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How to Legally Change Your Name in Massachusetts

Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.

Quick answer

An adult name change in Massachusetts is filed in the Probate and Family Court (county of residence) and costs about $165. In Massachusetts, newspaper publication is sometimes required, and most cases finish in 6–12 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.

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Massachusetts name change at a glance

Every figure is verified against Massachusetts Probate and Family Court and .gov sources.

Cost, court, publication requirement, and timeline for each type of name change in Massachusetts.
Situation	Court	Filing fee	Publication	Timeline
Marriage	No court needed	$0	—	Depends on ID updates
Divorce	Probate and Family Court (name restored in the divorce judgment)	$0	Not required	1–4 weeks
Adult petition	Probate and Family Court (county of residence)	$165	Sometimes	6–12 weeks
Minor child	Probate and Family Court (county of residence)	$165	Sometimes	6–12 weeks
Gender identity	Probate and Family Court (county of residence)	$165	Required (waivable)	6–12 weeks

Choose your situation

Marriage→

Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.

No court petition

Divorce→

Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.

$0 · Probate and Family Court (name restored in the divorce judgment)

Adult petition→

Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.

$165 · Probate and Family Court (county of residence)

Minor child→

Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.

$165 · Probate and Family Court (county of residence)

Gender identity→

Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.

$165 · Probate and Family Court (county of residence)

The Massachusetts name-change process

Most legal name changes in Massachusetts that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Probate and Family Court (county of residence). You file where you live — Probate and Family Court in the county where you live. The filing fee is $165.

Some courts require a newspaper notice and some do not. Massachusetts also runs a fingerprint or background check on adult petitioners. From filing to a signed order usually takes 6–12 weeks.

If the fee is a hardship, ask the clerk about a fee waiver — Statewide fee is $165 ($150 base + $15 surcharge); add a $15 citation fee if the court orders it, plus a $22 eFile fee when filing electronically. Waivable with an Affidavit of Indigency. Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies; you'll need one for Social Security, the DMV, and your passport.

For a name change to match your gender identity, Massachusetts treats it more privately: Since November 25, 2025 name-change filings are impounded by default and newspaper publication is no longer automatically required; if the court does order notice, file Motion CJD-400 to request a publication waiver and impoundment for safety..

After your order: who to notify

The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Massachusetts driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.

Who-to-notify guide →Build my checklist →See my timeline →

Massachusetts name change: FAQ

How much does a name change cost in Massachusetts?

An adult name change in Massachusetts costs about $165, filed in the Probate and Family Court (county of residence). Statewide fee is $165 ($150 base + $15 surcharge); add a $15 citation fee if the court orders it, plus a $22 eFile fee when filing electronically. Waivable with an Affidavit of Indigency. Marriage and divorce name changes have no separate court fee.

Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Massachusetts?

Sometimes. Whether Massachusetts requires a newspaper notice depends on your court — ask the clerk.

How long does a name change take in Massachusetts?

A court name change in Massachusetts typically takes 6–12 weeks from filing to a signed order. After that, updating Social Security takes about 7–10 business days and a passport 4–6 weeks.

Which court handles name changes in Massachusetts?

Adult name changes in Massachusetts are handled by the Probate and Family Court (county of residence). You file in probate and family court in the county where you live.

Can I get the name-change filing fee waived in Massachusetts?

Yes, if you can't afford it. Statewide fee is $165 ($150 base + $15 surcharge); add a $15 citation fee if the court orders it, plus a $22 eFile fee when filing electronically. Waivable with an Affidavit of Indigency. Ask your county clerk for the fee-waiver form.

What do I do after my name change is approved in Massachusetts?

Update Social Security first (free, Form SS-5), then your Massachusetts driver's license, then your US passport, and finally banks, employer, and insurance. Use our Who-To-Notify Checklist to order every account you hold.

Sources

Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:

See our verification methodology and themaster source list.

Last verified July 16, 2026Reviewed by the Name Change Atlas Editorial Team against official court and .gov sources.