UCS-NC1 – Name Change and or Sex Designation Change Petition for Individual Adult

Jurisdiction: Country: United States | Province or State: New York

What is a UCS-NC1 – Name Change and or Sex Designation Change Petition for Individual Adult?

The UCS-NC1 is the official petition you file to ask a New York City Civil Court judge to change your legal name, your sex designation, or both. You use it if you are 18 or older and live in one of the five New York City counties. It is a sworn statement that explains who you are, what change you want, and why you want it. The court reviews your petition and, if granted, issues a court order. You then use that court order to update your records with institutions that rely on your legal information.

Who typically uses this form?

Adult New York City residents who need a court order to align their legal records with their lived name or gender. This includes many people. You may be transgender, nonbinary, or intersex and want your legal documents to match your identity. You may want a new name after a breakup, estrangement, or safety concern. You may want to restore a former name. You may want to use a name that reflects your culture or heritage. You may need a court order to fix data errors in your records. If you changed your name in daily life but not on paper, this is how you bring everything into alignment.

You would need this form when you want your new name or sex designation recognized across systems. A court order helps you update identification cards, professional records, and accounts. It also helps you respond when a school, employer, or financial institution asks for a court order as proof. If you have safety concerns, you can ask the court to keep your records confidential. If you were told you need “legal proof” of a change, this is the petition you file in the Civil Court of the City of New York.

Typical usage scenarios

You complete the UCS-NC1 with your current legal name, your requested change, and the reasons. You disclose any criminal cases, judgments, or bankruptcies, if any. You confirm you are not trying to avoid debts or harm others. You ask for sealing if disclosure would put you at risk. You sign and verify the petition before a notary or court clerk. You file it in the Civil Court for your county in New York City. The court reviews your petition and, if all is in order, grants the change in a written order. That court order is the key document you then use to update your records.

When Would You Use a UCS-NC1 – Name Change and or Sex Designation Change Petition for Individual Adult?

You use the UCS-NC1 when you want your legal records to reflect your true name and identity, and you need a court order to make that happen. Many agencies and institutions accept a court order as conclusive proof. If you want your new name recognized everywhere at once, the court order is the most direct route.

Here are practical situations. You are a trans or nonbinary adult and want your sex designation changed so that your identification and records match your identity. You may also want your name changed at the same time. You are ending a marriage and did not change your name in your divorce judgment. You now want to restore a prior name or choose a new one. You began using a different name years ago, but your birth record still shows your former name. You want to prevent confusion in background checks. You are a survivor of violence or stalking and need a different legal name for safety. You have a professional license or certification and want it to match your current name. You discovered a persistent error in your legal records and need a court order to fix it.

Typical users include employees, students, job seekers, licensed professionals, tenants, homeowners, business owners, and contractors. If you sign contracts or undergo background checks, consistent records matter. The court order helps reduce mismatches across payroll, benefits, school systems, medical providers, and financial services. If you have any criminal history or judgments, the court form allows full disclosure in one place. That helps the judge confirm you are not using the change to avoid obligations. If you are concerned about your privacy, the court can limit what is publicly available about your case.

If you live outside New York City, you would use a different court. Inside New York City, you file in the Civil Court. The UCS-NC1 is tailored for that court and its procedures.

Legal Characteristics of the UCS-NC1 – Name Change and or Sex Designation Change Petition for Individual Adult

The UCS-NC1 is a formal pleading. It is legally significant because you swear under penalty of perjury that its contents are true. When the court grants your petition, the judge signs an order. That order is the legally binding instrument. It directs the change in your legal name and/or sex designation. You then present that order to institutions that maintain your records. Those institutions treat the order as authoritative proof that your legal information has changed.

Enforceability comes from the court’s authority over name and sex designation changes. The order carries the court’s seal and signature. Entities that maintain identity and status records rely on such orders every day. The court has discretion to set conditions, such as requiring notice to certain parties in defined situations. The judge may also direct how the order is used to update your records. If a record keeper refuses to honor a valid order, you can seek help from the court.

The court evaluates your petition to ensure the change is not for fraud or harm. The court reviews disclosures about judgments, liens, child support, bankruptcies, and criminal cases. The court will not grant a change that interferes with the rights of others. The court will not allow a name that is misleading, obscene, or intended to impersonate someone. The court looks for a good-faith reason. A simple statement that the change aligns with your identity is enough. You do not need medical evidence to change your sex designation. Self-attestation is sufficient. You can ask the court to seal records if disclosure would threaten your safety. Courts often grant sealing when there are safety or privacy concerns, especially for changes related to gender identity.

