How to Change Your Name
in Massachusetts
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Massachusetts.
Filing Fee
$165-$200
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Probate and Family Court
Where you file
Massachusetts Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Probate and Family Court
Where to File
File in the Probate and Family Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$165-$200
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Not required
No Publication Required in Massachusetts
No automatic publication required in Massachusetts, though a judge may order it at their discretion.
Massachusetts-Specific Rule
Massachusetts processes name changes through the Probate and Family Court. A judge may order publication at their discretion, but it is not automatically required.
Required Documents in Massachusetts
Petition for Change of Name (CJD 400)
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Massachusetts residency
Social Security card
6-Step Name Change Process in Massachusetts
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Probate and Family Court in the county where you reside. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Petition for Change of Name (CJD 400), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Massachusetts residency, Social Security card.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Massachusetts is approximately $165-$200. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Wait for Court Processing
No newspaper publication is required in Massachusetts. The court will process your petition and schedule a hearing or issue the order directly.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Massachusetts courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Massachusetts Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you file in the Probate and Family Court. File in the Probate and Family Court in the county where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Massachusetts?
The filing fee in Massachusetts is approximately $165-$200. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Massachusetts?
No automatic publication required in Massachusetts, though a judge may order it at their discretion.
How long does a name change take in Massachusetts?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Massachusetts. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in Massachusetts?
For your name change petition in Massachusetts, gather: Petition for Change of Name (CJD 400), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Massachusetts residency, Social Security card. JustiPal™ provides a complete Massachusetts-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Massachusetts-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Massachusetts document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in Massachusetts.
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