The Legal Name Change Process

 The Legal Name Change Process

The process involves petitioning the civil court in New York City   ( or the Supreme Court  outside of New York City )  for a legal name change with proof of birth, citizenship, and proof of residence as exhibits.  You prove your birth and citizenship with your birth certificate,  US passport, and Naturalization Certificate.  Legal Permanent Residences may also file for a legal name change with proof of residency:  the Green Card and a copy of the identification of the foreign passport or foreign birth certificate.   Foreign birth certificates require a certified translation to English. 

To prove residence, you need two billing statements that are addressed to you at a New York residence that are current within 90 days of filing.  You can do this with utility bills ( gas, electric, etc.)  a cell phone bill pdf copy or pdf statements from a bank or credit card company.   Please redact account and financial information if you use a bank or credit card statement for this purpose. 

Its also a good idea to provide a redacted copy of the social security card with the number crossed out to have the name change order recite the name that is in Social Security administration records when you update your social security records.  

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/