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

Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Richmond County Clerk, then update your Social Security record, your New York DMV driver's license, and your passport — in that order.

Where is the Richmond 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 Richmond 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 › Richmond County

How to Change Your Name in Richmond County, New York

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

Richmond 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/consulate use) — verified cityclerk.nyc.gov

www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/content/marriage-records

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

SSA field office serving Staten Island (Richmond County) — 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 (Richmond County)	$15 first copy + $10 each additional (domestic short form); $35/$30 for extended/long-form (foreign/consulate use) — verified cityclerk.nyc.gov
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 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), 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 use. STATEN ISLAND: same NYC City Clerk marriage system as the other boroughs; borough office at 10 Richmond Terrace, Room 311, Staten Island Borough Hall, NY 10301 (appointment/online only).

Skip the guesswork — get your Richmond County guide

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

Get my Richmond County guide → $24.99

Frequently asked questions

How do I change my name after marriage in Richmond County, NY?: Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Richmond 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 Richmond County?: The Richmond County Clerk charges $15 first copy + $10 each additional (domestic short form); $35/$30 for extended/long-form (foreign/consulate use) — verified cityclerk.nyc.gov for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
Where is the Richmond 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 Richmond 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.