New York Name Change Petition for Individual Adult

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New York Name Change Petition for Individual Adult

A New York name change form for individual adult is for those who want to petition the court to legally change their name. This document may also be used for individuals seeking a change in their sex designation. It must be notarized and filed with the county, supreme, or civil court in the petitioner’s jurisdiction.

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Last updated November 24th, 2025

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A New York name change form for individual adult is for those who want to petition the court to legally change their name. This document may also be used for individuals seeking a change in their sex designation. It must be notarized and filed with the county, supreme, or civil court in the petitioner’s jurisdiction.

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Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 18 years of age
  • New York State resident
  • Consent of both parents for minors

How to Legally Change a Name in New York

Step 1 – Fill Out the Petition

First, the petitioner must fill out the Name Change Petition for Individual Adult (UCS-NC1).

The petition may be completed online via the Adult Name Change Petition Program.

Step 2 – Gather Other Documents

In addition to the petition, the court will require proof of birth and the Order Granting Name Change (UCS-NCO1).[1] Other documents might be required depending on the circumstance (e.g., child support order, bankruptcy judgment).[2]

Step 3 – File the Petition

Once the documents are gathered, the petitioner can file them in the local county or supreme court (outside NYC), or the civil or supreme court (NYC).[3] A Supreme Court filing will also require the petitioner to file a Request for Judicial Intervention.

Some counties permit e-filing of documents via the New York State Courts Filing system.

Step 4 – The Order Granting Name Change

If the judge chooses to approve the petitioner’s request, they will sign the Order Granting Name Change.[4]

In some cases, the judge may require the petitioner to notify other parties of the name change.[5] All petitioners who have been convicted of a crime will be required to have a hearing.

Marriage and Divorce

Anyone can change their surname or middle name through marriage by entering the new name on the Marriage License.[6] NYC residents can retrieve their license online or in person; those living outside of NYC must apply in person at their local town or city clerk’s office.

Individuals getting divorced may request a restoration of their former name on the divorce decree.[7]

Sources

  1. N.Y. Civ. Rights Law § 61(3)
  2. N.Y. Civ. Rights Law § 61(1)
  3. N.Y. Civ. Rights Law § 60
  4. N.Y. Civ. Rights Law § 63
  5. N.Y. Civ. Rights Law § 64(2)(a)
  6. N.Y. Civ. Rights Law §65(1)
  7. N.Y. Civ. Rights Law §65(2)