How Do You Change Your Name in New York?

The New York rule in one table

What makes New York different

New York is the cheapest-in-the-city state in this set, and the only one where the same petition costs three times as much depending on which courthouse door you walk through: $210 in Supreme or County Court, $65 in NYC Civil Court. If you live in the five boroughs, Civil Court is the cheaper path for the same order. Outside the city, Supreme or County Court is your choice — the fee is the same either way.

The second difference is privacy. New York eliminated publication in 2021, and the case stays private while it is pending — the opposite of California's four-week newspaper run and a direct correction to older guides that still describe a publication step. If a guide tells you to publish a New York name change, it is out of date.

The process, step by step

1. Pick the court. File in the county where you live — Supreme Court or County Court outside New York City, or NYC Civil Court inside the city. Inside the city, Civil Court saves $145 on the filing fee.
2. Complete and notarize the petition. Yes — the petition must be filled out and signed in front of a Notary Public, with proof of birth attached. Prepare the Proposed Order (UCS-NCO1) alongside the petition (UCS-NC1).
3. File and pay. The court fee is $210 in Supreme and County Courts, or $65.00 in New York City Civil Court, with a fee waiver available if you cannot pay. In Supreme Court, you must also submit a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) to have a judge assigned — there is no fee to file this form.
4. Wait for the order — no publication step. No. New York eliminated publication in 2021, and the case stays private while it is pending. If you are concerned for your safety, ask the court about sealing; the petition itself can ask for permanent sealing for personal safety.
5. Get certified copies of the order. Buy several certified copies from the clerk — every agency wants one — then update your Social Security card (free), New York driver license or ID, passport, and birth certificate, in that order.

Comparing states — because the state across the border plays by different rules — the Name Change Laws by State directory puts all seven side by side.

Changing your name in another state

Changing your name in another state? See How to Change Your Name in Washington and How to Change Your Name in Oregon.

Source

Fees, forms, and court routing on this page come from the New York courts' own guide: New York Courts — Name Change Basics. Facts verified 2026-10-24.

This page explains how the process works and what the official rules say. It is general information, not legal advice — for a dispute about your specific situation, talk to a lawyer or your state court.