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Name Change
How Do I Find a Copy of My Name Change Order in New York?

How Do I Find a Copy of My Name Change Order in New York?

Q: What is the process for legally changing my name in New York?

In New York, to legally change your name, you must file a petition with the County Court or the Supreme Court in your county. If you're in New York City, you can file with the Supreme Court or a Civil Court branch. After filing, you will attend a hearing, and if approved, the court will issue a name change order.

Q: Can I change my name again if I lost the documentation?

Yes, you can change your name again even if you lost the original documentation. You will need to file a new name change petition with the appropriate court in your county. Be prepared to provide any required identification and information about your previous name change.

Q: What documents do I need to change my name in New York?

To change your name in New York, you typically need to provide a completed petition, proof of identity (like a driver's license or passport), and any relevant documents supporting your name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree if applicable. Additional documents may be required depending on your situation.

Full question:

I was born in New York City as Joanne Emily Handelsman in 1959. When I was approximately 17, I changed my name legally to Jo Emily Handelsman (in Nassau County, I think). I have used that name on my driver's license and passport and all other documents since then. When my mother died, I found that she did not leave me the documents for the name change. I recently moved from Wisconsin to Connecticut and changed jobs and I need a birth certificate and documentation of the name change for employment. I am unable to get the birth certificate from NYC because my name and address on my credit card do not match my birth name or the records that NYC has for me. Is there a way of finding the name change document? Is it possible to do the name change again?

Category: Name Change
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Connecticut

Answer:

In New York, a person may change their name by filing an action in the County Court or the Supreme Court of the county in which they reside, or, if they reside in New York City, either with the Supreme Court or to any branch of the Civil Court of the City of New York, with appropriate forms. The order of name change should be on file at the court where the name change petition was filed. I suggest contacting the clerk of courts to inquire about obtaining a copy of the name change order.

Please see the information at the following links:

http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/10jd/nassau/supreme.shtml
http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/website/AG/Courts/courts.html

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

How do I request a copy of my name change document in New York?

To request a copy of your name change document in New York, contact the clerk of the court where you filed your name change petition. Provide them with your current name and any other identifying information they may need. They can assist you in obtaining a certified copy of the name change order.

What is the process for legally changing my name in New York?

Can I change my name again if I lost the documentation?

What documents do I need to change my name in New York?

How can I obtain my birth certificate in New York?

To obtain your birth certificate in New York, you need to request it from the New York City Department of Health or the vital records office in the county where you were born. You'll need to provide identification and information such as your birth name, date of birth, and parents' names. If your name does not match the records, additional documentation may be required.