Update Personal Identification Information

A preferred/chosen name is a name commonly used that differs from an individual’s legal first name. A student’s preferred/chosen first name may be used for class rosters, appear in the Brightspace classrooms, student identification card, and name on the student’s email. All official documents including but not limited to transcripts, payroll records, and financial aid documents will include a student’s legal name. Please see the Chosen Name Request form for additional details.

You can update your preferred name by completing the Chosen Name Request Form.  You will be required to sign in using your SUNY Empire credentials. Once the Submit button is clicked, there will be a confirmation page pop-up. The request will go through a review and approval process.  You will receive an email notification once the process is complete.

NOTE: SUNY Empire ID Cards are issued based on the preferred/chosen name active at the time of printing.  Ensure to check that your preferred/chosen name has been updated prior to submitting a card request.  See our Student Identification Number Card and Login website for details.

SUNY Empire must protect the identity of a student and maintain the integrity of their record when changing their personal information including legal/primary name (as it appears on official document), social security number, birthdate, or citizenship status.  Students requesting to change their personal information must submit two government-issued documents that support their request and complete a Personal Identification Change form. One of the two government-issued documents must be a copy of their Social Security card with current legal name. The other document can be one of the following:

•    Marriage Certificate
•    Driver's License
•    New York State Identification Card
•    U.S. military card
•    U.S. or State-Issued Court Order
•    Passport

The completed Personal Identification Change Form (PDF 203kB) and required documentation can be mailed, emailed or faxed to the Office of the Registrar.

Mail: Office of the Registrar, SUNY Empire State University, 111 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-4390

Email: registrarsoffice@sunyempire.edu — Requests and documentation can be attached as a PDF and emailed. If you are e-mailing, we highly suggest that your documents be password protected, and that you send a separate follow up email with the password.

Fax: 518-580-0105 — Office of the Registrar, SUNY Empire State University

You will need Adobe Reader to read PDF documents. If it is not installed on your computer, download it for free from Adobe.

NOTE:  SUNY Empire ID Cards are issued based on the first and last name active at the time of printing. Ensure to check that your name request has been updated prior to submitting a card request.  See our Student Identification Number Card and Login website for details.

In order to change the gender that is on a student record, the student must submit a completed Personal Identification Change form with required evidence of the gender change to the Office of the Registrar.

The student must provide a copy of either a DMV (state-government-issued) license or U.S. passport in addition to one of the following:

• driver’s license
• U.S. military card
• NYS identification card
• passport
• court order

The completed Personal Identification Change Form (PDF 203kB) and required documentation can be mailed, emailed or faxed to the Office of the Registrar.

Mail: Office of the Registrar, SUNY Empire State University, 111 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-4390

Email: registrarsoffice@sunyempire.edu — Requests and documentation can be attached as a PDF and emailed. If you are e-mailing, we suggest that your documents be password protected, and that you send a separate follow up email with that password.

Fax: 518-580-0105 — Office of the Registrar, SUNY Empire State University

You will need Adobe Reader to read PDF documents. If it is not installed on your computer, download it for free from Adobe.