There is a filing fee. If you cannot afford it, you can ask the court to waive fees. The petition must be verified. That means you sign before a notary or court clerk. False statements can lead to penalties. If you have specific notice requirements due to your criminal status or other factors, the court will explain how to complete them. Once the order is signed, it becomes the key document you use to update your records.

How to Fill Out a UCS-NC1 – Name Change and or Sex Designation Change Petition for Individual Adult

You complete the UCS-NC1 in clear, legible print or type. Keep your answers accurate and complete. If a section does not apply, write “None” or “N/A.” Do not leave blanks. Attach extra pages if you need more space. Label each attachment with the section it supports.

Follow these steps:

1) Identify the court, county, and case caption

• At the top, enter “Civil Court of the City of New York.”
• Select the county where you live: Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, or Richmond.
• The caption should read: “In the Matter of the Application of [Your Current Legal Name] for a Change of Name and/or Sex Designation.”
• Leave the index or docket number blank if you do not have one yet. The clerk assigns it when you file.

2) Petitioner information

• Enter your current legal name exactly as it appears on your birth record or court documents.
• Provide your residential address in New York City. Use a mailing address if different, but keep your residence clear.
• Provide your date and place of birth. If born outside the United States, list the country.
• State that you are 18 or older. You must be an adult to use this form.
• If you want to protect your home address due to safety concerns, you can ask the court to keep it confidential. You can place a request for sealing later in the form.

3) What change do you seek

• Choose “Name Change,” “Sex Designation Change,” or both.
• For a name change, write your requested new name in full: first, middle, and last.
• For a sex designation change, select the designation you want recorded by the court. Options include male, female, or X. Choose the one that aligns with your identity.
• You may request both changes in the same petition. That is common and efficient.

4) Reason for the change

• Write a brief, honest reason. Keep it simple and true.
• Examples:
• “I want my legal documents to align with my gender identity.”
• “I want to resume my prior surname.”
• “I want a name that reflects my cultural heritage.”
• “I want a name that I have used consistently in daily life.”
• You do not need to share sensitive personal history unless you choose to. The court does not require medical documentation for a sex designation change.

5) Marital status and children

• State whether you are married, in a domestic partnership, divorced, or single.
• If you have minor children, list their names and ages. This helps the court evaluate any potential impact on others.
• If you pay or receive child support or spousal support, state that clearly. The court wants to ensure the change does not affect anyone’s rights.

6) Judgments, liens, and bankruptcies

• Disclose any outstanding judgments or liens against you. Include the creditor name, approximate amount, and the court if known.
• Disclose any bankruptcy cases you have filed. Include the case district and approximate filing date if you remember it.
• If there are no judgments, liens, or bankruptcies, write “None.”
• If you owe child support or restitution, disclose the obligation. The court will not deny a petition solely because of debt, but honesty is required.

7) Criminal history and pending cases

• Disclose any criminal convictions. Include the offense and year, if known.
• Disclose any pending criminal charges.
• Disclose whether you are on probation or parole.
• If you are required to register based on an offense, state that status. The court may require notice to certain parties. If you are unsure, the clerk can explain local practice. Be truthful. The goal is transparency.
• If you have documents that explain your status, attach copies.

8) Prior name changes

• State whether you have ever changed your name before by court order or other record. If yes, provide the date and the court if you recall it.
• Attach a copy of any prior order if available.

9) Publications and privacy

• In the past, some name changes required public notice. That is no longer a routine requirement for adult name changes.
• You can ask the court to waive any publication and to seal your records. Sealing limits public access to your file.
• If you have safety concerns, include a short statement. Examples:
• “Disclosure of my address and this petition would put me at risk of harm.”
• “I am a survivor of violence and request sealing to protect my safety.”
• “I seek a sex designation change, and I request that the court seal the record to protect my privacy.”
• Attach a brief affidavit if you need to explain risks in more detail. You do not need to provide sensitive details to establish risk.

10) The request for relief (the “wherefore” clause)

• Ask the court to grant your requested name change and/or sex designation change.
• Ask the court to direct that your new legal information be recognized on your civil records.
• If you requested privacy protections, ask the court to seal the record and waive any publication.
• If you need certified copies of the order, state how many you need. You usually need multiple certified copies to update different records.

11) Signature and verification

• Sign and date the petition.
• You must verify your petition before a notary public or a court clerk. Verification means you swear that everything is true to the best of your knowledge.
• The notary or clerk will complete the verification section. Do not sign that part until you are in front of them with identification.

