Legal name change in Massachusetts

Filing fee is $165. eFileMA adds a $22 platform fee for initial filings. A $15 Citation Fee may apply if the court issues a Citation/Order of Notice.

Fee waiver available: Yes — Affidavit of Indigency

Additional fees may apply depending on court requirements. Confirm with your Probate and Family Court.

The court may require publication. If so, you can file a CJD 400 motion to request a waiver of the publication requirement.

Publication waiver may be available.

If publication would endanger your safety or privacy, file a motion to waive publication. The court has discretion to grant waivers.

Massachusetts supports M, F, and X gender markers on both birth certificates and driver licenses/IDs. No medical proof, doctor letter, or court order is required for gender marker changes on state documents. Birth certificate changes use RVRS; driver license changes use RMV.

Available options: M, F, X

Self-attestation: Yes

Medical proof required: No

MGL c. 46, § 13(e) allows birth record gender changes without medical documentation. MGL c. 90, § 8N allows X, M, or F on driver licenses.

Massachusetts has 14 counties with 19 Probate and Family Court locations. Some counties (Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Plymouth) have multiple service locations.