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Name change after marriage in Massachusetts: checklist and DMV steps
The order to change your name after marriage in Massachusetts, and what the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) asks for, from its own pages. Each step links its source.
How to change your name after marriage in Massachusetts
Get certified copies of your marriage certificate first. Then change your name with Social Security, then at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) for your license or ID, then on your passport, then with your bank, employer and everything else.
The steps, in order
- Certified copies of your marriage certificate. Boston lists a copy of the marriage certificate at $12 in person or $14 by mail; Cambridge links to an online certified copy order. (Source: boston.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Social Security. You change your name with Social Security by requesting a replacement card. Depending on your situation you may be able to request it online; if not, you make an appointment at a local office. (Source: ssa.gov, checked October 26, 2026)
- Your Massachusetts driver's license or ID. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV): what its pages say is below.
- Your passport. The U.S. Department of State handles passports. Its site did not let us read it automatically when we checked, so open its passport pages for the form that fits your passport.
- Everything else. Bank and credit accounts, your employer, insurance, voter registration and the rest: the name change after marriage checklist lists them in order.
USAGov lists the agencies to tell after a name change, including Social Security, your state driver license office and the U.S. passport office, and says to use certified copies of documents such as a marriage certificate as proof. (Source: usa.gov, checked October 26, 2026)
Changing your name at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
From the agency’s own pages, last checked October 30, 2026. Open the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) page. Fees and rules change: confirm on that page before you go.
- What to do
- Visit an RMV Service Center by appointment with a completed application for a new photo, signature and card. Name changes cannot be completed online. (Source: mass.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Documents accepted as proof of the new name
- REAL ID: a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court document if your name differs from your lawful presence documents. Standard license or ID: none required. (Source: mass.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Fee
- $25 license or ID amendment fee. (Source: mass.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- In person or online
- Name changes must be done in person at an RMV Service Center, by appointment. (Source: mass.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
- Social Security first
- Not stated on the pages we read. Check the agency page. Official page
- Deadline
- No deadline for a name change is stated on the pages we read. Official page
Common questions
How do I change my name on my Massachusetts driver's license after marriage?
Visit an RMV Service Center by appointment with a completed application for a new photo, signature and card. Name changes cannot be completed online.
How much does it cost to change the name on a Massachusetts license?
$25 license or ID amendment fee.
What documents do I need to change my name at the Massachusetts DMV?
REAL ID: a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court document if your name differs from your lawful presence documents. Standard license or ID: none required.
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