Identity Document Assistance (IDA) Network

Identity Document Assistance (IDA) Network

MTPC’s Identity Document Assistance Network (IDA Network) provides guidance, support and financial assistance for trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive people living in New England who are seeking to update their legal name and/or gender on federal and state documents. Not everyone needs an attorney’s assistance in this process, but it can still be very overwhelming and complicated so we’re here to help! While MTPC does not currently provide legal representation or legal counsel, we will refer you to an appropriate legal resource if necessary.

Watch our Name Change Webinar

Check out a recording of our legal name change webinar from November 2024. In this video MTPC staff and volunteers provide an overview of the legal name and identity document change process for both adults and minors in Massachusetts including:
– Court-ordered Name Change
– Social Security Card
– MA Driver’s License / State ID Card
– U.S. Passport Renewal or Application
– MA Birth Certificate

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Need help changing your legal name / gender marker? Namesake can help!

Namesake is a secure, online platform to provide guidance and assistance with legal name and/or gender marker changes for trans and nonbinary people. MTPC has contracted with Namesake to provide access to the platform for free to all trans and nonbinary residents of Massachusetts! Use this platform to:

1. Automatically fill out your name change paperwork and forms
2. Get guidance on what you need to get the process started and how to prepare for each step
3. Track your progress through each step of the name change and ID document updating process
4. Find answers to common questions and concerns in the name change process

MTPC and Namesake’s partnership was made possible by an Opportunity Grant from the American Bar Endowment.

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Name Change Clinics

MTPC hosts name change clinics throughout Massachusetts as well as virtually. At these clinics, our staff and volunteers can generally provide a general overview of the legal name change process, one-on-one support and guidance, notary services, and referrals to legal resources when necessary. We can also help you get signed up for the Namesake platform and tell you more about it!

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Financial Assistance

MTPC provides financial assistance for those who can not afford a name and gender marker change on state and federal identity documents. These fees can exceed $400, depending on the steps, making access difficult for many in our community.

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