How to Change Your Name in Alabama

If you’re looking to change your name in Alabama following marriage, typically you can initiate this process when submitting your marriage license. However, it’s advisable to check with your county clerk as procedures and regulations can vary between counties.

Once married, your marriage certificate becomes the primary legal document for your name change. Upon filing your marriage license at the county courthouse, you can expect to receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate by mail within approximately two weeks. This certified copy can then be used to update your name with various agencies, institutions, and businesses.

In Alabama, changing your name after a divorce is a straightforward process. The name change request can be included in the divorce decree. If the judge approves, the name change becomes official when the decree is signed. You’ll need to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and other important documents to reflect your new name. Obtain certified copies of the divorce decree to present as legal proof of your name change. This ensures all your records and identification match your new name, helping you transition smoothly to your post-divorce identity.

To change your name via petition in Alabama, you’ll need to file a Petition for Change of Name in the county where you reside. The petition must include your current name, the new name you desire, and the reasons for the change. You may also need to undergo a background check. Once filed, a court hearing will be scheduled, and a judge will review your petition. If the judge approves your request, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. You’ll then use this court order to update your name on official documents like your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport.

To change the name of a minor in Alabama, a parent or guardian must file a Petition for Change of Name of a Child in the county where the child resides. The petition must include the child’s current name, the desired new name, and the reasons for the change. Both parents typically need to consent, but if one parent does not agree, the court may still grant the change if it is in the child’s best interest. A court hearing will be scheduled, and if the judge approves, they will sign an Order Granting Name Change. This order is then used to update the child’s official documents.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Alabama Driver’s License.

1. Update Your Name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Before updating your name on your Alabama driver’s license, you must first report the name change to the SSA. This step is essential as the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) verifies your new name through the SSA.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather the following original documents:

• Your current Alabama driver’s license or ID card.
• A Social Security card displaying your new name.
• Proof of your legal name change, such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

3. Visit an Alabama Driver’s License Office

• To complete the name change process, you must visit an ALEA Driver License Office in person. This service cannot be done online or by mail.
• Bring all required documents. The updated driver’s license or ID card will cost a fee.

4. Receive Your Updated License

After submitting your documents and paying the fee, you will receive a temporary paper license or ID card. Your permanent, laminated card will be mailed to your home address.

Here is the process for changing the name on your Vehicle and Title Registration in Alabama.

1. Prepare the Required Documents

You’ll need the following:

• Your current Alabama vehicle title.
• An updated Alabama driver’s license showing your new name.
• A certified copy of the legal document authorizing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle, with the insurance provider licensed in Alabama.

2. Visit a Local County License Office

• You must visit your local County License Office in person to complete the name change on your vehicle title and registration. This process cannot be done online or by mail.
• If your vehicle is financed, you will also need to coordinate with your lienholder. The lienholder must send the title to the office where you will conduct the transaction or provide a letter granting permission to change your name on the title.

3. Submit Your Documents and Pay Fees

Present the required documents to a clerk at the County License Office. If you are applying for a corrected title, be prepared to pay the applicable fees. The title application fee is typically $15, with additional processing fees possible depending on your county.

4. Receive Your Updated Title and Registration

Once your application and documents are processed, you will receive a new vehicle title and registration reflecting your updated name.

Here is the process for changing your name on your Voter Registration in Alabama.

Online Update

You can update your voter registration online through the Alabama Secretary of State’s website. This is a convenient option if you have your Alabama driver’s license or non-driver ID number.

By Mail

Download the Alabama Voter Registration Application from the Alabama Secretary of State’s website. Fill out the form with your new name and mail it to your local County Board of Registrars. Make sure your application is postmarked at least 15 days before an election to ensure your registration is updated in time.

In Person

You can visit your local County Board of Registrars, a driver’s licensing office, or other designated government offices like public libraries to update your voter registration in person. Bring proof of your name change and your identification.

Important Deadlines

Your updated voter registration must be submitted at least 15 days before an election to ensure you can vote under your new name.

• Social Security Administration
• Passport 
• Postal Service

Criminal Background Check: If you are an adult petitioning for a name change, you may need to undergo a criminal background check. This helps ensure that the name change is not being requested to evade law enforcement or creditors.

Consent Requirements: For minors, both parents typically need to consent to the name change. If one parent does not consent, the court will consider whether the change is in the child’s best interest.

Court Discretion: The court has the discretion to deny a name change request if it believes the change is being requested for fraudulent or misleading purposes.

Notification Requirements: You may need to notify certain parties of your name change, such as creditors, employers, and schools.

Impact on Legal Documents: A name change will require updating all legal documents, including your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and any other identification or financial documents.

Restrictions on Frequency: While there are no specific limits on how often you can change your name, multiple name changes may raise suspicion and could be scrutinized by the court.

Legal Status: If you have any pending legal actions, such as bankruptcy or criminal charges, the court may consider these when reviewing your petition.

Debt and Financial Obligations: Changing your name does not absolve you of any existing debts or financial obligations. Creditors must still be able to track you, and you are required to notify them of your name change.

Immigration Status: If you are not a U.S. citizen, changing your name could affect your immigration status or documentation. It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney before proceeding.