Legal Name Change in Massachusetts: Court-Ordered Process
Petition the Probate and Family Court for a name change.
A court-ordered name change in Massachusetts uses Form CJP-15 (Petition to Change Name), filed at your county Probate and Family Court. The filing fee varies; publication is not required by default since 11/25/2025, but the court may order notice (varies per citation); certified copies vary. Court costs: Varies, varies with an Affidavit of Indigency. The process varies in length, including time for the probation department report.
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Massachusetts Name Change Forms
Standardized statewide forms used in every county Probate and Family Court.
The main petition. Current name, requested name, reason for change, residency declaration. Used for adults statewide.
Not required by default since 11/25/2025. If the court orders notice, it issues a citation (varies; check your court).
Final court order signed by the judge after your hearing. Your legal proof of name change.
If you can’t afford the filing fee (varies; check your court). Approved based on financial hardship.
Step-by-Step Massachusetts Name Change Process
Same 4-step path in every county, with local variation in fees and scheduling.
Step 1: File Your Petition with the Probate and Family Court
File at the Probate and Family Court of the county where you live. Bring your completed CJP-15 petition, a certified copy of your birth certificate, the filing fee or Affidavit of Indigency, and any prior name change documents.
Massachusetts law specifically requires birth records to be filed with the court before a name change decree can be entered. If your name has been changed before (by previous court order or marriage), include those documents too.
The clerk reviews your paperwork, collects the fee, and assigns a docket number. The court will also request a report from the commissioner of probation as part of the process — this is a standard background check required by Massachusetts law.
Step 2: Notice (Only If the Court Orders It)
Since November 25, 2025, Massachusetts does not require newspaper publication by default (Uniform Practice XXXV); the court may still order notice, which adds a per-citation cost.
If notice is ordered, the court issues a citation and tells you how to give notice. Compare prices among approved papers — they vary.
Safety and privacy: if notice would put you at risk — for example domestic violence or gender identity privacy concerns — tell the court when you file. Request the waiver when you file the petition.
Step 3: Attend Your Court Hearing
Hearing scheduled after the probation report and any court-ordered notice. Brief proceeding. The judge verifies your identity, residency, and reasons.
Bring: photo ID (driver’s license or passport), proof of any court-ordered notice, your certified birth certificate, and copies of your filed petition.
Common questions the judge will ask:
- What is your current legal name and where do you live?
- Why do you want to change your name?
- Are you trying to evade debts or legal obligations?
- Do you understand this name change is permanent unless you petition again?
The judge applies the “consistent with public interests” standard required by Massachusetts law. They’ll typically approve requests unless there’s evidence of fraud, intent to evade debts, or other public policy concerns.
If anyone objects (rare), they appear at the hearing to state concerns. The judge hears both sides and decides.
Step 4: Get Your Certified Decree
Once the judge approves, the court enters a decree officially changing your name. Request 3-4 certified copies from the register of probate immediately.
After Your Court Order: Updating Your Documents
Federal first. Social Security, then everything else cascades.
Show 6-step update checklist
Form SS-5 with certified decree. Free, 5-10 business days by mail after SSA processes your request. Required first.
The State Department explains which passport form applies to a name change on its Change or Correct a Passport page; its fee calculator and form guide shows what you’ll pay.
Varies; check your state's DMV fee. Bring decree. New MA license usually issued same-day at a Service Center.
RegisterToVoteMA.com. Free. Update at the same time as your RMV visit if you prefer.
No separate IRS form for most people: the IRS matches your next return to Social Security records. Free.
Decree + new license at branch. Same day.
Special Situations in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has specific protections for minors, gender identity, and domestic violence survivors.
Show special situations (minors / gender / DV)
Minor Children Name Changes
Both parents (or the surviving parent) must typically consent unless one parent’s rights have been terminated or they cannot be located. The court considers the child’s best interest and preference for older children.
- Both parents must consent — or the petitioning parent must prove diligent effort to locate and notify the other parent
- Older children’s preference — the court may consider what the child wants if they’re old enough to express it
- Parent or guardian files — on behalf of the minor; the child appears at the hearing with them
- Best-interest standard applies — the judge evaluates whether the change serves the child’s interests
See our minor name change guide for the full process.
