N.Y. Civ. Rights Law § 65

§ 65. Optional change of name upon marriage, divorce or annulment. 1.\nAny person may, upon marriage, elect to assume a new name according to\nthe provisions of paragraph (b) of subdivision one of section fifteen of\nthe domestic relations law.\n 2. Any person may, upon divorce or annulment, elect to resume the use\nof a former surname according to the provisions of section two hundred\nforty-a of the domestic relations law.\n 3. The effect of the name changes accomplished in the manner\nprescribed in subdivisions one and two of this section shall be as set\nforth in section sixty-four of this chapter.\n 4. Nothing in this article shall be construed to abrogate or alter the\ncommon law right of every person, whether married or single, to retain\nhis or her name or to assume a new one so long as the new name is used\nconsistently and without intent to defraud.\n 5. Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of law, the state shall\nnot impose any fee, charge, surcharge or assessment solely to change the\nsurname contained on a license, permit, registration or other\nidentifying document for a person who, because of a change in marital\nstatus, has assumed a new name or reassumes use of a former surname as\nprovided for in this section.\n