Changing one's name is a personal decision that can have various reasons, including marriage, divorce, adoption, or simply a desire for a new identity. Regardless of the reason, the procedure for changing your name in Alabama requires specific steps and legal requirements. In this article, we will discuss the procedure for an Adult Name Change in Alabama.
Legal Requirements for Changing Your Name in Alabama
To change your name in Alabama, you must meet certain legal requirements. First, you must be at least 19 years old or an emancipated minor. If you are an emancipated minor, you must provide proof of your status. Second, you must have lived in Alabama for at least six months before filing a petition for a name change. Third, you cannot have any felony convictions or be required to register as a sex offender. Finally, you cannot be changing your name to defraud anyone or for any illegal purpose.
Filing a Petition for Name Change
- The first step in changing your name in Alabama is to file a petition for a name change with the circuit court in the county where you reside. The petition must include your current name, your proposed new name, and the reason for the name change. You must also provide your current address, date of birth, and social security number. You will also need to pay a filing fee, which varies by county.
- After filing the petition, you will need to attend a hearing before a judge. The judge will ask you questions about the reason for the name change and may require additional documentation, such as a criminal background check or proof of residency. If the judge approves your name change, they will issue an order granting the name change.
Publishing Notice of Name Change
After obtaining the order granting the name change, you must publish a notice of the name change in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. The notice must include your old and new names, the reason for the name change, and the date the order was granted. You must also provide proof of the publication to the circuit court.
Obtaining a Certified Copy of the Order Granting the Name Change
Once the notice has been published and proof provided to the circuit court, you can obtain a certified copy of the order granting the name change. This certified copy will be required to update your identity documents, such as your driver's license and social security card. It may also be required for changing your name on legal documents such as your will or property deeds.
Updating Your Identity Documents
After obtaining a certified copy of the order granting the name change, you will need to update your identity documents. This includes your driver's license, social security card, passport, bank account, and credit card.
- To change the name on your driver's license, you will need to visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) and provide them with the certified copy of the Order Granting The Name Change, as well as other identity documents such as your old driver's license, birth certificate, and social security card. You will also need to pay a fee for the updated driver's license.
- You will need to complete an application for a new social security card and provide the certified copy of the order granting the name change, as well as other identity documents such as your old social security card and driver's license. You can either mail the application and documents to the Social Security Administration or visit a local Social Security office.
- To change your name on your credit cards, you will need to contact your credit card companies and provide them with the certified copy of the order granting the name change, as well as other identity documents such as your old credit card and social security card. You may also need to fill out a form or provide a written request for the name change.
Changing your name in Alabama requires specific legal requirements and steps that must be followed. These steps include filing a petition for a name change, attending a hearing before a judge, publishing notice of the name change, obtaining a certified copy of the order granting the name change, and updating your identity documents. It is important to follow these steps carefully and provide all required documentation to avoid delays or complications in the name change process.
