Minor Child Name Change in Massachusetts: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Massachusetts Probate and Family Court and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
A minor child name change in Massachusetts is filed in the Probate and Family Court (county of residence), costs about $165, and sometimes requires a newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 6–12 weeks. You'll need the forms below and certified copies of the signed order to update your IDs.
Your personalized plan
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
What it costs
Same $165 statewide fee as an adult petition ($150 + $15 surcharge); one $165 fee per family, but each child needs a separate petition. Add a $15 citation fee if ordered and $22 for eFiling. Waivable with an Affidavit of Indigency
Probate and Family Court in the county where you live
Step by step
- 1
Complete Form CJP-25 (Petition to Change Name of Minor); a minor age 12 or older must sign the petition in front of a notary public.
- 2
Have both legal parents (or the court-appointed guardian) sign Form CJP-30 (Assent to Petition to Change Name of Minor); if a parent will not or cannot assent, the court requires that the non-consenting parent be given notice and an opportunity to object.
- 3
For a child age 12 or older, also file Form CJP-34 (CARI/Warrant Management System Release Request) so the court can run the child's record check.
- 4
File the petition with the Probate and Family Court in the county where the child lives, pay the $165 fee (or file an Affidavit of Indigency), and complete any public notice the judge orders.
- 5
Attend the hearing — the judge decides based on the child's best interest — then obtain the certified decree and update the child's Social Security record, school records, and passport.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
- • Both legal parents must generally receive notice and are expected to assent via Form CJP-30; if one parent does not consent, the court gives that parent notice and weighs the child's best interest before deciding.
- • The CARI record check (Form CJP-34) is required only for a minor who is 12 years of age or older.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Massachusetts license, then your passport and accounts.
Minor child name change in nearby states
Minor Child Name Change in Massachusetts: FAQ
How much does a minor child name change cost in Massachusetts?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Massachusetts?
Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name in Massachusetts?
How long does it take in Massachusetts?
What do I do after the judge signs my order in Massachusetts?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.mass.gov/info-details/how-do-i-file-a-change-of-name-for-a-minor
- www.mass.gov/name-changes
- www.mass.gov/how-to/change-information-on-your-drivers-license-or-id-card
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.