12) Attachments checklist (schedules)

• Proof of identity: a copy of a government-issued ID, if available.
• Proof of residency: a lease, utility bill, or similar document showing your New York City address.
• Any prior name change orders, if any.
• Any judgment, lien, or bankruptcy papers you have.
• If you seek sealing due to a safety risk, a short affidavit describing the risk.
• If you are on probation or parole, a document that states that status, if you have one.
• Label each attachment. For example: “Exhibit A – Proof of Residency.”

13) Review for consistency

• Confirm your current legal name is the same across the petition and attachments.
• Confirm the spelling of your requested name. Check middle names and hyphens.
• Confirm the sex designation selection is clear and matches your intent.
• Make sure dates, addresses, and case references are accurate.
• Ensure no blank answers remain. “None” is better than a blank.

14) Filing and next steps

• Bring the signed, verified petition and attachments to the Civil Court clerk in your county.
• Bring identification for verification if needed.
• Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the fee.
• Ask the clerk if the court requires anything else specific to your situation. For example, notify certain parties if you disclosed particular items in your petition.
• Keep copies of everything you file.

What happens after filing? The court will review your petition. Some petitions are decided on the papers. Others may require a short appearance. If the judge has questions, you will receive instructions. If the judge grants your petition, you receive a signed order. Get certified copies from the clerk. Those certified copies are what you present to update your records. If the judge needs more information, respond promptly and completely.

Practical tips

• Keep your reason simple and sincere. You do not need to overexplain.
• Disclose fully. The court is looking for honesty, not perfection.
• If you have safety concerns, put them in writing and ask for sealing.
• If you request both a name change and a sex designation change, one petition is enough.
• Plan how many certified copies you will need. Order extra to save time later.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Leaving out prior names or a prior order.
• Misspelling your requested new name.
• Not disclosing a judgment or pending case that later appears in a check.
• Forgetting to ask for sealing when you have clear safety concerns.
• Signing the verification outside a notary or clerk presence.

Key sections you will complete, in summary

• Parties: You are the petitioner. There are no other parties unless the court directs notice to someone.
• Clauses: Your sworn statements about identity, residence, reasons, and disclosures. Your request for the change and any privacy protections.
• Signatures: Your signature and date, plus the notary or clerk’s verification.
• Schedules: Your exhibits and attachments that support identity, residence, and any required disclosures.

If you take the time to prepare accurate information and attach basic proof, your petition will go more smoothly. This form is designed to make the process clear and accessible. You state what you want, why you want it, and confirm you are not trying to avoid obligations. The court reviews for fairness and safety. Once granted, the order allows you to align your legal records with your true name and identity.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Petitioner means you. You are the adult asking the court to change your name and/or sex designation. UCS-NC1 labels you as the petitioner.
• Caption is the case heading at the top of the form. It shows your current legal name as the petitioner. It also lists the court and county. Make sure this matches the Civil Court of the City of New York and your county.
• Index number or case number is the number the court assigns after you file. You will add it to the UCS-NC1 if it is not already there. You will use this number on all related papers.
• Affirmation or verification is your sworn statement. You confirm that the facts in your petition are true. UCS-NC1 includes a signature section for this purpose.
• Notary public is the official who verifies your identity when you sign a sworn document. If UCS-NC1 requires verification, you may need a notary. Bring a valid ID to the notary.
• Order is the judge’s written decision. If granted, it authorizes your new name and/or sex designation. You will use certified copies of the order to update your records.
• Service means sending copies of the petition or order to other parties or agencies when required. The court may direct you to serve certain agencies after the order issues. UCS-NC1 asks questions that help the court decide if service is needed.
• Publication is a notice in a newspaper. Many courts now waive publication in these cases. UCS-NC1 lets you ask the court to skip publication if appropriate.
• Sealing means closing the file to the public. You can ask the court to seal your case for safety or privacy reasons. UCS-NC1 includes space to request sealing.
• Sex designation is the marker for your legal records. You can ask the court to recognize a new sex designation on UCS-NC1. No medical proof is typically required for the petition.

FAQs

Do you need to live in the county where you file?

Yes. File in the Civil Court of the City of New York in the county where you reside. Use your actual residence, not a mailing address.

Do you need a lawyer to file UCS-NC1?

No. Many adults file on their own. Read each question carefully. Answer in plain language. If you have complex issues, you can seek legal help.

Do you need medical proof to change your sex designation?

No medical proof is typically required for the petition. The court generally relies on your sworn statement. Use UCS-NC1 to ask for the change.

Do you have to publish your name change?

Often not. Courts frequently waive publication for safety or privacy. You can request a publication waiver on UCS-NC1. The judge decides.

