Update Legal Name

Current and former students may need to update the name associated with their academic records. Typical reasons for a name change include marriage, divorce, naturalization and use of a variation of their name.

Important Information About Name Changes

All Records Will Reflect the New Name

If a student needs to have their name changed, we must change all of their records to reflect the new name. Then, their UB financial records, future academic transcripts and future diplomas will carry only that new name.

Names Must Be Alphabetic Characters

Names must consist solely of alphabetic characters and cannot include symbols, numbers or special characters. This ensures consistency and compatibility across all systems and records.

International Students

The student’s name on the I-20 or DS-2019 form must match the name on their passport.

How to Change a Name

Online: Complete the Name Change Form and Attach Copies of Approved Documentation

In Person: Visit 1Capen or 1Diefendorf with Original Documentation

1Capen (North Campus), Buffalo, NY 14260-1631; 1Diefendorf (South Campus)

Phone: 716-645-5698; Fax: 716-645-7762

Email: ubregistrar@buffalo.edu

Name Change Documentation

If a student is asked to provide documents that prove their name change request, they should plan to bring the original documents with them that accurately reflect their new name. If they need to leave copies or plan to mail their request, please have the copies notarized. Do not mail or leave original documents.

Photographic documents showing the new name

  • Typical documents: driver’s license, passport, alien registration card
  • Can be used to document name change for any reason

Legal documents showing the former and new name

  • Typical documents: marriage certificate, divorce decree, naturalization papers, court approval of name change
  • Can be used to document name change for complete change of first or last name

Notarized statement declaring two variations as representing the same person

  • Can be used for variation of the existing name (e.g. “John V. Brown” is the name on UB records; “J. Vernon Brown” is the name requested)