You can legally change your name by filing an action with the New York State Unified Court System. Along with your petition and other forms, you must submit a birth certificate with your old name. After a legal name change has been granted by the courts, you can request a name change on your birth certificate with the NYC Department of Health , Note that under New York law, state agencies and other New York entities are now obligated to update all the records in their possession when you show them a certified copy of your name change order., The forms for changing a name or sex designation in the Supreme Court or New York City Civil Court are included in the chart below. There are different forms to request a name change or sex designation change for an adult and a child., Name Change Petition Name Change Order Then, take your forms to the Supreme Court Clerk’s Office. Also, be aware that if you are looking to have your gender marker changed on official documentation such as your drivers license or birth certificate, New York law allows for you to ask for that in your name change petition as well., New York Name Change RequirementsNew York Name Change Requirements General Summary of Name Change Laws To file for a name change in New York, the individual seeking a name change must have lived in New York for at least six (6) months and be a current resident in the county in which the petition will be filed. The Courts are often willing to accept name changes for almost any legitimate reason , The process for changing your name in New York will depend on your situation. Learn about how to change your name when you live in New York here..