Are you wondering how to change your name in New York City? The name change experts at MissNowMrs created this guide to help you save time and stress. Why? Because navigating your name change with state and government agencies in New York City can take over 13 hours!
The New York City Name Change Process
1. Understand New York City Name Change Laws
New York allows most version of married name change, but not taking your maiden as a middle name. Fortunately, there’s a loophole! It is possible to take your maiden name as a middle name IF you file your name change forms in a specific order.
File your Social Security form and your U.S. Passport forms first. Next, wait to receive both of those new documents back in your new name. Then, you can go to the New York DMV and file for your new driver’s license. Your updated Social Security card and passport will provide the necessary 6 points of identification needed by the agency for your name change.
2. The Social Security Administration
To begin your name change, find and fill out the SS-5 form. Then decide if you wish to file in-person or by mail. You will need to provide a certified marriage certificate and your driver’s license or U.S. passport for the form to be processed. Please note that photocopies are not accepted, even if you file by mail.
Pre-COVID, it typically took 2 weeks for your new SS card to be mailed to you. Now, it’s anywhere from 3-6 weeks. Your new card will have your new name, but your SSN will remain the same. If you elected to file by mail, your marriage certificate and form of ID will be returned with your new card.
3. The IRS
Completing the IRS 8822 form is not mandatory. However, it’s only 11 questions, you can file it by mail, and ensures that the IRS does not hold your tax returns if there is confusion regarding your married and married names. We consider it a no brainer!
4. The State Department
The State Department has three different name change forms, depending on your current passport status. They are the DS-11, the DS-82, and the DS-5504. After filling in the correct form, file it with your current passport, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, two passport photos, and the listed processing fee.
Usually U.S. passports take 5-6 weeks to be processed and issued. With COVID delays, that timeline can be even longer. So, it is important to take any upcoming international travel into account, before changing your name on your passport. TSA will not authorize travel under a name that is different from your current reservation.
5. The New York City DMV
Once you have your new SS card and passport in your married name, it’s time to tackle changing your name on your driver’s license. Complete the New York Department of Motor Vehicles Application for Driver’s license and bring it to the DMV along with your current driver’s license, certified marriage certificate in English, SS card, passport, and proof of residence if you have recently moved. The fee for your new license is $12.50, and it will be issued the same day you apply.
6. The New York City Voter Registration Bureau
Next up is updating your name with the New York Voter Registration Bureau. Simply complete the New York State Voter Registration Application and mail it to your County Board of Elections with a photocopy of your new driver’s license. This ensures that you will be able to vote under your married name in the next election.
7. ALL of Your Creditors and Accounts
As you wrap up filing all government forms, it’s time to update all of your creditors. We advise starting with your employer and your banking institutions. Typically, they will ask you to file a form in-person and show a certified marriage certificate (and occasionally your new SS card.)
Next, update your name with your loan providers, credit card companies, mortgage providers, utilities, and professional licensing boards. Most of them will change your name by phone, or via an online form. Finally, change your name on of your accounts, memberships, periodicals, frequent flyer programs, and on social media. Every company’s policy will be different, but many will allow you to login and make the update on your own.
8. New York City Name Change Made Easy
Now that you’ve learned how to change your name in New York City are you anxious? Skip 13 hours of stress and hassle with the MissNowMrs name change app or online service. We’d be delighted to streamline your name change into a matter of minutes!
