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Name change by state ยท New York

How to change your name in New York

After a wedding or a divorce, here's the order that works in New York, what to bring, and what it costs.

DMV fee$12.50 by mail (Standard license); $17.50 in person with a new photo
DeadlineNo set deadline found, but update it before you travel or renew
WhereNew York DMV, by mail or in person

  1. Get certified copies

    Order certified copies of your marriage certificate (from the county that issued your license) or your divorce decree (from the court). Offices won't take photocopies. Most people need three or four.

    Divorce: check that your decree says you may go back to your former name. If it doesn't, ask the court about an order restoring it first.

  2. Update Social Security

    This comes first, and it's free. Fill in form SS-5 and bring it with your certified document to a Social Security office or mail it. Federal REAL ID rules mean the New York DMV checks your new name against Social Security's records, so wait a day or two after this step.

  3. Get a new New York driver's license

    The form is the MV-44 / MV-44NC. Sasha fills it in for you with your new name, so you just check it and sign at the office.

    Bring:

    • Completed MV-44 (in person) or MV-44NC (by mail)
    • Original or certified U.S. marriage certificate
    • Current license

    Good to know:

    • A Standard license can be updated by mail if your SSN is on file and Social Security already has your new name.
    • The name must exactly match your Social Security card.
    • REAL ID and Enhanced licenses need an office visit.

  4. Update your passport

    If your passport is less than a year old, use form DS-5504 (free). If it's older but you can renew by mail, use DS-82. Otherwise apply in person with DS-11.

  5. Everyone else

    Banks and credit cards, your employer and payroll, insurance, voter registration, your car title, doctors, utilities and online accounts. Most accept a short letter with a copy of your certificate or decree.

Let Sasha do the paperwork

Sasha builds this checklist for you, keeps track of what's done, and fills in your Social Security and passport forms and the New York DMV form. It also writes your letters for banks and insurers. The checklist is free.

See how Sasha works

Official sources

Last checked October 7, 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm on the official site before you go.