Monroe County, NY
How to Change Your Name in Monroe County
Court Information
- Court
- New York State Supreme Court, Monroe County (Civil Term) — filed with the Monroe County Clerk's Office, Rochester
- Filing fee
- $210
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence (Supreme Court County Clerk)
- Jurisdiction
- New York Supreme Court; Civil Rights Law Art. 6 (CVR §§60-63)
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Monroe County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Not required for uncontested adult petitions
- How to file
- online (e-filing) or in person
Getting Certified Copies
Monroe County Clerk's Filing Office in person (39 West Main St, Room 101)
You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Monroe County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the New York State Supreme Court, Monroe County (Civil Term) — filed with the Monroe County Clerk's Office, Rochester clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($210), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing) or in person with the New York State Supreme Court, Monroe County (Civil Term) — filed with the Monroe County Clerk's Office, Rochester
- No hearing is normally required for an uncontested adult petition in this county
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — monroe county clerk's filing office in person (39 west main st, room 101)
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the New York State Supreme Court, Monroe County (Civil Term) — filed with the Monroe County Clerk's Office, Rochester clerk before filing.