According to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles web site:

"You may change your name with no documentation as long as there is no attempt to defraud."

You do have to go to a full-service branch to get a new photo and signature capture. I suppose the awe-inspiring majesty of a full-service branch of the Registry is supposed to be enough to keep people from making fraudulent name changes.

It strikes me that this is the sort of thing that would have changed over the last couple of years. I also don't know if we want the front-line folks at the Registry trying to determine when someone's pulling a fast one. Nothing against them, but it seems like the sort of process that should require at least a marriage licence or something.

In a related customer service note, the people at Sovereign Bank tell us that name changes can be done by a teller. Which contradicts what a teller at the Kenmore Square branch said at the end of last week, which was generally "I don't know." Part of me thinks we just should have closed the account. Anyone out there have an account with Banknorth? Are they any good?