Have you gotten married, divorced or had to change your legal name recently in the state of Alabama? If so, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) suggests that you complete a name change for drivers license as soon as possible. When changing name on drivers licenses in Alabama, there is a specific procedure to follow. A name change can be handled at your local Dept. of Motor Vehicles by presenting proof of legal name change, the incorrect license, and all other required documents and paying the license replacement fee.
The following topics are covered in-depth below to help you navigate this process seamlessly:
The first step toward changing your name on your Alabama drivers license is reporting your name changing to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Skipping this step will prevent the DPS from verifying your Social Security number. While you cannot update your name with the SSA online, you can do so either in person or by mail free of charge.
To conduct a SSA name change request and receive a corrected card, you will need the following documentation to prove your name change, identity and citizenship:
In addition, you will need to print and complete an Application for a Social Card (Form SS-5). This standard application is used for applying for an original Social Security card, applying for a replacement Social Security card, or in this case, changing or correcting information on an existing Social Security record.
On the Social Security card application, you will need to provide information such as:
Once you have filled out the application form, simply mail or take the application and required documents to a local SSA office to complete the first step toward a name change on drivers license.
If you have further questions about how to fill out the Social Security application form, feel free to call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a Social Security representative.
Once you have completed the legal name change process with the SSA, you can proceed with updating the name on your drivers license with the DPS. The only way to do this is in person.
In Alabama, you must submit proof of your SSA legal name change at any of the following locations:
The name update on drivers license costs $31.25 as part of the standard duplicate drivers license fee and on personal checks are accepted. A new license reflecting your official name change will be issued upon submission of the proof of name change and duplicate fee.