How to Change Your Name
in Alabama
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Alabama.
Filing Fee
$25-$50
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Circuit Court
Where you file
Alabama Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Circuit Court
Where to File
File in the Circuit Court of the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$25-$50
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Alabama
Alabama requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Alabama-Specific Rule
Alabama requires a background check for all adult name change petitions. Petitioners with felony convictions may be denied.
Required Documents in Alabama
Completed petition for name change
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Background check results
Filing fee payment
Proof of residency in the county
6-Step Name Change Process in Alabama
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Circuit Court of the county where you reside. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Completed petition for name change, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Background check results, Filing fee payment, Proof of residency in the county.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Alabama is approximately $25-$50. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Alabama requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Alabama courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Alabama Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Alabama?
In Alabama, you file in the Circuit Court. File in the Circuit Court of the county where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Alabama?
The filing fee in Alabama is approximately $25-$50. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Alabama?
Alabama requires publication of the name change notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
How long does a name change take in Alabama?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Alabama. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in Alabama?
For your name change petition in Alabama, gather: Completed petition for name change, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Background check results, Filing fee payment, Proof of residency in the county. JustiPal™ provides a complete Alabama-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in Alabama. Takes 2 minutes.
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Alabama-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Alabama document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in Alabama.
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