{"id":373919,"date":"2025-01-30T14:47:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T19:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-massachusetts.html"},"modified":"2025-01-30T14:47:00","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T19:47:00","slug":"how-to-change-your-name-in-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-massachusetts.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Change Your Name and Gender Marker in Massachusetts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Change Your Name and Gender Marker in Massachusetts<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Massachusetts gives its residents the right to change their names. Historically, you could freely assume a new name<\/a> in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts if the change was for an honest purpose. But the needs of modern life have changed.<\/p>\r\n

Some proof of a name change is necessary to update your driver’s license, Social Security card, and other records. Today, how to change your name in Massachusetts is a more complicated process, depending on your case and circumstances.<\/p>\r\n

This article addresses how to change your name in the event of marriage, divorce, or for any other reason. The article also covers filing the appropriate paperwork with other government agencies once you’ve changed your name. Finally, learn about changing your gender marker on crucial legal documents. This can be especially important if you’re transgender and going through a gender change process.<\/p>\r\n

Identify and Follow the Correct Massachusetts Legal Name Change Process<\/h2>\r\n

The reason for your name change determines the process you’ll need to follow to accomplish your goal.<\/p>\r\n

Marriage<\/h3>\r\n

The main reason most people change their names is due to marriage. Massachusetts law lets you adopt any surname (last name) when getting married<\/a>. This can be accomplished simply by filling out an application for a marriage license<\/a> and listing your new name.<\/p>\r\n

Once the marriage certificate is issued, it serves as proof of a name change. Get a few copies of your marriage certificate since you’ll need copies for the paperwork ahead.<\/p>\r\n

Divorce<\/h3>\r\n

Fortunately, if your marriage doesn’t last, you can change your name during the normal divorce process<\/a> in Massachusetts.<\/p>\r\n

Massachusetts allows a family court handling a divorce to change the divorcing wife’s last name<\/a> back to her former name. But it’s limited to that \u2013 you can’t ask for a new name or changes to your first or middle name. The court can include the name change in the final decree of divorce<\/a>. The divorce decree then becomes proof of your legal name change.<\/p>\r\n

Petition for a Change of Name<\/h3>\r\n

Suppose you’re changing your name for a reason other than marriage or divorce, such as due to a gender transition or sentimental reason. In that case, Massachusetts has a petition for a change of name process<\/a>. While the process is pretty straightforward, there are some steps involved.<\/p>\r\n

You can expect to:<\/p>\r\n

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  1. Fill out a name change form (Petition to Change Name of Adult<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n
  2. Get a certified copy of your birth certificate<\/li>\r\n
  3. Get copies of documents from any previous name change, such as a divorce decree<\/li>\r\n
  4. Fill out the Court Activity Record Information (CARI) and Warrant Management System Release Request Form (CJP 34<\/a>) for your criminal records check<\/li>\r\n
  5. Fill out Motion CJD 400<\/a> if you need to waive a requirement, such as newspaper publication or notary services<\/li>\r\n
  6. File the forms and your birth record with a local court<\/li>\r\n
  7. Await the results of the criminal records check<\/li>\r\n
  8. Publish a public notice in a newspaper<\/li>\r\n
  9. Possibly attend a probate court hearing<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    There are some restrictions when changing your name<\/a>. While Massachusetts gives you the right to change your name, a court can refuse if the "change is inconsistent with public interests." This encompasses name changes sought:<\/p>\r\n