How do I legally change my name in Alabama?

Alabama adult name changes are unusually simple and are governed by Ala. Code § 12-13-1(b)(10) and common-law tradition, filed in the probate court of the petitioner's county of residence.

1. File the Declaration / Petition

Complete the Declaration of Name Change (probate court form, varies by county).

File with the probate court clerk; filing fee is approximately $40–$100 (Jefferson County: ~$57; Mobile: ~$60; Madison: ~$50).

Petitioner must be at least 19 (Alabama age of majority).

2. No Publication, No Background Check (Usually)

Alabama does not require newspaper publication for adult name changes.

No statewide fingerprint background check is required (though some probate courts request a basic ABI check).

3. Notary / Court Acknowledgment

Declaration must be signed before the probate judge or a notary, identifying current and proposed name and the petitioner's residence.

4. Order

The probate judge enters the Order of Name Change — often within days of filing.

Alabama also recognizes the common-law right to change one's name through consistent usage without court action, though a court order is needed for most government IDs.

5. After the Order

Certified copies ($5 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Alabama DL at ALEA ($36.25), passport, voter registration, banks.

6. Divorce-Based Restoration

Ala. Code § 30-2-11 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce decree without separate name-change action.

7. Minor's Name Change

Filed in juvenile court if contested; both parents must be served (Ala. Code § 26-11-3).

This is legal information, not legal advice.