Name Change in Alabama

SUMMARY: How to Change Your Name in Alabama

When you change your name because of a marriage, divorce, or court order, you will first need to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA). Your next step will be to handle a name change with the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Department. Find out how to change your name on your Alabama driver's license and identification card, as well as how to make a name change on your car registration and title certificate.

Continue reading this page to learn how to change your name on a Social Security card, AL driver's license or ID card, vehicle registration, and title document.

Change Your Name with the SSA

Before you change your name with the Alabama DPS, you must report your name change to the Social Security Administration. If you don't update your name with the SSA, the AL DPS will not be able to verify your Social Security number (SSN). You can change your name either in person or by mail. You cannot change your name online. You will need:

  • A completed Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
  • Proof of your name change, such as a:
    • Marriage certificate.
    • Divorce decree.
    • Court order.
  • Proof of your identity, such as a:
    • U.S. driver's license.
    • Valid U.S. passport.
    • Alabama identification card.
  • Proof of your U.S. citizenship, such as a:
    • Certificate of U.S. citizenship.
    • U.S. birth certificate.
    • Certificate of naturalization.

NOTE: The SSA will only accept originals or certified copies. For a complete list of accepted documents, please visit the Social Security Administration website.

Submit the required documents above to your local Social Security Administration office either by mail or in person. Your mailed documents will be returned to you after your name change is processed.

The SSA will send you your new Social Security card within 14 business days. Your Social Security number will not change.

AL Driver's License & ID Card Name Changes

To change the name shown on your Alabama driver's license or ID card, you will need to apply in person at your local AL driver's license office. You will need:

  • Your AL driver's license.
  • Social security card displaying your new name.
  • To show proof of the name change, such as your:
    • Marriage certificate.
    • Divorce decree.
    • Court order showing the name change.
  • To pay the replacement fee. See “Fees to Change Your Name in Alabama" below.

The AL Driver License Department will issue you a new temporary paper license or ID card with your new name that same day. They will mail your new permanent, laminated version to your home address.

For more information about how to apply for a replacement Alabama driver's license, please view our page about Replacing a Lost License.

Remember, before you go to the office, you must update your information with the Social Security Administration and bring the new social security card with you. Refer to “ Change Your Name with the SSA" above.

Become an Organ Donor Today!

As an organ donor, you could save up to 8 lives and touch hundreds more.

Signing up is EASY and FREE! REGISTER NOW!

Vehicle Title/Registration Name Change

The process of changing your name on your Alabama car registration and certificate of title may vary depending on your county.

You will likely need to visit your local county DPS office with:

  • Your current, valid AL driver's license showing your new name.
  • Proof of your name change, such as your:
    • Marriage certificate.
    • Divorce decree.
    • Other court order showing the name change.
  • Your current registration papers.
  • Your certificate of title, if you have it.
  • Payment for the appropriate duplicate registration or titling fees. See “Fees to Change Your Name in Alabama" below.

Contact your local Alabama DPS office for specific instructions.

If you have lost your registration documents or certificate of title, visit our following pages:

Fees to Change Your Name in Alabama

The fees for duplicate copies of your AL DPS documents are as follows:

  • Driver's license: $32.50.
  • Non-driver ID card: $32.50.
  • Vehicle certificate of title: $20.

Accepted Payment Methods

The Alabama DPS accepts the following forms of payment:

  • Cash.
  • Money orders made payable to the Driver License Department.

Not all DPS offices accept the same payment methods. Some also accept credit and debit cards. Contact your local Alabama DPS office for more information.

Changing Your Address in Alabama

The Alabama DPS requires you to notify them of your address change within 30 days of moving. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at your local deputy registrar's office.

Please visit our Changing Your Address page for complete details.

Forms

SS-5
Application for a Social Security Card
Apply for an original, replacement, or corrected Social Security card.
DMV.ORG BBB Business Review