary public
  2. Bring valid government-issued photo ID
  3. Sign the petition in front of the notary

Step 4: File with the Court

  1. Go to the Supreme Court or County Court in your county
  2. Pay the filing fee ($65–$210)
  3. The clerk will stamp your documents

Step 5: Publish Notice

  1. The notice must appear in a designated newspaper
  2. Publication typically runs once a week for 4 consecutive weeks
  3. The newspaper will provide an Affidavit of Publication
  4. File this affidavit with the court

Waiver of Publication:

If publication would endanger your safety (domestic violence victims):

  • Request waiver at filing
  • Explain safety concerns in writing

Step 6: Attend Hearing (If Required)

  1. Dress appropriately
  2. Arrive 15–30 minutes early
  3. Bring government-issued photo ID
  4. Bring Affidavit of Publication
  5. The judge may ask why you want to change your name

Step 7: Get Certified Copies

  1. After the judge signs your Order, get at least 3 certified copies
  2. You will need these to update official records

Court Locations in New York

New York County (Manhattan)

  • Address: 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007
  • Phone: (646) 386-3600
  • Filing Fee: $210

Kings County (Brooklyn)

  • Address: 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • Phone: (347) 404-9700
  • Filing Fee: $210

Queens County

  • Address: 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435
  • Phone: (718) 298-1000
  • Filing Fee: $210

Bronx County

  • Address: 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
  • Phone: (718) 618-1000
  • Filing Fee: $210

Richmond County (Staten Island)

  • Address: 26 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301
  • Phone: (718) 675-8700
  • Filing Fee: $210

Westchester County (White Plains)

  • Address: 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, White Plains, NY 10601
  • Phone: (914) 824-5600
  • Filing Fee: $210

Nassau County (Mineola)

  • Address: 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501
  • Phone: (516) 493-3400
  • Filing Fee: $210

Suffolk County (Riverhead)

  • Address: 1 Court Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
  • Phone: (631) 852-1300
  • Filing Fee: $210

After the Order: Updating Your Records

Step 1: Social Security Administration

  1. Complete Form SS-5
  2. Bring certified court order and ID
  3. Visit your local Social Security office
  4. Wait 7–14 days for new card

Step 2: New York DMV (Driver's License)

  1. Bring court order and new Social Security card
  2. Visit DMV office
  3. Fee: $17.50 (non-driver ID) or $30 (license amendment)

Step 3: Update Birth Certificate (if born in NY)

  1. Contact NY Dept. of Health, Vital Records
  2. Submit certified court order
  3. Fee: $30 + processing

Step 4: Other Records to Update

  • Bank accounts
  • Employer/payroll
  • Insurance policies
  • Passport
  • Voter registration
  • School records
OrganizationPhoneServices
The Legal Aid Society(212) 577-3300NYC free legal help
Legal Services NYC(212) 431-7200NYC civil legal aid
Legal Aid of Western NY(585) 325-2520Rochester, Buffalo
NY Bar Lawyer Referral(212) 626-7373Low-cost consultations

Next Steps

  1. Obtain background check — NY State or FBI
  2. Complete petition — From court or nycourts.gov
  3. File with court — Pay filing fee
  4. Publish notice — 4 consecutive weeks
  5. Attend hearing — If required
  6. Update records — Social Security, DMV, banks

Get New York Name Change Documents

jurisdiction-correct New York name change documents from Jurist-Diction include petition templates and instructions — starting at $37.

Templates are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, contact a licensed New York attorney or The Legal Aid Society at (212) 577-3300.