How to Change Your Name
in New York
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in New York.
Filing Fee
$210-$285
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Supreme Court
Where you file
New York Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Supreme Court
Where to File
File in the Supreme Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$210-$285
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Not required
No Publication Required in New York
No publication required in New York as of recent reform (2021). Publication is no longer mandatory for most adult name change petitions.
New York-Specific Rule
New York eliminated the mandatory newspaper publication requirement as of 2021. Most adult name changes no longer require publication, making the process faster and more private.
Required Documents in New York
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of New York residency
Social Security card
6-Step Name Change Process in New York
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Supreme Court in the county where you reside. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of New York residency, Social Security card.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in New York is approximately $210-$285. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Wait for Court Processing
No newspaper publication is required in New York. The court will process your petition and schedule a hearing or issue the order directly.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some New York courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — New York Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in New York?
In New York, you file in the Supreme Court. File in the Supreme Court in the county where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in New York?
The filing fee in New York is approximately $210-$285. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in New York?
No publication required in New York as of recent reform (2021). Publication is no longer mandatory for most adult name change petitions.
How long does a name change take in New York?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in New York. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in New York?
For your name change petition in New York, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of New York residency, Social Security card. JustiPal™ provides a complete New York-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in New York. Takes 2 minutes.
Check My ReadinessFull Service · $97
Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with New York-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- New York document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in New York.
Other State Guides