Marriage in New York

SURNAME
In New York, the parties to the marriage license are given the option of changing their name at the time of licensing. A person's last name does not change automatically, but can indicate a surname change by filling out that option on the license. The following surname options are available:

1. Surname of the other spouse

2. Any former surname of either spouse

3. A name combining into a single surname all or a segment of the premarriage surname or any former surname of each spouse

4. A combination surname separated by a hyphen, provided its a combination of premarriage surname or any other surname of each of the spouse

The marriage certificate is proof of the new surname or the retention of the person's surname. If you plan to use the new surname post marriage, you must change your name under the following agencies:

• Department of Motor Vehicles - www.nydmv.state.ny

1. You must visit a local DMV - http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/offices.htm

2. Bring a NY state DMV photo or visit http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/id.htm for other forms of proof equal to 6 points.

3. Bring your U.S. marriage certificate

4. If you plan to change the name on your registration document and title certificate to your motor vehicle, you must bring both documents displaying your previous name.

5. Fill out form MV-44 for name change – ($10 Fee) http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/forms.htm#mv44

6. Fill out form MV-82 for registration or title name change – ($12.50 Fee) http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/forms.htm#mv82

• Social Security Administration – New York Region – www.ssa.gov/ny or go directly to http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=315

1. Complete the application for a new card – SS-5 http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html

2. Show proof of US citizenship or immigration status

3. Show proof of legal name change – the marriage certificate

4. Show proof of identity

5. Take completed form and documentation to your local Social Security Office -  http://www.socialsecurity.gov/locator/ NOTE: there are special instructions for Brooklyn and Queens residents.

6. All documents must be originals or certified copies by the issuing agency.

*Failure to change your name with the SSA may delay your tax refund or prevent your wages from being posted correctly to the SSA, which may lower your future Social Security benefits. 

RECORDS and COPIES

Except for the 5 boroughs of New York City, the county, town or city clerk’s office that issued the marriage license can give you a certified copy of the marriage certificate, or the New York State Department of Health keeps all records of marriage, birth, death, and divorce certificates. There is a walk-in service and methods to request a certified copy of your vital record by mail, internet or phone. Visit www.health.state.ny.us/vital_records.

• County, town, or city clerk that issued the license requires a $10 fee

• NY State Department of Health requires a $30 fee – write to the following address:

• Certification Unit Vital Records Section.
  New York State Department of Health
  P.O. Box 2602
  Albany, New York 12220-2602

• For New York City do not contact the Department of Health instead call: 212-669-2400 or visit http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/