Massachusetts Applicant Affidavit in Support of Amendment of a Birth Certificate for Sex (R-116)
Official state formSex designation changeForm R-116Free downloadLast verified November 10, 2026
Affidavit asking for a permanent change of the sex designation (Female, Male or X) on a Massachusetts birth certificate, and of the name when a court name change decree is sent. It goes to the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics or the clerk in the city or town of birth.
Who can use this form
- A person over 18 signs for their own birth certificate.
- For a person under 18, a parent or guardian with legal custody signs. A second parent or guardian may also sign.
- The affidavit is signed under the pains and penalties of perjury.
What to send with it
- The completed affidavit. If it is mailed to the registry, it must be notarized.
- A court-certified copy of a legal name change decree, if the name is also being changed.
- A check or money order for all fees, payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- In person at the registry (by appointment): a valid photo ID.
- The affidavit may also be filed at the clerk's office in the city or town of birth.
Where to send it
- Mail to
- Registry of Vital Records and Statistics Attn: Amendments 150 Mt. Vernon Street, 1st Floor Dorchester, MA 02125
- State fee
- $50.00 one-time amendment fee plus $32.00 per certified copy of the amended record by mail ($20.00 in person), per the office's fact sheet. The affidavit itself only says that fees at city and town clerk offices vary by community.
- Typical processing
- Not provided
- Form revision
- 12/23/2024
- Source
- Official government page