Skip to content
NameWright
Alabama · AL

Change your name in Alabama

The exact steps, documents, and official Alabama links to change your name after marriage or divorce, in the correct order.

License update fee

Standard duplicate license fee of $36.25 (name changes are processed as a duplicate license; no separate name-change fee listed)

Voter deadline

Must register or update voter registration (including name changes) no later than the 15th day before an election.

Instructions verified August 2026 against official Alabama government sites. How we verify

Book a DMV appointment

What Alabama asks you to bring

Documents for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) - Driver License Division

  • Certified marriage certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Updated Social Security card (proof SSA record already reflects new name; 24-hour waiting period after SSA visit)
  • Current Alabama driver license or state ID
  • Proof of residency document (for REAL ID compliance)
  • Payment for duplicate license fee ($36.25)

Online or in person

Alabama does not accept the license name change online. A visit to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) - Driver License Division is required.

REAL ID in Alabama

Must wait 24 hours after updating your name with the Social Security Administration before ALEA can process the name change on your license; bring proof of SSA update along with certified marriage certificate.

Ordering your Alabama marriage certificate

Order online/by phone via VitalChek (1-888-279-9888), by mail to Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625, or in person at any county health department. Search/certified copy fee is $15.00; additional copies same order $6.00 each; $15.00 expedite fee.

Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), Center for Health Statistics

Updating your Alabama voter registration

Alabama lets you update your registration online. Must register or update voter registration (including name changes) no later than the 15th day before an election.

Update your registration

Alabama step-by-step guides

Free to start

Ready to change your name in Alabama?

Build your free, personalized checklist, sequenced correctly for your state.