How to Change Your Name in Erie County, New York
Changing your name in Erie County (county seat: Buffalo) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Erie County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Erie County Clerk — $10 per certified marriage certificate from Buffalo City Clerk (all copies are certified); ~$10 from other Erie town clerks (confirm); VitalChek online $10 + $7 processing = $17. NY DOH $30. each. Then update Social Security, then your New York DMV license, then your passport, in that order. No court filing is required.
After a divorce or a court order: your certified copies come from the Erie County County Clerk instead. The rest of the sequence is identical.
Order matters. Social Security has to be updated before the New York DMV — the license office checks your SSA record, and if it still shows your old name they will turn you away.
Step 1 — Get your certified copies
Every agency needs to see an original certified document. For a marriage name change, order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Erie County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Erie County County Clerk (below).
Erie County Clerk
Phone: Buffalo City Clerk (716) 851-5431; for towns outside Buffalo, contact the issuing town clerk
Certified copy fee: $10 per certified marriage certificate from Buffalo City Clerk (all copies are certified); ~$10 from other Erie town clerks (confirm); VitalChek online $10 + $7 processing = $17. NY DOH $30.
Step 2 — Update Social Security
Update your Social Security record first — it must come before your driver's license. It's free, but bring your certified document and a current photo ID.
Local Social Security office
Step 3 — Update your New York DMV license
Once your Social Security record is updated, visit the New York DMV to reissue your driver's license or state ID with your new name.
New York DMV office
Driver's license / ID fee: $12.50 (amended photo document); $5.00 amended non-driver ID
Step 4 — Update your passport
Submit the correct passport form with a certified copy of your name-change document. Passport services are available in New York Passport Agency (376 Hudson St, Manhattan) for urgent travel by appointment only; routine renewals via USPS/library/clerk passport acceptance facilities (see iafdb.travel.state.gov)..
Fees at a glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copies (Erie County) | $10 per certified marriage certificate from Buffalo City Clerk (all copies are certified); ~$10 from other Erie town clerks (confirm); VitalChek online $10 + $7 processing = $17. NY DOH $30. |
| Social Security card update | Free |
| Driver's license reissue | $12.50 (amended photo document); $5.00 amended non-driver ID |
| U.S. passport update | $0–$130 (depends on timing) |
Local note: New York marriage name change: NO court filing — the certified marriage certificate IS the legal name-change document. Order of operations: (1) certified marriage certificate from the ISSUING town/city clerk; (2) SSA card update in person by appointment (free); (3) wait 24–48h, then NY DMV in person to amend license/ID ($12.50, form MV-44NC) — rejected if SSA not yet updated; (4) U.S. passport; (5) voter & vehicle registration. ERIE-SPECIFIC: if married in the City of Buffalo, order from the Buffalo City Clerk (65 Niagara Square, Room 1302); if married in a town, order from that town clerk. Confirm the issuing office before quoting a customer.
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Get my Erie County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in Erie County, NY?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Erie County Clerk, then update your Social Security record, your New York DMV driver's license, and your passport — in that order.
- How much does a certified copy cost in Erie County?
- The Erie County Clerk charges $10 per certified marriage certificate from Buffalo City Clerk (all copies are certified); ~$10 from other Erie town clerks (confirm); VitalChek online $10 + $7 processing = $17. NY DOH $30. for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the Erie County Clerk's office?
- Phone: Buffalo City Clerk (716) 851-5431; for towns outside Buffalo, contact the issuing town clerk. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in Erie County?
- No for a marriage or divorce name change — your certificate or decree is your legal document. A court-order name change requires filing a petition with the County Clerk and attending a hearing.
Sources: Erie County Clerk · Social Security Administration · how we verify this