Changing Your Name

Driver's License and ID Card

To change the name shown on your driver's license or ID card, go in person to your local driver's license office with the proper documentation and your current license.

Depending on the circumstances, you should show a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other court order showing the name change.

Before you go to the office, update your information with the Social Security Administration. Give the agency at least 48 hours to process your request. Visit the Social Security site for instructions on how to change your name with the agency.

After you pay a $23 fee, the Driver License Division will issue you a new temporary paper license or ID that day. The division will mail your new permanent, laminated version to your home.

Registration Papers

When you change your name, just take the proper documentation to your county's tag and title office and make the changes when you renew your registration. There's no penalty for waiting until your renewal period; in fact, it will cost you additional fees if you do it at any other time.

You'll need to provide your current, valid driver's license with your new name on it, as well as the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other court order showing the name change. You'll also need your current registration papers to complete the process.

Vehicle Title

In Alabama, when you change the name on your vehicle's registration papers, you also have to change it on the title. Make the changes at your county's tag and title office during your registration renewal period. Waiting until your renewal period will save you an additional charge of $15 for the title fee―which you pay anyway at time of renewal―and it will also save you time standing in line.