1. Name Change Process in Massachusetts

A. Petition for Name Change

1. File a Petition for Name Change:

   • To legally change your name, you need to file a Petition for Name Change in the Probate and Family Court in your county of residence.

   • Form: Complete the Petition for Change of Name form. It will require your current name, the name you wish to adopt, and the reason for the change (gender identity-related reasons are accepted).

   • Filing Fee: The cost is typically around $150 to $200. If you are unable to afford the fee, you can request a fee waiver from the court.

2. Criminal Background Check:

   • Massachusetts requires a criminal background check before granting a name change. After you submit your petition, you will need to undergo a check by the Massachusetts State Police. A fingerprint will typically be required for this.

3. Attend the Court Hearing:

   • The court will schedule a hearing where the judge will review your petition. You may attend the hearing or ask for a default judgment if no one objects to the change.

   • The judge will consider the information in the petition and any supporting documents.

4. Court Order for Name Change:

   • After the hearing, if there are no objections, the judge will issue an Order for Name Change, which you can use to update your name on official documents.

B. Update Documents

1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

   • After receiving your court order, you must submit it to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update your name on your Social Security record. This is essential for all future records and taxes.

     • Complete the Form SS-5 (available online or at local SSA offices).

     • Submit the court order along with other required documents (proof of identity, e.g., passport or state ID).

     • Mail your documents or visit an SSA office for in-person service.

2. Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID:

   • You can change your name on your Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID by visiting the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Bring the following documents:

     • Court order for name change

     • Current driver’s license or ID

     • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status

     • Payment for the new ID (approximately $25).

3. Notify Other Institutions:

   • Use the court order to update your name with other relevant institutions like banks, schools, and employers.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Massachusetts

A. Gender Marker Change on Driver’s License or State ID

1. Required Documentation:

   • To change your gender marker on your Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID, you need:

     • A letter from a licensed healthcare provider (doctor, therapist, or licensed professional) affirming your gender identity.

     • The provider does not need to confirm surgery, just that you are undergoing or have completed gender transition.

2. Submit the Request:

   • You will need to complete the RMV gender marker change form, which can be obtained online or at your local Registry of Motor Vehicles office.

   • Bring the required documents (healthcare provider letter and photo ID) to your local RMV office.

   • Pay the required fee (typically around $25 for a new license).

3. Receive Updated License or ID:

   • Once your request is processed, the RMV will issue a new driver’s license or state ID with your updated gender marker.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

1. Petition for Gender Marker Change:

   • To change the gender marker on your Massachusetts birth certificate, you must submit a petition to the Probate and Family Court. The petition should include:

     • A letter from a healthcare provider confirming your gender identity.

     • The court order for name change (if you are also changing your name).

     • A request for an official amendment to your birth certificate to reflect your gender identity.

2. File the Petition:

   • After completing the petition, submit it to the Probate and Family Court. The filing fee is typically around $150-$200.

3. Court Hearing:

   • You will attend a hearing, where the court will review your petition. After the review, the judge will grant or deny your request.

4. Submit to Vital Records:

   • Once you receive a court order for gender marker change, submit it to Massachusetts Vital Records to update your birth certificate.

   • Provide:

     • Court order

     • A completed birth certificate amendment form

     • Payment (around $50 for the amended birth certificate).

5. Receive Updated Birth Certificate:

   • After processing, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will issue a new birth certificate reflecting your updated gender marker.

3. Summary Checklist for Massachusetts

Name Change Process:

1. File Petition for Name Change at the Probate and Family Court in your county.

2. Undergo criminal background check with the Massachusetts State Police.

3. Attend Court Hearing to finalize your name change.

4. Receive Court Order and use it to update your name on:

   • Social Security records (via SSA).

   • Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID (via RMV).

   • Other institutions (banks, schools, employers).

Gender Marker Change Process:

1. For Driver’s License/State ID:

   • Obtain a letter from a healthcare provider confirming your gender identity.

   • Submit the form to RMV, and pay the required fee (~$25).

2. For Birth Certificate:

   • File a petition with the Probate and Family Court.

   • Submit court order to Massachusetts Vital Records with payment (~$50).

Important Notes:

• No Surgery Requirement: Massachusetts does not require proof of surgery for gender marker changes on the driver’s license or state ID.

• Court Order for Birth Certificate: A court order is required for a gender marker change on the birth certificate.