Marriage Name Change in Alabama

Agency: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division. Deadline: Alabama does not publish a fixed number of days for a name change, but ALEA advises updating your license promptly after the name change is legally effective.

To update your name on an Alabama driver license or ID, you must visit a driver license office in person — name changes cannot be completed by mail or online. ALEA requires proof of the name change and will check your new name against Social Security records, so complete the SSA update first.

Bring these documents:

• Updated Social Security card (reflecting your new name)
• Certified marriage certificate (original)
• Current Alabama driver license or ID card
• Proof of Alabama residency (if your address also changed)

Open the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division →

The one order that matters is Social Security first, then your driver license — state offices verify your new name against SSA records. Your U.S. passport can be updated whenever it suits you; it is not required before your license.

Update Social Security first, then your Alabama driver license — Alabama agencies verify your new name against Social Security records, so going the other way causes rejections and wasted trips. Your U.S. passport is a separate, independent update: you do not need a new passport to get your license, and you can renew it whenever it suits your travel plans. Banks, employer, insurance, and the rest come after your license.