How to Legally Change Your Name in New York

It is exciting to be married. You want to live together forever, create a new identity and also build up new and beautiful memories. This can only happen when you share an identity. The best way to do this is through legal name change.

Having wedded the other day, you have a lot on your mind. You need to settle down and learn the corners of your new town. You have new friends to know and neighbors to learn about. Everywhere, you are required to introduce yourself appropriately. Changing the name becomes inevitable. However, the process is not as easy as picking a nickname and beginning to use it immediately. There is a legal process involved and that must be completed by everyone who wants to change a name in New York.

Documents Required to Change Your Name Legally

The main document to successfully change your name in New York is your marriage certificate. It provides proof for name change to eliminate suspicion and make name change easy. The certificate is obtained as a certified copy or the original from the officer who officiated your marriage. It will be provided to you physically when you visit the office or be mailed on request as long as you pay the mailing fees. With the copy of your marriage certificate, you can proceed to change your name to what you desire with little hitches.

• Social Security Office

This is the first stop whenever you want your name changed legally after marriage. The social security card acts as your official identifier in New York. The Social Security Administration will update your name on official records and in the process issue you with a new card. The number of your card and the data entered in the system under your name will remain as they were. This means that you will be entitled to all benefits that were enjoyed under the previous name.

The new card will enable you to visit other departments and offices for name change. You cannot change your name online and have it reflect at the Social Security Administration office. You are required to visit the office in person to have your name changed. Alternatively, you engage an agent who visits the offices and files the papers. This is easier because you are not forced to queue for hours or travel to the office while you abandon your duties. There are SSA offices in neighborhoods, making it easier to change your name.

The documents you will be required to present at the Social Security Administration office include

• Marriage certificate – it must bear the name you want to change to.

• Proof of identity- you can use your old documents to proof your identity at the SSA office. This includes the old social security card, driving license, passport and even school ID. There are situations where employer ID, military ID card and even insurance cards are accepted. However, you must proof that the official documents are not easy to access.

• You must proof that you are a US citizen. This could be through a birth certificate, certificates of naturalization and citizenship or even a Consular Report of Birth.

Change of name through the legal process is free in New York State. You must submit original documents or certified copies for your application to be accepted. Some offices may charge a small fee to have the documents certified. The fact that you have made your application does not mean that it is successful. You will have to wait for approvals from the office, which will be mailed to you or you will be notified to collect the approval within a few days.

The process of name change does not end at the Social Security Administration office. All other documents should be changed to reflect the new changes in status. Here are places you need to visit to ensure that your name and personal details are updated.

• Department of Motor Vehicle- visit the DMV with your old license to have them update and issue you with a new one bearing the new name. Carry old identity documents and the new social security card bearing the new name. This is also an opportunity to change the details of vehicles you may own as well as voter roll details.

• Bank and other financial institutions- visit the bank to have your name changed to avoid inconsistencies. Other financial institutions like Saccos, mortgage companies and credit card companies should be informed.

Does the process of legal name change appear hectic to you? Hire a professional agent to complete the process of your behalf. The charges are reasonable but will save you a lot of trouble moving from one office to the other and filling papers you do not understand.

Guide to change your name legally after marriage in New York

Changing name legally after marriage is something quite common. It is a part of tradition and culture to take your husband’s last name after marriage. Changing your name legally is not an easy task. It requires effort, concentration and attention to every single specific detail. Different questions can come up in your mind when you thinking of getting your name legally changed. You will wonder on how to get started, what the procedure is and how to get started for this process. This is the time where you need to fill several forms, make payments here and there and also visit offices. Understanding the prerequisites for this process and preparing yourself accordingly is utmost important. It is a long process so most of the couples tend to complete it after their honeymoon.

If you want to legally change your name after marriage in New York, you need to do the following-

•    Change your name on the social security card
•    New York’s driver license name change
•    Vehicle title and registration name change
•    NY voter registration name change

Changing your name with the SSA

The very first thing you need to so is changing your name with the Social Security Name Change. It is very important to go with SSA as later when you go with DMV or vehicle registration, they need to verify your social security number. There is no provision of applying for the name change online, so you have to either send an application through mail or apply in person. To find the nearest office to your place, you need to check with your area zip code in the SSA.Gov website.

