2006 New York Code - Optional Change Of Name Upon Marriage, Divorce Or Annulment

 
    §  65. Optional change of name upon marriage, divorce or annulment. 1.
  Any person may, upon marriage, elect to assume a new name  according  to
  the provisions of paragraph (b) of subdivision one of section fifteen of
  the domestic relations law.
    2.  Any person may, upon divorce or annulment, elect to resume the use
  of a former surname according to the provisions of section  two  hundred
  forty-a of the domestic relations law.
    3.  The  effect  of  the  name  changes  accomplished  in  the  manner
  prescribed in subdivisions one and two of this section shall be  as  set
  forth in section sixty-four of this chapter.
    4. Nothing in this article shall be construed to abrogate or alter the
  common  law  right of every person, whether married or single, to retain
  his or her name or to assume a new one so long as the new name  is  used
  consistently and without intent to defraud.
    5.  Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of law, the state shall
  not impose any fee, charge, surcharge or assessment solely to change the
  surname  contained  on  a  license,  permit,   registration   or   other
  identifying  document  for  a person who, because of a change in marital
  status, has assumed a new name or reassumes use of a former  surname  as
  provided for in this section.