How do I change my name after marriage in Monroe County, NY?

Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Monroe 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 Monroe 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.

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How to Change Your Name in Monroe County, New York

Changing your name in Monroe County (county seat: Rochester) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Monroe 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 Monroe County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Monroe County County Clerk (below).

Monroe County Clerk

Phone: Rochester City Clerk, License Bureau (585) 428-6617; for towns outside Rochester, contact the issuing town clerk

Certified copy fee: $10 per certified copy from Rochester City Clerk; ~$10 from other Monroe town clerks (confirm); NY DOH $30

www.cityofrochester.gov/departments/city-clerk/marriage-licenses

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 Monroe County (e.g., Rochester, Henrietta) — 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 (Monroe County)	$10 per certified copy from Rochester City Clerk; ~$10 from other Monroe town clerks (confirm); 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. MONROE-SPECIFIC: the County Clerk does NOT hold marriage records — if married in the City of Rochester, order from the Rochester City Clerk (30 Church St); otherwise from the issuing town clerk. Confirm the office before quoting a customer.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I change my name after marriage in Monroe County, NY?: Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Monroe 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 Monroe County?: The Monroe County Clerk charges $10 per certified copy from Rochester City Clerk; ~$10 from other Monroe town clerks (confirm); NY DOH $30 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
Where is the Monroe County Clerk's office?: Phone: Rochester City Clerk, License Bureau (585) 428-6617; for towns outside Rochester, contact the issuing town clerk. Confirm current hours before visiting.
Do I need to go to court to change my name in Monroe 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.