Known as for SS-5, you need to complete this application for Social Security Card. For this the documents that are needed are as follows-
•    Marriage certificate, this is the legal name change document
•    ID proof such as driver’s license, state issued non-drovers ID card, US passport. SSA can also accept employee ID card, health insurance card, US military ID card
•    You need to provide US citizenship such as US birth certificate, US Consular Report of Birth or Certificate of Citizenship

The entire process of name change with SSA does not involve a single penny. It is absolutely free. The important thing you need to remember here is to submit originals of the documents or certified photocopies. Regular photocopies are not accepted in this place. You need to pay a small amount of fee to get certified photocopies but that will help you to have a peace of mind and not get worried about submitting original documents. Your new Social Security Card will be mailed to you after the application process is over.

Change your name with the New York DMV

Your next destination is Department of Motor Vehicles after you get the Social Security Card. You can get your driver’s license name change along with vehicle title and registration name change done here with ease. DMV does not accept name change application through mails or online. You need to get the entire process done by being present at the DMV office. Check the DMV.NY website to figure out the nearest DMV office to your place. The documents needed for name change are as follows-

The current DMV documents where you need to get your name changed
Valid New York’s driver license or a combination of the following documents-
Social Security Card
Marriage Certificate
US military photo
US passport or passport card

Apart from the following documents mentioned above you need to complete the application form known as MV-44. You can get the driver’s license or learner’ permit here for $13 and New York non driver ID card for $5. However, vehicle registration and certificate of title are free of charge here. When you apply for the name change process in DMV, you will get your new driver’s license, registration and the title in the next ten days.

Update records of voter registration

You can go for updating the voter registration records to get your name change after marriage. You can go for this process at the same time you apply for name change in DMV. Till the time your request is processed, you won’t be allowed to go to the polls. You need to use the New York State Voter Registration form to update your voter information directly with New York County Board of Elections.

The last thing that you need to do is change your name with US passport. This is an important part of legally change your name after marriage process in New York. If your passport was issued less than one year before your name change then you need to go for form no DS-5504. If your passport was issued more than a year before your name change then you need to go for form no DS-82. You need to be very careful and do each of the steps carefully for your name change process.

How to Get a Legal Name Change in New York after Divorce

Divorce comes with a burning desire to cut all the links you had with your spouse. The name is one of the elements you want to leave behind once you are divorced. Fortunately, New York City has made name change after divorce easy in order to get a new identity and a fresh lease of life.

The process of changing your name after divorce is not fundamentally different from other instances. The only difference is the reason you give for name change. This article addresses three name change aspects in depth.

• The correct process to follow when changing your name
• The paperwork you need to complete in order to change the name legally 
• How to begin using the newly acquired name

Changing your name after divorce presents you with a dilemma. What new name will you use? There are several options that you can consider when choosing a new name.

• Drop the name of your spouse and remain with your original name
• If you had generate a hybrid name with your spouse, you can drop it to revert to the original name
• There are instances where you need to change to a new name. This is especially common where the spouse is violent or the life of your children or your own is in danger. You may also want to have a totally new identity and therefore choose a completely new name. 

Whichever option you choose, the process to be followed is the same. Think deeply about the name chosen and the justification because the process of changing the name costs money and is engaging. You will not have the time to repeat it repeatedly at will. If name change is not necessary or will complicate other processes in life, it should be ignored. You can drop the name socially or adapt another and continue to use other names in your official documents.

Divorce is a strong justification for you to change name. However, it is not automatic that you can change the name because you have divorced. In some cases, the change will be declined despite the court having approved your divorce. Here are instances where your application will not go through.

• Choosing a vulgar name. Authorities do not approve names that are derogative and those that are viewed as offensive. 
• A racial or religious slur. If the name offends a group of people or race, your application will be declined. 
• Punctuation marks are also not admissible names whenever you want to change. This is because they are confusing. Imagine a name like “!” in the middle of a sentence. No one will read it as a name. However, you can use the full name of an exclamation mark like “Coma” or “Period” as your name. 
• There are personal instances that may hinder your name change. If the authorities think that the change is intended to facilitate crime, it will not be approved. Further, where the change will cause you to escape responsibilities like paying alimony or such other financial responsibilities, approval will not be granted. 
• Changing the name to a confusing name will also be met with resistance. For instance, if the intention is to defraud people by pretending to be another person, the change in name will be declined.

