Name Change FAQs

How Can I Legally Change My Name?

• If newly married, you can use your marriage certificate to change your name with the Social Security Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, your employer, bank, etc.

• If recently divorced, your Divorce Decree is proof that you may resume use of a prior name - if and only if the Judgment specifies the pre-marital surname.
  • Ex: ORDERED that the Plaintiff may resume use of her pre-marital surname, specifically, _____;
• Otherwise, you need to obtain a Supreme Court Name Change Order in the county where you live.
  • Instruction:  www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/NameChange/basics.shtml
  • Forms: https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/NameChange/forms.shtml

What Forms Do I Need?

You must neatly fill out the following forms in black ink:

• Application for an Index Number
• Request for Judicial Intervention

Adult Name Changes:

• Adult Name Change Petition
• Adult Name Change Order

Child Name Changes:

• Child Name Change Petition
• Child Name Change Consent
• Child Name Change Order
  • The Petitions and Consent must be signed in front of a Notary Public.
    • The Broome County Clerk’s Office provides free Notary services (valid government-issued photo ID required).

 

Do I Need Anything Else?

Yes, you must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. This becomes part of your name change record and will NOT be returned to you.

After you’ve been granted a legal name change and it’s been published accordingly, you need to ask the New York State Department of Health’s Vital Records Correction Unit to issue you a new birth certificate. Continue reading for more info on how to obtain a new birth certificate.

 

How Do I Write the Caption on My Application for Index Number & RJI?

Write your caption exactly as it appears on your Petition for Name Change.

Adult Name Changes:

            SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF BROOME

______________________________________

In the Matter of the Application of

YOUR CURRENT NAME HERE, Petitioner

 

For Leave to Change (His/Her) Name To:

YOUR PROPOSED NAME HERE

_______________________________________

 

Child Name Change:

 

             SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF BROOME

_________________________________________

In the Matter of the Application of

PARENT’S NAME, as Parent and Natural Guardian

 

For Leave to Change the Name of

CHILD’S CURRENT NAME to CHILD’S NEW NAME

_________________________________________

 

How Much Does It Cost?

• $210 to file the Application for Index Number.
  • Accepted forms of payment are cash, check and credit card (all cards except Discover).
  • Checks should be made payable to the Broome County Clerk.

• Certified copies of the final Name Change Order are $5.20 each.

 

What if I Can’t Afford the Filing Fees?

If you have extreme financial hardship and are unable to pay the $210 filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver by filing an Affidavit to Proceed as a Poor Person. The Judge will determine if you meet the qualifications.

• Instructions: www.nycourts.gov/legacyPDFs/courts/6jd/forms/SRForms/ifp_howto.pdf
• Form: www.nycourts.gov/legacyPDFs/courts/6jd/forms/SRForms/ifp_aff.pdf

 

What Do I Do With the Forms?

After completing the forms in black ink, take them to the Broome County Clerk's Office for filing.

• Our office is located on the 3^rd floor of the Broome County Office Building (60 Hawley Street / Binghamton, NY 13901).
• No appointments necessary. The front counter is open from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

 

What's Next?

The Broome County Clerk's Office will submit your papers to the Supreme Court.

• Your case will be assigned to a Judge, who will review your papers.

• You will be contacted by the Court if additional information is required or if the name change request has been granted.

 

What Happens After the Judge Signs the Order?

After the Court approves your name change, you must do 1 more thing:

1. File the original signed Order in the Broome County Clerk’s Office.
   
   Publication FAQs: www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/NameChange/publication.shtml

 

What Happens After the Affidavit of Publication Is Filed in the Clerk’s Office?

CONGRATULATIONS! Your name has been be legally changed!

You will need certified copies of the Name Change Order for your records as well as one for each agency you deal with so they can change their records.

• Certified copies are $5.20 each.

 

How Do I Get a New Birth Certificate?

After you’ve been granted a legal name change and it’s been published accordingly, you need to ask the New York State Department of Health’s Vital Records Correction Unit to issue you a new birth certificate.

• Birth Record Correction FAQs: www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/docs/public_instructions_for_birth_corrections.pdf
• Forms and Eligibility Requirements: www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/birth.htm

If you have any questions regard birth certificates, please contact New York State Vital Records at:

• Email: vr@health.ny.gov
• Toll-Free Phone: 855-322-1022

 

Do I Need to Tell Anyone Else About My Name Change?

There are several agencies that should be notified about your name change, including:

• U.S. Social Security Administration
• New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
• Your employer
• Any bank where you have an account