An adult, which is someone at least 19 years old, may change their name under the following conditions:

• A resident of Alabama;
• Cannot have been convicted of a felony or as a sex offender;^[1]
• Not currently a defendant of a criminal charge; and
• Not avoiding debt.

Go to a local fingerprint office and bring the following:

• Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information – Sign in the presence of two witnesses or a notary public.
• FBI Applicant Fingerprint Card (FD-1164) – Bring two copies.
• Certified Check or Cash – There will be an administrative fee of $25 plus $5 for any additional copies (no checks accepted, cash is recommended).

A local background check will be processed by the Alabama Bureau of Investigations.

The court also requires an FBI background check. This can be completed online or by mail using the FBI instructions:

• Online – Complete the online application and provide a copy of the fingerprints to submit at a USPS location.
• Mail – Use the FBI checklist that includes:
  • Complete and sign the Identity History Summary Request (1-783)
  • Attach the FBI Applicant Fingerprint Card (FD-1164) processed with your fingerprints taken.
  • Include a money order or certified check for $18 made to the ‘United States Treasury.’ Credit card payments can also be made by completing the Credit Card Payment Form.
  • Send to: FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request, 1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, WV 26306

Complete the state-wide Request to Change Name (PS-12), or a petitioner can use a county-specific petition provided by a local court (samples below):

• Jefferson County
• Mobile County
• Shelby County
• Madison County

The Request to Change Name must be signed by the petitioner in the presence of a notary public.

The following documents must be filed with the local Probate Court where you reside:

• Request to Change Name (PS-12) – 2 copies
• Proof of Residency – Evidence must include a lease agreement, utility bill, or other stamped and addressed envelope. If neither, an Affidavit of Residency can be used and signed by the other occupants of your household.^[2]
• Copy of ID – Such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Background Checks (2) – Provided by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the FBI ‘rap sheet.’
• Birth Certificate – Certified copy.
• Filing Fee – Ranges from $25 to $95, depending on the county. If you cannot afford the fee, instead file the Affidavit of Substantial Hardship and Order (C-10-CIVIL).

After filing with the court, a court hearing will be provided when filing or sent to the mailing address provided.

It is required to attend the court hearing. The judge will review the documents presented and, if approved, will authorize one Order for Name Change (copies can be requested for an additional fee). There may be an additional cost required for the hearing (for example, in Shelby County it is $13).

If no hearing is scheduled, the Order for Name Change will be signed by the judge and mailed.

A spouse should change their name when filing a marriage certificate (see below).

If a spouse did not change their name at the time of marriage, complete the Amendment to Alabama Marriage Certificate and Decree of Correction. This will amend the marriage certificate and, once updated, can be used to change your name legally with other government agencies and organizations.

A name change can be made part of a divorce if the intentions are made in a Marital Settlement Agreement or if the judge is made aware when signing the divorce certificate.^[3]

The judge will consider the request and commonly allow a spouse to change to a former name. After the judgment has been made, a divorce decree will be published by the court and can be used as evidence to change a name at any government office.

To change your name on an Alabama driver’s license, go to an ALEA driver’s license office. Depending on the county, an appointment may need to be scheduled.You must bring a document proving your name change, such as an Order for Name Change, marriage certificate, or divorce certificate.

A current and registered voter in Alabama can update their personal details using the Alabama Secretary of State’s website if they have changed the name on their driver’s license. If not, the Mail-In Application (NVRA-2) must be used to change their name.