The name you choose and the reasons for change are usually personal. Restrictions indicated above are only meant to ensure that people do not take advantage of the process to commit crimes or escape responsibilities. By considering the issues raised above, you will clear the way for a quick and sure process of name change. It reduces the time taken to have a complete name change with necessary approvals. It will also ensure that you spend less money since a lengthy process also becomes expensive.

The Process of Name Change in New York After Divorce

The law allows anyone to change his name at will. However, the changes must be formalized and easy to track. It also allows your new name to be recorded and recognized by government institutions as well as private entities. It could be challenging for organizations and the government if people changed names at will.

The process of divorce can be used in changing the name. You are required to petition the judge to include the new name as part of the prayers you are seeking. The courts are permitted to grant formal reversal of your name to the previous one as part of the petitions granted. Note that this prayer must be expressly stated during divorce. If you do not make the request, the change of name will not form part of the outcomes granted. The prayer sort may be declined because of pleadings by your spouse or objection of the court. A third party may also object for other unique reasons.

Once the divorce decree is given, you will use it to effect name change in other jurisdictions. Mainly, you need to change the name on all your documents as well as places that you are registered under the previous name. You require the following documents to undertake the change.

• A certified copy of the divorce decree as issued by the New York court. This can be granted on request by the court and even mailed to you on demand. 
• Identify proof that is recognized in New York. This includes your passport, State identity card or your driver’s license. 
• Proof that you are of legal age. The documents that can be used include hospital records, birth certificate or adoption decree

Depending on the unique nature of your case, you may be required to provide other documents. If you do not have the divorce decree copy, you can request it directly or using agents online. A similar request can be made for identification and proof of age documents. The availability of these documents will determine the success of your petition or application.

Petition to Change Your Name in New York

You will be required to file this petition if you did not plead with the court to allow name change or the prayers were denied. Not all courts can rule on name change and some cases receive a negative answer because of their uniqueness.

The petition is filed separately from divorce pleadings. The petition requires you to provide particular personal details before the request can be approved. These details must be accurate and conclusive to avoid doubts or denial of your application. Some of the information required includes

• Name, age, birth information and your current or envisaged residence
• You must provide your birth certificate
• Formal child support obligations
• Spouse support responsibilities
• Any history of criminal conviction. You must indicate whether you have been indicted for violent felony at any point in the past. 
• Bankruptcy charges or proceedings
• All proceedings, liens, judgments and actions that are pending against you

If any of this information is missing or inaccurately entered, your name change will be declined. The court must be satisfied that the change will not facilitate commission of crimes or evading justice. Personal information also enables the court to decide the merit of your case.

In New York, you must publish your desire to change the name for the public to raise objections or approve. This requirement will only be overlooked in particular circumstances including

• If the publication will compromise your safety because of prevailing circumstances. This is a determination for the court to make. 
• Where you personally ask the court to restrict access to your information including current address, name, telephone, business and any other information whose sharing would compromise the safety or comfortable living of the petitioner.

Any exemption on publication must be presented to the court for determination. Where the judge orders publication, the mode of publication will be outlined and it must be strictly followed. You must return an affidavit of publication to the court from the publishing newspaper. In case there is an objection, your petition will be reviewed by the court and either approved or declined.

Notify Necessary Government Agencies of Your Name Change 
While the court has granted name change, there are authorities that need to be notified to enable them update their records. This will also ensure that you are not using two different names on official documents and government platforms. Present proof of name change to Social Security Administration in your area. This is usually the first stop because most other public and private agencies obtain their data from the administration. You will get a new Social Security Card bearing the new name but the old number will be retained.

Visit the Department of Motor Vehicle to obtain a new driver’s license bearing the new name. While at the office, update your vehicle ownership details as well as voter registration. Other institutions like banks, community welfare, school alumni and saving Sacco should be notified of the new name. This prevents discrepancies that are likely to be a source of conflict. Notify friends and begin using the new name in your social engagements as well. 

