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.

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.

Home › New York › Erie County

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.

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.

www.buffalony.gov/294/Marriage-Certificate-Request

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

Multiple SSA field offices serving Erie County (e.g., Buffalo downtown, Amherst, West Seneca) — confirm nearest and book appointment at ssa.gov/locator (appointments required since Jan 2025).

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

NY DMV — name change in person only (cannot be done online/by mail). Must update SSA first, then wait 24–48h for electronic verification; bring current license/ID + original or certified U.S. marriage certificate; form MV-44NC.

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.

Skip the guesswork — get your Erie County guide

Your personalized, step-by-step guide for Erie County — every office, fee, and form, with clickable links and a fillable progress tracker. Delivered to your inbox.

Get my Erie County guide → $24.99

Frequently 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.