Name Change Petition in Massachusetts
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Massachusetts Requirements
- Petition with current and proposed name
- Reason for change
- Birth certificate
- Court hearing
Filing Location
Probate and Family Court
Filing Fee
$180 filing fee plus surcharge
Statute Reference
How to Complete This Form
- 1Obtain a name change petition form from your local court or court website.
- 2Complete the petition with your current legal name, proposed new name, and reason for the change.
- 3File the petition with the court clerk and pay the filing fee.
- 4If required by your state, complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
- 5If required, publish notice of the name change in a designated newspaper for the required period.
- 6Attend the court hearing and bring identification and any supporting documents.
- 7After the court grants the order, update your name on identification documents, bank accounts, and other records.
Download Form Template
Download a template for the Name Change Petition customized with Massachusetts-specific requirements and instructions.
Name Change Petition in Other States
CaliforniaTexasFloridaNew YorkIllinoisPennsylvaniaOhioGeorgiaNorth CarolinaMichiganAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasColoradoConnecticutDelawareHawaiiIdahoIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNorth DakotaOklahomaOregonRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
Other Forms in Massachusetts
Quitclaim DeedPower of AttorneyLast Will and TestamentLiving Will / Advance DirectiveLLC Operating AgreementResidential Lease AgreementEviction NoticeSmall Claims Court ComplaintDivorce PetitionWarranty DeedBill of SalePrenuptial AgreementRental ApplicationDemand LetterAffidavit of ServicePromissory NoteNon-Disclosure AgreementNon-Compete AgreementChild Support Modification Petition
When to Talk to a Lawyer
- You have a criminal record or are a registered sex offender and your state imposes additional requirements.
- You are changing a minor child's name and the other parent objects or cannot be located.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.