Worcester County, MA
How to Change Your Name in Worcester County
Court Information
- Court
- Worcester Probate and Family Court
- Filing fee
- $165
- Fee waiver
- Available for qualifying petitioners
- Where to file
- county of residence
- Jurisdiction
- Probate & Family Court, G.L. c.210 §12-14
- Last verified
- August 17, 2026
Filing Requirements in Worcester County
- Newspaper publication
- Not required
- Court hearing
- Not required for uncontested adult petitions
- How to file
- online (e-filing), by mail or in person
Getting Certified Copies
Mail the PFC 18 form or apply in person
You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks — order more than one.
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Worcester County
- Complete the name change petition form (available from the Worcester Probate and Family Court clerk or website)
- If you cannot afford the filing fee ($165), complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
- File your petition online (e-filing), by mail or in person with the Worcester Probate and Family Court
- No hearing is normally required for an uncontested adult petition in this county
- If approved, get certified copies of the court order — mail the pfc 18 form or apply in person
- Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records
Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the Worcester Probate and Family Court clerk before filing.