Car Registration Name Change

Name changes are common life events, especially after marriage or divorce, or as the result of a court order. However, maintaining current and updated vehicle registration in Alabama is necessary to avoid penalties and fines that can affect drivers license privileges. In the state, all vehicles manufactured within the last 35 years must have a valid vehicle title to receive a car registration and operate within the state. To make car registration changes, you must contact a Department of Revenue office. To learn more about changing your name on Alabama car registration, continue reading the sections below.

Name changes are common life events, especially after marriage or divorce, or as the result of a court order. However, maintaining current and updated vehicle registration in Alabama is necessary to avoid penalties and fines that can affect drivers license privileges. In the state, all vehicles manufactured within the last 35 years must have a valid vehicle title to receive a car registration and operate within the state. To make car registration changes, you must contact a Department of Revenue office. To learn more about changing your name on Alabama car registration, continue reading the sections below.

Request a Name Change with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

All legal name changes must be first made with the Social Security Administration. There, you will need to present legal documents that support your new name, and act as proof for other things, including:

• A government-issued Proof of identity (ID card, drivers license, passport)
• Proof of your age (birth certificate or passport)
• Your residency status (if necessary)
• Your name change documents (marriage certificate, etc.)
• Completed application for a new Social Security Card

How to Change Name on Car Registration with the ALEA

Once you have completed the name change process with the Social Security Administration, you can go to your Alabama Law Enforcement drivers license local county office to apply for an updated, duplicate drivers license . Thereafter, if your legal name has changed from the name recorded on the certificate of title, you must also submit an application for a corrected certificate of title (MVT-12-1) before you can apply for an updated vehicle registration. The fee for this is usually $18 (subject to vary) , and you will need to bring in the following documents:

• Your original car title
• Your legal name change document
• Your vehicle insurance policy information
• Your updating driving license in Alabama
• Proof of residency

Note: Acceptable proofs of residency may include a utility bill that was recently issued, a mortgage agreement, your state Voter Registration Card, a financial statement from your bank or veterinarian correspondence regarding  your pet.

Once you have received the updated car title reflecting your name change, you can then apply for a name change on vehicle registration. The methods to change name on registration may vary by county. Check with your local vehicle tag agency office for more information. In most cases, you will need to go in person with your updated drivers license and vehicle title to apply for a duplicate car registration.

Also, because in Alabama all vehicles are personal property, you may be required to pay any outstanding taxes before a new registration will be issues.  Note that AL uses a car registration renewal process based on the first letter of your last name. Therefore, any change of last name will likely change your vehicle registration renewal date.