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Name Change
How Do I Change My Name in New York After Getting Married?

How Do I Change My Name in New York After Getting Married?

Q: Can you get married in a different state than your license?

No, you must obtain your marriage license from the state where you intend to get married. The marriage license is a legal document that allows you to marry, and it must be issued by the state where the ceremony takes place. If you have a marriage license from one state, you cannot use it to get married in another state.

Q: Does it matter what state you get your marriage license in?

Yes, it does matter. You must obtain your marriage license from the state in which you plan to marry. Each state has its own requirements and procedures for issuing marriage licenses. If you get married in New York, for example, you need to have a New York marriage license, even if you are from another state.

Full question:

I got married in puerto rico and reside in new york. I have the marriage license from puerto rico. I would like to change my last name to my husbands name. What do I need to do?

Category: Name Change
Date: 04/07/2025
State: New York

Answer:

The need for a legal name change may result from marriage, divorce, adoption or simply a desire to have another name. Generally, you cannot change your name for a fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding debts. Means of changing your name generally include usage (in some states using a name as your own has the affect of making it your name); court order (a court order is recommended to change your name and is required by most states); or a divorce order as proof of name change.

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 court must find that the requested name change is consistent with the public interest. A person is not allowed to change their name in order to avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and obligations. A person can not change their name to defraud any person.

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 change my name after marriage as a permanent resident?

As a permanent resident, changing your name after marriage follows the same process as for U.S. citizens. In New York, you can change your name by filing a petition in the County Court or the Supreme Court. You will need to provide your marriage certificate as proof of your name change. The court will review your request to ensure it meets public interest standards. It's important to update your name with the Social Security Administration and other agencies after the court approves your name change.

Does it matter what US state you get married in?

Yes, the state where you get married can affect the name change process. Each state has its own laws regarding name changes after marriage. However, if you marry in one state and reside in another, you can still change your name in your state of residence. In New York, you would follow the local procedures for changing your name after marriage, regardless of where the marriage took place.

Is there a deadline for name change after marriage in NY?

In New York, there is no specific deadline for changing your name after marriage. You can choose to change your name at any time after your marriage. However, it is advisable to do so sooner rather than later to avoid complications with legal documents and identification. Once you decide to change your name, you should file the necessary paperwork with the court.

Can you get married in a different state than your license?

Does it matter what state you get your marriage license in?

Does it matter what state your marriage license is from?

Yes, the state where your marriage license is issued is important. You must use a marriage license from the state where you are getting married. If you have a marriage license from another state, it will not be valid for a marriage ceremony in New York or any other state. Always check the local requirements to ensure compliance.