Instructions - br The New York name change for an adult as described in State law Article 6 Section 60 is done by filing a petition to the county's civil court where you are a resident. It is easier, if you were just married, to have your certified marriage license with the raised seal or if you were recently divorced to have your divorce decree. Typically, you will not have a court hearing in New York but it depends on the circumstances of the name change.br br REQUIREMENTSbr Must be a resident for at least 6 monthsbr If just married, must have your original marriage certificate.br If just divorced, must have your divorce decree.br Step 1 - Fill-Out the New York Name Change Petition. The Petition must be notarized as well as filed with the required forms if:br You were born in New York the only additional form you need is your birth certificate with the raised seal.br You were not born in New York you will be needing not only your birth certificate with the raised seal but another legal document providing evidence of your birth in that State such as a baptismal certificate, passport, etc.br Step 2 - Make 2 copies.br br Step 3 - File the Petition to the County Court Clerk's office in the County where your live. Pay the filing fee and you will be given a case number.br br Step 4 - After filing your petition you will need to go to a newspaper that serves where you reside and place an ad to make your name change public notice. After filing, you will receive an affidavit that you will submit to the court.br br Step 5 - You may be assigned a court hearing date or be notified by the court that your name change decree is ready. This will be the official form you will need to change your name at the DMV, Social Security Office, and any other institution.