Will a criminal record stop your petition?

Not necessarily. You must disclose convictions and open cases on UCS-NC1. The court may require notice to certain agencies. The judge decides if the change is appropriate.

Do you have to appear in court?

Maybe. Some petitions are decided on the papers. The court may schedule a hearing if it needs more information. Watch your mail for notices.

How long does the process take?

Timing varies by county and caseload. Many cases resolve in weeks to a few months. Delays happen if information is missing or the court needs more details.

Will the court update agencies for you?

Usually not. After the order issues, you must update your records. Get several certified copies of the order. Use them to change IDs, accounts, and licenses.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the UCS-NC1

Before signing UCS-NC1, gather

• Proof of your current legal name. Use a government ID if you have one.
• Proof of your address in the county. A lease, utility bill, or official mail works.
• Your date and place of birth.
• Any prior name changes. Bring dates and copies if you have them.
• Any criminal convictions or open cases. Note the court, charge, and date.
• Any pending judgments or liens. Have details or copies available.
• Reasons for the change. Keep it simple and truthful.
• Safety concerns. Prepare a short explanation if you are asked to seal the record.
• Agencies you plan to update. List DMV, Social Security, passport, banks, and others.
• A government ID for notarization, if needed.

During signing and review, verify

• Your current legal name matches all sections of UCS-NC1.
• The new name is spelled exactly as desired. Double-check every letter.
• You selected name change, sex designation change, or both.
• Your reasons are stated clearly and honestly.
• You answered all conviction, judgment, and support questions.
• You included a request to waive publication if you need it.
• You included a request to seal the record if safety requires it.
• You signed and dated where required.
• A notary witnessed your signature if the form requires verification.
• You attached any supporting documents that the form references.

After signing, take these steps

• Make at least three photocopies of UCS-NC1 and any attachments.
• File in the Civil Court of the City of New York in your county of residence.
• Pay the filing fee or submit an application to waive fees if eligible.
• Ask the clerk about the index or case number and add it to your papers.
• Track any court dates or requests for more information.
• If the court issues an order, buy several certified copies.
• Follow any service directions in order. Send copies to any listed agencies.
• Update your records. Start with Social Security, DMV, and a passport.
• Update employers, payroll, banks, schools, and insurance.
• Update professional licenses, voter registration, and utilities.
• Store one certified copy in a safe place. Keep a record of updates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t forget to disclose criminal history if asked. Leaving it out can delay or sink your petition. It can also raise credibility issues.
• Don’t misspell your new name. A single letter error can force you to seek an amended order. That means more time and cost.
• Don’t skip the sealing or publication waiver request if you need privacy. If you leave it out, your file may stay public. Fixing this later is harder.
• Don’t file in the wrong county. Filing outside your county of residence can lead to rejection. You will lose time and fees.
• Don’t ignore notarization when required. A missing notarization can invalidate your petition. The clerk may refuse to accept your papers.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

File your signed UCS-NC1 with the Civil Court of the City of New York in your county. Bring your ID, copies, and fee payment. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk how to request a waiver.

Get your case number and note it on your copies. Ask the clerk about next steps and expected timelines. Keep all receipts and stamped copies.

If the court asks for more information, respond by the deadline. Provide clear, complete answers. If you need time, ask the clerk how to request an extension.

Attend any scheduled hearing. Bring your ID, copies, and any supporting documents. Stay calm and answer questions directly.

When the order is granted, buy multiple certified copies. Request enough for all the updates you plan to make. More copies save time later.

Follow any service directions in order. You may need to send certified copies to specific agencies. Use trackable mail and keep proof of delivery.

Update your core identity records first:

• Social Security records.
• State driver’s license or ID.
• Passport.

Then update everything else:

• Banks, credit cards, and lenders.
• Payroll, benefits, and retirement accounts.
• Health, auto, and renters or homeowners insurance.
• Employer, school, and professional licenses.
• Voter registration and jury records.
• Lease, mortgage, utilities, and phone accounts.
• Online accounts where your legal name appears.

Bring a certified copy of the order to each agency. Some may scan and return it. Others may require you to leave a copy. Keep a log of where you updated and when.

If you find a typo in the order, contact the clerk quickly. Ask how to request a corrected or amended order. Act fast before you start widespread updates.

If your petition is denied, read the decision carefully. Fix the issues the judge identified. You can often refile with corrected information.

Keep one certified copy of the order in a secure place. Store digital scans for reference. Do not rely only on scans. Many agencies need certified copies.

Set a reminder to check your credit, payroll, and benefits after updates. Confirm all changes went through. Follow up if any account still shows your old information.