Checklist of Forms: Change of Name for Adult

A comprehensive list of forms - both required and recommended - for a Petition to Change Name of Adult Form (CJP 27).

Required

Petition to Change Name of Adult (CJP 27)

This form must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public.

Contact the Notary for more information on what proof they require.

Visit Mass.gov to find a Notary Public. 

A certified copy birth record (certificate)

You must file a certified copy of your birth record (certificate).

How to request a certified copy of a birth record (certificate) from Massachusetts

How to request a certified copy of a birth record (certificate) if the minor was born elsewhere

Note: If you were born out of state and plan to bring evidence of the name change back to that state, you may need to provide additional information to the court. Please contact the state where you were born for more information on updating your name in that state.

Note: If a certified copy of the birth certificate is in another language, it must include a written translation signed by the person translating the birth certificate with a statement that they are fluent in the foreign language and English and that the translation is a true and accurate translation.

Court Activity Record Information (CARI) and Warrant Management System (WMS) Release Request form (CJP 34)

Certified copy of any prior name change*

Common name change documents include, but are not limited to:

  • Certified copies of Judgments or Decrees of Divorce
  • Marriage Certificates
  • Certified copies of Decrees, Orders, or Judgments of Name Change
  • Certificates of Name Change
  • Certificates of Naturalization

May Need

Motion (CJD 400)

Use this form to make additional requests to the court. For example:

  • Motion to waive the publication requirement
  • Motion to waive notarization requirement

Motions are requests made to the court. The court will make a final decision if this will be allowed.

Probate and Family Court Motion (CJD 400)

*Required if you have changed your name before.

Date published: August 26, 2025
Last updated: May 6, 2024

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