Gender Identity Name Changes
Massachusetts courts recognize name changes related to gender identity. No medical documentation required — simply stating the change is for gender identity is typically sufficient. Publication is not required by default.
- No default publication — since 11/25/2025 publication is required only if the court orders it
- Sealed records — court can seal your case file in some circumstances
- No medical documentation required — Massachusetts doesn’t require proof of medical treatment or transition
- Affirming standard — courts routinely grant gender identity name changes
See our gender identity name change guide.
Domestic Violence Exemptions
Survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault qualify for additional protections.
- Impoundment — ask the court to limit access to the file for “good cause shown”
- Address confidentiality — your address kept confidential in court records
- Expedited processing — faster court scheduling available
- Fee waivers — Affidavit of Indigency requirements relaxed
Massachusetts Name Change Cost Breakdown
Court costs (filing, publication if required, 4 certified copies): Varies; check your court. ID updates are extra. Varies with an Affidavit of Indigency.
Show full cost table
| Expense | Massachusetts Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | Varies; check your court | Petition fee + surcharge vary; Affidavit of Indigency available |
| Citation (if notice ordered) | Varies; check your court | Publication not required by default since 11/25/2025; the court may order it |
| Certified Copies (4) | Varies; check your court | Varies from register of probate |
| RMV License Update | Varies; check your state's DMV | After receiving certified decree |
| Passport Renewal | $130 (DS-82); DS-11: $130 + $35 acceptance fee ($165 total) | DS-82 or DS-11 |
| Court costs total | Varies | Filing + publication (if required) + 4 certified copies; ID updates extra |
Other state guides
See all state guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a legal name change take in Massachusetts?
A Massachusetts CJP-15 petition varies in length. That includes time for the Probate and Family Court to receive the probation department report, any notice the court orders before your hearing, and scheduling at your county court.
What does a Massachusetts name change actually cost?
The fee for filing CJP-15 at the Probate and Family Court varies; check your court. Publication is not required by default; if the court orders notice, add a per-citation cost. Certified copies of the decree vary from the register of probate (plan on 3-4). The fee for updating your Massachusetts RMV license varies; check your state's DMV. Court costs (filing plus 4 certified copies): Varies, or varies if the court approves an Affidavit of Indigency.
Do I need a lawyer to file CJP-15 in Massachusetts?
Many people handle a name change themselves. If your situation involves custody, immigration, or a criminal record, consider talking to a lawyer.
Can the Probate and Family Court deny my CJP-15 petition?
Yes. Massachusetts judges apply a "consistent with public interests" standard. Petitions can be denied for evidence of fraud, intent to evade debts or creditors, attempts to escape a criminal record, or names the court considers offensive. Most legitimate adult petitions — including marriage, divorce, and gender identity changes — are routinely granted.
Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper?
Not by default. Since November 25, 2025, Uniform Practice XXXV does not require publication for change of name actions, though the court may order notice (varies per citation). If safety or privacy is a concern, tell the court when you file. Request the waiver when you file CJP-15 and include a brief affidavit explaining the cause.
Will my Massachusetts name change appear in public records?
Yes by default. Probate and Family Court records are public in Massachusetts, and registers of probate send an annual report of name changes to state agencies. If the court impounds the file for safety reasons, the record becomes substantially less accessible. Ask about sealing when you file if privacy is a concern.
Official sources
Forms, fees and rules change. Check these official pages (and your county court) before you file.
- Probate and Family Court filing fees (Massachusetts Probate and Family Court)
- Uniform Practice XXXV: Change of name actions (Massachusetts Probate and Family Court)
- Petition to Change Name of Adult (CJP 27) (Massachusetts Probate and Family Court)
- Registry of Motor Vehicles (Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles)
- Change your name with Social Security (Social Security Administration) Last checked 2026-10-09.
- Replace your Social Security card (card mailed 5-10 business days after processing) (Social Security Administration) Last checked 2026-10-09.
- Name change for a U.S. passport or correct an error (U.S. Department of State) Last checked 2026-10-09.
Ready to File Your Massachusetts Petition?
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Last verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy