New York

New York does not have a voter ID law.

Registered voters do not need to provide an ID when they vote in person, except for some first-time voters.

Check the federal ID requirements for first-time voters!

To vote absentee in New York, you need to be a registered voter and unable to go to your polling place for an acceptable reason.

A copy of your ID is not required to vote by mail, with the exception of some first-time voters.

Check the federal ID requirements for first-time voters!

You must file a formal request with your local court to change your name in New York. 

You will be required to publish notice in a newspaper for a specific period of time.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

New York City issues birth certificates separately from New York State.

If you were born in New York City, submit a request to the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to update your birth certificate.

If you were born outside of New York City, submit a request to New York’s Department of Health to update your birth certificate.

To update a birth certificate issued by New York City, you will need to provide:

• completed Birth Certificate Correction Application Form (PDF)
• unexpired, signed photo ID; if mailed, copy of front and back
• certified copy and one photocopy of name-change court order
• If mailing: self-addressed, stamped envelope
• payment of applicable fee(s)

To update a birth certificate issued by New York State, you will need to provide:

• Application for Correction of Certificate of Birth (PDF)
• notarized Affidavit of Gender Error – if applicable (PDF)
• certified copy of current birth certificate
• certified copy of name-change court order
• payment of applicable fee(s)

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

You must update your name with the Social Security Administration before you can change your name on a New York State-issued ID.

Visit a DMV office to update the name on your New York State driver license or state ID card. You will need to apply for a new license and provide acceptable documentation demonstrating your legal name change. 

For a standard driver license or non-driver ID card (does not meet REAL ID requirements), this process may be completed by mail. (PDF)

New York City issues birth certificates separately from New York State.

If you were born in New York City, submit a request to the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to update your birth certificate.

If you were born outside of New York City, submit a request to New York’s Department of Health to update your birth certificate.

To update a birth certificate issued by New York City, you will need to provide:

• completed Birth Certificate Correction Application Form (PDF)
• notarized Self-Attestation Form (PDF) 
• unexpired, signed photo ID; if mailed, copy of front and back
• certified copy of name-change court order (if applicable)
• payment of applicable fee(s)

To update a birth certificate issued by New York State, you will need to provide:

• Application for Correction of Certificate of Birth (PDF)
• notarized Affidavit of Gender Error (PDF)
• certified copy of current birth certificate
• payment of applicable fee(s)

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

Visit a DMV office to update the gender marker on your New York State license or state ID card.

You can self-designate your gender marker (without documentation) and select ‘X’ as a marker on your New York State-issued license or ID.

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New York City residents may apply for a New York Municipal ID Card. You may self-designate your gender marker on your ID application – the options are male, female, x, or no gender listed.