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Name Change in Alabama

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Legally changed your name in Alabama—after marriage, divorce, or a court order? Update your driver's license, registration, and Social Security record. Here's exactly how, plus ask Sam.

Changing your name on your Alabama license isn't automatic. After a marriage, divorce, or court-ordered name change, you'll update Social Security first, then your driver's license, vehicle title, and registration. The Alabama steps below show exactly what to bring and in what order—then work through the list of everything else to update.

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How to Change Your Name 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.

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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.

Changing your name touches more than your license. Here's what else to update—we've linked our full guides.

Change of AddressMoved too? Update your address on your license, registration, and title.

Driver's License & IDRenew, replace, or update the details on your license or state ID.

REAL IDGetting a REAL ID? Make sure your name matches across every document.

Voter RegistrationRe-register or update your name on the voter rolls.

Find a DMV OfficeFind your nearest office, hours, and appointment options.

DMV FormsName-change and duplicate-license forms, all in one place.

Don't forget these after your name change:

✓Social Security—update this FIRST at ssa.gov (Form SS-5, free) so your DMV records match.

✓U.S. passport—update with the U.S. State Department if you travel.

✓Car insurance & banks—update your policy, cards, and accounts.

✓Employer & IRS—update payroll and tax records with your new legal name.

Name Change FAQs

How do I change the name on my Alabama driver's license?

Update Social Security first, then bring your certified name-change document and your current license to the Alabama DMV. The steps above lay out exactly what Alabama asks for, in order.

Do I have to change my name with Social Security before the DMV?

Start there. It's a federal update—Form SS-5 is free and your Social Security number never changes. The Alabama steps above show where it fits and what to bring next.

What documents do I need to change my name in Alabama?

A certified copy of whatever changed your name—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—plus your current license and proof of identity. The Alabama document list above is the one to work from.

How much does it cost to change your name in Alabama?

It depends on what gets reissued—your license or ID, and your vehicle title and registration. The Alabama steps above cover each one.

Do I need to update my car title and registration too?

Yes—your title and registration should match your legal name. The vehicle section above covers what Alabama requires.

Do I need to update my car insurance too?

Yes—insurers require your policy to match your legal name and current ID. Compare car insurance quotes while you're updating your paperwork to make sure you're not overpaying.