Legal Question in Intellectual Property in New York

Common Law name change

Under the common law system, I have used a different first name for a few years now. My bank and brokerage accounts have the new name, and my employer as well. I would like to get a new driver's license and social security card with the new first name. In New York, can I go to the DMV and social security office and get new cards under the common law method?


Asked on 1/22/02, 10:32 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Carolyn Goldfarb Carolyn S. Goldfarb, Esq.

Re: Common Law name change

The social security administration and probably the NY DMV are very strict of late as to name changes. You usually need a legal document to show a change of name. However,you should contact these agencies directly, (since in your case you have other documentation in your new first name), to see if they will accept your common law name change. Otherwise, you will a court order to change your name on your driver's license and socail security card.

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Answered on 1/22/02, 2:10 pm


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