Last Name change Service: Removing the Hassle from Legal Name Change

The decision to change your last name change can be precipitated by various changes in your in life situation. Whatever the motivation behind this momentous decision, you need to have the right information in order to get it right. Many people have delayed taking this step due to the fear of the unknown while others have been discouraged by reports of bureaucracy. This being a legal process, you have to go through various offices for the name change to be finally effected.  This has always been a tedious and slow process but luckily, a last name change service can change all this. If you are planning to change your last name, it is important to get more insight on the process while also learning the advantages of using these online services.

Why Change Your Last Name?

The most common reasons people change their last names include:

i. Marriage: Most married women drop their maiden name and pick the husband’s family name. This signifies their new status and is also considered a show of commitment to the marriage.
ii. Divorce: Divorce is an emotionally draining situation and most women want to start on a clean slate after it is finalized. One way of getting a new start is by reverting back to the maiden name. This is an important decision as it shows the finality of the divorce.
iii. Other personal reasons: There are many other reasons to change a last name including death of a husband, business reasons and paternity suits among others.

The Name Change Process in Brief

This being a legal process you have to appreciate that your name is going to change in all your documents. This is where things get tricky because the government expects you to be proactive in effecting the name change once you have the legal go-ahead.

But how do you get this legal go-ahead? Take a look:

• Name change in marriage: If you wish to drop your maiden name and take your husband’s name after marriage, you have to start using the new last name when applying for a marriage license. This is the document that will be used to process a marriage certificate which is the legal document indicating your new status and reflecting the last name change. You should get a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the relevant authorities as it will be used to apply for new legal documents.
• In divorce: You can include a last name change request in your divorce filing or file a post-judgment motion to have a name change order included in the divorce decree. Once a judge grants your request, make sure you get certified copy of the name change order. This will come in handy when applying for new legal documents.
• Name change petition: For all other reasons to change your last name, you have to file a name change petition in court, fill the prerequisite forms, attend a hearing and finally get a name change order. Make sure to request for certified copies of the name change order to apply for new documents.

Once you have a certified copy of your marriage certificate or name change order, you need to apply for:

i. A social security card by completing Form SS-5 online.
ii. A new driver’s license by visiting the local DMV offices.
iii. A new passport by completing Form DS-5504 or Form - DS-82 depending on when the document was issued.

For all these, you need to show proof of name change. The next stage is notifying all relevant parties about your name change. These include banks and other financial institutions, credit card companies, insurance company, post office, employer, utility companies among others.

Using a Name Change Service

Traditionally, this process would consume a lot of time and energy. You have to fill numerous forms, hop from office to office and queue for endless hours to get assisted.  However, a reliable name change service streamlines the entire process. These experts have all the paperwork you need on one platform.

Once you sign up and indicate the type of service you want, all the paperwork will be filled and sent to you for signing. You just need to mail the signed documents to the relevant institutions. For the driver’s license, you will still need to visit the local nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person. However, you will still have your paperwork ready from the name change service.

Changing your last name doesn’t have to be such a tedious task after all. You just have to identify a reliable last name change service, choose a suitable name change package, sit back and relax as the process continues smoothly.

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Things You Need to Know About Maiden Name Change

One major change a woman has to face after getting married is that they get a new identity. This is the change of the sir name women have to observe after marriage. However, not all women allude to this idea. It’s not easy for anyone to change the identity they have been living with since birth in one day.

Luckily, the maiden name change is no longer compulsory. It’s upon the woman to decide if they want to retain their maiden name or change it by taking the husband’s sir name once married. So, how do you decide? If you are going through this face, there are some factors that can help you make a valid conclusion.

If you just got married and you want to change the maiden name, there is no need to file a petition in court. The marriage certificate is enough evidence. You only need to update the new name at the bank, Motor Vehicle Department, credits cards, etc. A certified copy of the marriage certificate is required because a photocopy won’t suffice. Contact the office that issues your marriage certificate and request them to provide extra certified copies, preferably three. The next step is to use one certified marriage certificate copy as evidence to change your maiden name with the government agencies.

