How to Change Your Name After Marriage in New York
Here's exactly how to change your name after marriage in New York: the right documents, the right order, and the official New York links you'll need.
Checked against official New York and federal sources in August 2026. Sources are listed at the bottom of this page.
The New York order of operations
The winning sequence in New York is: certified marriage certificate → Social Security (free, first) → wait 24–48 hours → New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) → passport → notify everyone. Each step verifies against the one before it, so order matters.
Every New York step, in the right order
This page covers name change after marriage. Your free checklist puts it with the other agencies, sequenced for New York, so nothing gets done out of order.
Step 1: Your certified marriage certificate
Order 3–5 certified copies from the New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Certification Unit (Albany), for marriages outside NYC; NYC marriages are handled separately by the NYC Office of the City Clerk. Photocopies aren't accepted.
Good to know for New York: NYS DOH Vital Records (Albany) issues marriage certificates for marriages outside New York City ($30 per copy by mail; the issuing town or city clerk can also provide copies, often faster). Marriages performed in NYC are ordered from the NYC Office of the City Clerk instead.
Step 2–4: Social Security, then the DMV
File the free SS-5 with Social Security first, wait 24–48 hours, then update your license at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) (typically $12.50 for an amended driver license/learner permit; $5.00 for a non-driver ID card). Bring:
- Completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44)
- Current driver license, permit, or non-driver ID card
- Original or certified copy of U.S. marriage certificate (or divorce decree/court order if applicable)
- Updated Social Security card / SSN on file matching the new name
- 6 points of proof of identity and date of birth if no acceptable current photo document is available
Step 5–6: Passport, voter registration & everyone else
Update your passport, then your New York voter registration (Register or update your registration (including a name change) at least 10 days before an election. Online updates go through the state Board of Elections portal and are processed by your county Board of Elections.), and finally your bank, employer, and insurers.
New York FAQs
Sources
We checked the details on this page against the official sources below in August 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm anything you are about to act on at the agency's own page. The legal citations were last re-read against their sources in October 2026. How we verify.
- State agencyNew York: ordering a certified marriage certificate
- State agencyNew York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV): name change on a license or ID
- State agencyNew York official voter registration page
- The lawN.Y. Election Law § 5-210A registration form must be received no later than the 10th day before the election.
- FederalSocial Security Administration: change your name
- FederalSocial Security Administration: Form SS-5
- FederalU.S. Department of State: change or correct a passport
NameWright is not a government agency and this is not legal advice. We prepare your paperwork; you file it.
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