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Changing Your Name in New York

How adults change their legal name in New York: the court petition, publication, fees, and restoring a name after divorce.

Short answer: A New York resident petitions the county court or Supreme Court in the county where he or she lives (in New York City, the Supreme Court or Civil Court). N.Y. Civ. Rights Law §§ 60, 61, 63, 64

Legal name changeA New York resident petitions the county court or Supreme Court in the county where he or she lives (in New York City, the Supreme Court or Civil Court). The verified petition states the grounds, birth details, the proposed name, any criminal convictions or bankruptcy, pending judgments or liens, and any child or spousal support obligations and arrears. The court grants the change if satisfied the petition is true and there is no reasonable objection; the order is filed with the county clerk. For people with certain felony convictions, the order is sent to the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and support courts are notified when support is owed.
Re-verified 2026-10-27.
Source: N.Y. Civ. Rights Law §§ 60, 61, 63, 64
Changing your name after divorceEvery divorce or annulment judgment must include a provision that each spouse may resume using his or her premarriage surname or any other former surname.
Source: N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 240-a

More New York divorce & family law

FAQ

How do you legally change your name in New York?
A New York resident petitions the county court or Supreme Court in the county where he or she lives (in New York City, the Supreme Court or Civil Court). The verified petition states the grounds, birth details, the proposed name, any criminal convictions or bankruptcy, pending judgments or liens, and any child or spousal support obligations and arrears. The court grants the change if satisfied the petition is true and there is no reasonable objection; the order is filed with the county clerk. For people with certain felony convictions, the order is sent to the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and support courts are notified when support is owed.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in New York?
Every divorce or annulment judgment must include a provision that each spouse may resume using his or her premarriage surname or any other former surname.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.