NY DMV name change after marriage: here's the order in New York (NY): get certified copies of your marriage certificate, update Social Security, then update your driver's license or state ID with the New York State DMV, then your passport and accounts. On updating Social Security first, the NY DMV page says: Yes. Your new DMV name must exactly match your Social Security card. The NY DMV fee for a replacement license is $12.50.
Last checked Oct 14, 2026. Content reviewed against official .gov pages. How we check sources.
Standard license: by mail. REAL ID or Enhanced license: in person at a DMV office (new photo needed). Form: MV-44NC (name change by mail, Standard only); MV-44 (in person). Fee: $12.50. Yes. Your new DMV name must exactly match your Social Security card. The NYS DMV details are in step 3 with their official sources.
Step 1 of 6
Most offices want an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, not a photocopy, so order a few.
NYS Department of Health Vital Records: online or by phone ($45 + vendor fee) or by mail ($30). Not for licenses bought in New York City. You can also ask the town or city clerk where you applied for the license.
health.ny.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
Step 2 of 6
Do this before you update your New York license. NY DMV: Yes. Your new DMV name must exactly match your Social Security card.
You may be able to do this online. If not, you'll need an appointment at a local Social Security office
ssa.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
Step 3 of 6
New York State DMV
Standard license: by mail. REAL ID or Enhanced license: in person at a DMV office (new photo needed)
dmv.ny.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
Yes. Your new DMV name must exactly match your Social Security card
dmv.ny.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
dmv.ny.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
Mail option accepts copies; REAL ID/Enhanced in-person changes need original or certified documents per the DMV document guide
dmv.ny.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
MV-44NC (name change by mail, Standard only); MV-44 (in person)
dmv.ny.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
Open the official page (dmv.ny.gov)
dmv.ny.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
Step 4 of 6
Which passport form you use depends on when your passport was issued and when your name changed.
Find your passport name change path (DS-5504, renewal by mail or DS-11)
Step 5 of 6
Use the Board of Elections online voter registration portal or the voter registration form
elections.ny.govchecked Oct 14, 2026
Step 6 of 6
These are general reminders. Each company has its own process.
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Start with certified copies of your marriage certificate, then update Social Security, then New York State DMV for your driver's license or state ID.
Not confirmed yet.
Please check the NY DMV page for the current answer.
Source: dmv.ny.gov
Yes. Your new DMV name must exactly match your Social Security card
NY DMV lists: copy of your new Social Security card, copy of your current Standard NY license, permit or ID and copy of a proof of name change, such as a government-issued marriage certificate. Mail option accepts copies; REAL ID/Enhanced in-person changes need original or certified documents per the DMV document guide.
Source: dmv.ny.gov
NY DMV lists a fee of $12.50 for this license change. The Social Security fee is not confirmed yet. Passport fees are in the passport guide.
Source: dmv.ny.gov
The NY DMV page says: standard license: by mail. REAL ID or Enhanced license: in person at a DMV office (new photo needed).
Source: dmv.ny.gov
Not confirmed yet on the New York State DMV page we checked. See the official page linked in step 3.
Name Change Steps