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Name Change Checklist: Changing Your Name After Marriage

Couples have to make many decisions related to their wedding day. This involves choosing a venue for the wedding, the color scheme, cake flavor, among other decisions. There are also some decisions you have to make that have a long-lasting effect on your life like changing your last name.


Most modern couples choose to back tradition in different ways in regards to changing names after the wedding; some men take their wives name, other couples hyphenate their names while others combine both partners’ last names. No matter what you choose to do if changing names is something, you want to do, be sure to consult with a conclusive name change checklist to make sure that everything is legally and properly updated.

Changing your name

The name changing process is very easy as long as you have some guidance. If you and your partner have agreed to change names, there are some to-do’s you should observe. The name change checklist we shall outline below will keep you on track on what you should do. Once you have read the process you need to follow to change your name, you could use the name change checklist to stay organized.

Certificate of marriage

Once your union has been officiated, and witnesses have signed the certificate (something that happens after the marriage ceremony), send the certificate to the county register’s office. This is the same office where you file for the marriage certificate. It can take approximately six weeks to get the official marriage certificate since the duration of each state differs. Think of the marriage certificate as your birth certificate; it acts as the official marriage record and should be kept safe. Often, agencies don’t accept the photocopy of the marriage certificate, forcing most couples to pay extra fees to get two or more official copies for safe keeping.  After you have received the document via mail, you can now start the process of changing your name.

• Step 1

You should begin with the Social Security card. Consider going to the local office before they start their daily operations; this way you will be the first on line. If you have to take an off that morning, please do it. You will find most people in that office doing various things, and when you arrive late, the chances are that you will sit there for many hours. You will file to change your name on the Social Security Card. The new card takes approximately ten days or less to get to you via mail.

• Step 2

After getting the Social Security Card in your mail, the next step you should take is to visit the local DMV so you can update the driver’s license. Because you will be required to pay a fee, this is the suitable time you should take a new photo and update the same information on the card. Each state is different, and the charges will vary as well. You'll be required to fill in a form, then present the marriage certificate and the new Social Security Card; be sure to carry both of them. There are states that can even update the voter registration and car title on this same visit. You can get more information including the form you are supposed to fill out at the DMV state site. The new driver’s license takes four weeks.

• Step 3

The next items will present some challenges. Many banks will ask you to bring new Social Security Card, the license, and the marriage official document so that you can update your new name on the accounts, mortgage, and credit cards. Adding or changing a name to the house title deed is another issue, and it’s recommended that you consult a professional on the same. The issue here will be the Passport, and you may have to pay $165 just to update it. You have to bring a new photo. Consider visiting the government website for more information on updating your passport. Updating the PayPal can also present some hurdles. It’s recommended that you update the bank accounts first then deal with PayPal. You will be required provide your marriage certificate. There is also a process of document review that could take up to one week to authenticate.

Never book a honeymoon hotel or flight using your new name because it’s not legal yet.

• Step 4

The items here are easy and will not require the marriage certificate. There are DMV offices that can even take care of the car title and still change the driver’s license. Once the bank accounts have been updated, make sure you talk to the HR department, and they will update the paychecks too. Other items will be taken care of when you receive the monthly statements or bills. In case you own a business, and you would like the legal documents to be updated consider discussing the changes with a business lawyer.

• Step 5

The items in this section are vital, but they are not as important as the paycheck or your bank accounts. It’s possible to change your name on the taxes during the tax time. Health care providers also allow you to make name changes online or at their office the next time you visit them. It’s also possible to re-register to vote on many state websites with a few clicks. Your pet’s microchip can also be updated during their next visit to the vet. But, to update your will or living trust, you may require a notarization as well as other potential fees. Because you are newly married, you may want to consider drafting your new last will so that both of you will be protected just in case.

• Step 6

The items here are things you can organically update when you come across them. For instance, you could choose to change your Facebook name the next day. The next time you go to the library, gym or other clubs you could change your name. The only ones you have to change pronto are those that you pay for since the name difference may cause problems when the next payments hit the bank account.

This name change checklist should guide you make the necessary changes as per your plan.

