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

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

Where is the Suffolk County Clerk's office?

Phone: (631) 852-2000 (County Clerk, Riverhead). Confirm current hours before visiting.

Do I need to go to court to change my name in Suffolk 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 Suffolk County, New York

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

Suffolk County Clerk

Phone: (631) 852-2000 (County Clerk, Riverhead)

Certified copy fee: ~$10 per certified copy (NYS town/city clerk standard) — CONFIRM with the specific issuing town clerk (fees set locally)

suffolkcountyny.gov/Elected-Officials/County-Clerk/Birth-Marriage-and-Death-Certificates

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 in the borough — 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/mail). Must update SSA first, then wait 24–48h for electronic SSA verification.

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 (Suffolk County)	~$10 per certified copy (NYS town/city clerk standard) — CONFIRM with the specific issuing town clerk (fees set locally)
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. SUFFOLK-SPECIFIC: order the certified marriage certificate from the issuing TOWN clerk (not the County Clerk); confirm that town's exact copy fee before quoting it to a customer.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I change my name after marriage in Suffolk County, NY?: Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Suffolk 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 Suffolk County?: The Suffolk County Clerk charges ~$10 per certified copy (NYS town/city clerk standard) — CONFIRM with the specific issuing town clerk (fees set locally) for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
Where is the Suffolk County Clerk's office?: Phone: (631) 852-2000 (County Clerk, Riverhead). Confirm current hours before visiting.
Do I need to go to court to change my name in Suffolk 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.