Sample order form for filing a name-change application in Civil Court of New York City, New York County. 

Name-change may be required by the New York City Housing Authority, for people who have no first name (only "male" or "female") on their Birth Certificate

Legal Services attorneys recomend filing name-change applications in Manhattan, where the clerks are most helpful and knowlegable.  This is especially true when filing on behalf of transgender clients.

Court fees for name-change applications may be waived with a Pauper's Affadavid, but applicants are legally required to print their name-change notice in a minimum of two publications, which involves small fees.