How do I legally change my name in New York?

Q: How do I legally change my name in New York?

New York adult name changes are governed by Civil Rights Law Article 6 (§§ 60–64-a) and filed in either Supreme Court or, in NYC, Civil Court. 1. Where to File - NYC residents : NYC Civil Court — filing fee $65 , plus required index numbers totaling about $210 . - Outside NYC : Supreme Court of the county of residence — filing fee $210 (RJI included). - County Court is also available outside NYC. 2. Petition Contents - Current name, proposed name, date and place of birth, residence history (5 years), reasons, and disclosure of any criminal history, judgments, or bankruptcies (Civil Rights Law § 61). 3. Publication Requirement - Court issues an order directing publication in a designated newspaper for one day (Civil Rights Law § 63) — formerly six weeks; current practice is one publication after the order is signed. - Publication may be sealed/waived under Civil Rights Law § 64-a where publication would jeopardize safety (domestic violence, transgender petitioners, witness protection). 4. Hearing - Most adult uncontested petitions are decided on papers , no appearance required. - Judge signs the Order Granting Change of Name ; petitioner files proof of publication. 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ~$6 each. - File SSA Form SS-5 (free), update NY DMV ($17.50), passport, voter registration. 6. Divorce-Based Restoration - New York DRL § 240-a allows restoration of a former surname in any divorce decree on request — no separate proceeding. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

New York adult name changes are governed by Civil Rights Law Article 6 (§§ 60–64-a) and filed in either Supreme Court or, in NYC, Civil Court.

1. Where to File

NYC residents: NYC Civil Court — filing fee $65, plus required index numbers totaling about $210.

Outside NYC: Supreme Court of the county of residence — filing fee $210 (RJI included).

County Court is also available outside NYC.

2. Petition Contents

Current name, proposed name, date and place of birth, residence history (5 years), reasons, and disclosure of any criminal history, judgments, or bankruptcies (Civil Rights Law § 61).

3. Publication Requirement

Court issues an order directing publication in a designated newspaper for one day (Civil Rights Law § 63) — formerly six weeks; current practice is one publication after the order is signed.

Publication may be sealed/waived under Civil Rights Law § 64-a where publication would jeopardize safety (domestic violence, transgender petitioners, witness protection).

4. Hearing

Most adult uncontested petitions are decided on papers, no appearance required.

Judge signs the Order Granting Change of Name; petitioner files proof of publication.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ~$6 each.

File SSA Form SS-5 (free), update NY DMV ($17.50), passport, voter registration.

6. Divorce-Based Restoration

New York DRL § 240-a allows restoration of a former surname in any divorce decree on request — no separate proceeding.

This is legal information, not legal advice.