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.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Suffolk County Clerk — ~$10 per certified copy (NYS town/city clerk standard) — CONFIRM with the specific issuing town clerk (fees set locally) each. Then update Social Security, then your New York DMV license, then your passport, in that order. No court filing is required.
After a divorce or a court order: your certified copies come from the Suffolk County County Clerk instead. The rest of the sequence is identical.
Order matters. Social Security has to be updated before the New York DMV — the license office checks your SSA record, and if it still shows your old name they will turn you away.
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
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 (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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Get my Suffolk County guide → $24.99Frequently 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.
Sources: Suffolk County Clerk · Social Security Administration · how we verify this