How to Legally Change Your Name in Alabama
Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in Alabama is filed in the Probate Court and costs about $25–$100 (typical $42, varies by county). In Alabama, no newspaper publication is required, and most cases finish in 2–8 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
Alabama Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Alabama name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Alabama Probate Court and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Circuit Court (through the divorce judgment) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | Probate Court | $25–$100 | Not required | 2–8 weeks |
| Minor child | Probate Court | $25–$100 | Not required | 3–10 weeks |
| Gender identity | Probate Court | $25–$100 | Not required | 2–8 weeks |
Choose your situation
Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.
No court petition
Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.
$0 · Circuit Court (through the divorce judgment)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$25–$100 · Probate Court
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$25–$100 · Probate Court
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$25–$100 · Probate Court
The Alabama name-change process
Most legal name changes in Alabama that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Probate Court. You file where you live — Probate Court in the county where you live. The filing fee is $25–$100 (typical $42, varies by county), so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you file.
You do not have to publish a notice in a newspaper. a background check may be required depending on your situation. From filing to a signed order usually takes 2–8 weeks.
Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies right away — you'll hand one to Social Security, the DMV, and the passport agency, in that order.
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Alabama driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Alabama name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Alabama?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Alabama?
How long does a name change take in Alabama?
Which court handles name changes in Alabama?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Alabama?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- eforms.alacourt.gov/do-it-yourself-forms
- www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-certificates.html
- www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license/driver-license-forms
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.
We're re-confirming some fee details for this state against the county court. Always confirm the exact current fee with your court clerk before you file.