Do I change my name at the Alabama DMV or Social Security first?

Social Security first. Alabama's DMV verifies your name and SSN against SSA's records, so updating SSA before the DMV prevents your license or REAL ID from being rejected on a mismatch.

What documents does Alabama need to change my license name after marriage?

Certified marriage certificate (official example of a valid name-change document per ALEA) See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Alabama page.

How much does a Alabama name change cost?

Duplicate driver license (name change) fee: Charged at the 'normal duplicate fee'; a specific dollar amount for the duplicate is not itemized on the official fees page. Fee varies - see source.; Driver license / non-driver ID card purchase fee: $36.25 to purchase license / $36.25 for non-driver identification card (no checks), per the official fees page. (This is the standard credential purchase fee; the page does not separately list a 'duplicate' line item.). The federal Social Security update is always free.

When was this Alabama guidance last checked?

2026-06-16. We checked every step against Alabama's official pages and show you the date so you know it's current — and we link every step to the real .gov page it came from.

Alabama · checked against the real .gov pages Last verified 2026-06-16

Name change after marriage in Alabama

To change your name after marriage in Alabama, update Social Security first, then your Alabama driver's license / REAL ID, then your passport. Do it in that order and you won't get turned away at the counter on a name mismatch. Below are Alabama's exact DMV steps and fees, each linked to the real .gov page it came from, then the federal steps that apply in every state.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division

Alabama DMV name-change steps

Update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first.
ALEA requires proof that your name has been changed with the Social Security Administration before it will update your license/ID. The official ALEA forms page states a name change requires valid name change documents 'along with proof that your name has been changed with the Social Security Administration.' (SSA is a federal agency; complete the SSA name change before going to ALEA.)
Source
Gather your name-change documents.
Present valid name change documents. ALEA lists examples as 'marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order or legal name change document.' For a marriage name change, bring your certified marriage certificate. (STAR ID/REAL ID document list specifies 'certified documents verifying this change are also required (ex. marriage certificate...).')
Source
Visit a local probate/licensing office or an ALEA Driver License Office to be issued a duplicate license with your new name.
ALEA states: 'If you have changed your name, you must visit a local probate or licensing office, or visit an ALEA Driver License Office to be issued a duplicate license at the normal duplicate fee.' Present your name-change documents and updated Social Security card.
Source
Alternatively, apply by mail using Form DL-100 (Renewal/Duplicate), including photocopies of your documents.
ALEA's mail-in renewal/duplicate option requires including photocopies of legal name change documentation and the updated Social Security card. Note: an original STAR ID (REAL ID) cannot be added by mail; that must be done in person.
Source

What you need to bring

Certified marriage certificate (official example of a valid name-change document per ALEA)
Updated Social Security card showing the new name (proof name was changed with SSA)
Current Alabama driver license or non-driver ID card
For mail applications: photocopies of legal name change documentation and updated Social Security card (Form DL-100)

Alabama fees

Item	Cost	Source
Duplicate driver license (name change) fee	Charged at the 'normal duplicate fee'; a specific dollar amount for the duplicate is not itemized on the official fees page. Fee varies - see source.	alea.gov
Driver license / non-driver ID card purchase fee	$36.25 to purchase license / $36.25 for non-driver identification card (no checks), per the official fees page. (This is the standard credential purchase fee; the page does not separately list a 'duplicate' line item.)	alea.gov

Watch out for these in Alabama

SSA FIRST: ALEA requires proof your name has been changed with the Social Security Administration before updating your driver license/ID. Complete the SSA name change first.

CERTIFIED MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE: For a STAR ID (REAL ID), certified documents verifying the name change are required (e.g., marriage certificate). Bring a certified copy, not a photocopy, for in-person STAR ID transactions.

REAL ID / STAR ID NAME-MATCH: Your name must trace from your proof-of-identity document to your current legal name. If the names differ due to marriage, certified name-change documents (marriage certificate) are required to bridge the difference.

STAR ID NOT BY MAIL: An original STAR ID (REAL ID) cannot be added by mail - it must be obtained in person at an ALEA Driver License Office.

IN-PERSON vs MAIL: A name change can generally be done in person at a probate/licensing office or ALEA Driver License Office, OR by mail via Form DL-100 with photocopies - but mail cannot be used to add an original STAR ID.

The federal steps (every state)

Your Alabama DMV step sits between Social Security and your passport. The three steps below are the same wherever you live.

1. Social Security (free)Do this first.2. REAL ID rulesName traceability + travel.3. PassportDS-5504 within 1 year.

Official Alabama & federal sources

Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I change my license name online in Alabama, or must it be in person?: CERTIFIED MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE: For a STAR ID (REAL ID), certified documents verifying the name change are required (e.g., marriage certificate). Bring a certified copy, not a photocopy, for in-person STAR ID transactions.
Do I change my name at the Alabama DMV or Social Security first?: Social Security first. Alabama's DMV verifies your name and SSN against SSA's records, so updating SSA before the DMV prevents your license or REAL ID from being rejected on a mismatch.
What documents does Alabama need to change my license name after marriage?: Certified marriage certificate (official example of a valid name-change document per ALEA) See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Alabama page.
How much does a Alabama name change cost?: Duplicate driver license (name change) fee: Charged at the 'normal duplicate fee'; a specific dollar amount for the duplicate is not itemized on the official fees page. Fee varies - see source.; Driver license / non-driver ID card purchase fee: $36.25 to purchase license / $36.25 for non-driver identification card (no checks), per the official fees page. (This is the standard credential purchase fee; the page does not separately list a 'duplicate' line item.). The federal Social Security update is always free.
When was this Alabama guidance last checked?: 2026-06-16. We checked every step against Alabama's official pages and show you the date so you know it's current — and we link every step to the real .gov page it came from.

Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.

Alabama DMV name-change steps

Update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first.

Gather your name-change documents.

Visit a local probate/licensing office or an ALEA Driver License Office to be issued a duplicate license with your new name.

Alternatively, apply by mail using Form DL-100 (Renewal/Duplicate), including photocopies of your documents.