Why Use A Name Change Service After Marriage?

When planning for the biggest day in your life, it is important to have all the important details covered. Most couples focus on the now and forget what happens right after a wedding.  Even after the most glamorous wedding ceremony, you have to deal with more crucial stuff the most important being a legal name change. Many newlyweds want a name change not only because it is part of their culture but to reflect their new status and show their commitment to the union. Truth be told, a legal name change process is tedious and in fact, many couples give up altogether because of the bureaucracy involved. There are numerous offices to visit, tomes of paperwork to fill and many hours of queuing to contend with and all this coming after an energy sapping and grueling wedding. But worry no more; if you are planning a wedding, you can use a name change service after marriage to save a lot of time and energy. These services remove the hassle from a legal name change and ensure you enjoy your honeymoon and then settle into your new life comfortably.

Legal Name Change in Brief 

To appreciate why working with a name change service is the best option, you have to consider the alternative.  A name change after marriage starts with an application for a marriage license. This is the document used to allow the wedding to go ahead. You have to use the new name on this document because it will be used to create a marriage certificate. For most couples, this step is missed and things go awry from here onwards. This is understandable considering the work already in their hands.

Once the marriage certificate is ready, you need certified copies of the same to start the legal name change process officially.  A certified copy of your marriage certificate is needed to apply for new legal papers including a driving license, social security card and travelling documents.

This is where things get trickier; you have to visit the local DMV offices with your old DL, social security card and fill out a form for a new document.  For the passport and social security card, there are also forms to be filled and this might require a visit to the local offices to get more details on the same. You can also go online to find more about how to apply for these new legal documents after a wedding.

Once you have these important legal documents, you need to notify other offices about the name change. Some states require a public notice in a local newspaper. Among the institutions you need to notify include banks, schools, employer, mortgage lender, credit card companies, utility services, post office among others. This is a tedious process as you have to find the address of different offices, write name change notification letters, include a copy of the marriage certificate and mail the letters.

Options for Name Change after Marriage 

The best thing about a legal name change is the fact that you can pick any name with exceptions of course. For instance, you can’t change your name for fraudulent intentions, to commit a crime or to escape debt liability. The name you choose should not confuse meaning you can’t pick a celebrity’s name or that of a public figure. Likewise, your new name should not be offensive, racially insulting or intended to cause violence.
With this in mind, you must be wondering what name change options you have after marriage. Well, you can opt to:

1. Do nothing and keep your name
2. Drop your maiden name and pick your spouse’s name.
3. Take your spouse’s name for legal use but retain your name for professional purposes.
4. Replace your middle name with your maiden name and pick your spouse’s last name
5. Create a new last name either by hyphenating your last name or blending your name with that of your spouse to create a new name.

Of course there are many other variations of names you can use after marriage but remember this is a legal process and undoing the same will still take time. This is why a lot of thought is required when doing this.

How Online Name Change Works

Looking at the traditional way of changing a name after marriage, it is obvious that this process virtually takes over your life.  After marriage, there is so much more on your hands and time is a resource you don’t have in plenty. Luckily, online name change services can save you the trouble.

These companies have all the information you need on one platform but there is more. You can choose from different name change packages available to have all the paperwork required availed to you.  You just need to fill out the forms and print them out for signing. The addresses are provided and you just have to mail the paperwork.

An in-person visit is also required for your driving license application at your local DMV offices. However, you will still save a lot of time as all the paperwork will already be filled out and you just have to present a certified copy of your marriage certificate and any other identification documents.

To get all this started, the online name change service requests for your personal identification details which are then typed out on your paperwork. In essence, you will receive forms that are fully filled and all you have to do is mail them to respective offices. There is no hassle of looking for addresses and filling out paperwork.

In summary, name change service after marriage saves you a lot of time that would have otherwise been wasted hopping from one office to the next. You also get a lot of invaluable information on how to go about this process and you are assured no step will be missed along the way. More importantly, there is 24/7 customer care support and all your queries are promptly answered. By providing different name change packages, these companies make it easier for everyone to enjoy affordable and convenient name change services. Your name change after marriage doesn’t have to be so hard after all, does it?