How to Change Your Name in Kings County, New York
Changing your name in Kings County (county seat: Brooklyn) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Kings 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 Kings County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Kings County County Clerk (below).
Kings County Clerk
Phone: 311 (or 212-639-9675 from outside NYC)
Certified copy fee: $15 first copy + $10 each additional (domestic short form); $35/$30 for extended/long-form (foreign/passport-consulate use) — verified on cityclerk.nyc.gov
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)
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 (Kings County) | $15 first copy + $10 each additional (domestic short form); $35/$30 for extended/long-form (foreign/passport-consulate use) — verified on cityclerk.nyc.gov |
| Social Security card update | Free |
| Driver's license reissue | $12.50 (amended photo document) |
| U.S. passport update | $0–$130 (depends on timing) |
Local note: New York marriage name change: NO court filing — the certified marriage certificate from the NYC Office of the City Clerk (Marriage Bureau) IS the legal name-change document. Order of operations: (1) certified marriage certificate — order online (cityclerk.nyc.gov / on.nyc.gov/MarriageRecord), no walk-ins, appointment/pickup only; (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. Certified-copy fee verified on cityclerk.nyc.gov: $15 first short-form copy + $10 each additional; $35/$30 extended (long-form) copy for foreign/consulate/passport use.
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Get my Kings County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in Kings County, NY?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Kings 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 Kings County?
- The Kings County Clerk charges $15 first copy + $10 each additional (domestic short form); $35/$30 for extended/long-form (foreign/passport-consulate use) — verified on cityclerk.nyc.gov for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the Kings County Clerk's office?
- Phone: 311 (or 212-639-9675 from outside NYC). Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in Kings 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.