Massachusetts

Massachusetts does not have a voter ID law.

Registered voters do not need to provide an ID when they vote in person, except for some first-time voters.

Check the federal ID requirements for first-time voters!

To vote absentee in Massachusetts, you need to be a registered voter and unable to go to your polling place for an acceptable reason.

A copy of your ID is not required to vote by mail, with the exception of some first-time voters.

Check the federal ID requirements for first-time voters!

You must file a formal request with your county’s Probate and Family Court to change your name in Massachusetts.

You will need to post public notice of your name change. This requirement can be waived for good cause.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

You cannot correct your Massachusetts birth certificate solely for a legal change of name.

See “Update Gender Marker on Birth Certificate” section below for how to change your name and gender marker on a Massachusetts birth certificate.

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

You must update your name with the Social Security Administration before you can change your name on a Massachusetts-issued ID.

If you are applying for a REAL ID driver’s license or state ID, you must visit an RMV Service Center and provide acceptable documentation demonstrating all legal name changes.

If you are applying for a Standard driver’s license or state ID, name-change documentation is not required “as long as there is no attempt to defraud.”

Make an appointment to visit an RMV Service Center and complete an application form (PDF – indicate a change of information).

Submit a request to the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics to correct your birth certificate

To apply for a Massachusetts amended birth certificate, you will need to provide:

• completed Applicant Affidavit form (PDF)
• notarized Physician’s Statement (PDF)
• certified copy of name-change court order (if applicable)
• payment of applicable fee(s)

Proof of gender affirmation surgery is not required.

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

Massachusetts allows residents to mark M, F, or X on their state-issued IDs. No medical certification is required.

To change the gender marker on your Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID, make an appointment to visit a RMV Service Center.

You will be able to self-designate a gender marker when you apply (application form – PDF) for a new or replacement driver’s license or state ID. No additional documentation is required.