Name Change

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHANGE OF NAME

•  Petition for Change of Name
•  Proof of Residency in Talladega County (Physical address no P.O. Box)
•  If you reside with parents or friends, etc., you must provide an Affidavit completed by that person affirming that you live with them and a copy of a utility bill in their name with a physical address
•  Copy of Current State Issued ID
• Copy of Final Divorce Decree, if name change is due to a divorce
• Copy of Alabama Bureau of Investigation Background Check
• Copy of Federal Bureau of Investigation Background Check
• Certified Copy of Birth Certificate

• Divorce Decree (does not specify that applicant can return to Maiden name)
• Correction of a misspelling on a form of identification (birth certificate/driver’s license/social security card)
• Elimination or replacement of a given first or middle name with maiden name

• Petitioner may call (866) 740 – 4762 or (334) 676 - 7897 if there are any questions. You will also need to visit this website: https://www.alea.gov/sbi/criminal-justice-services/criminal-records/alabama-background-check
• Petitioner will need to complete form ABI-46 and forward same to the ABI. The fee is $25.00, and they will accept either a cashier’s check or money order.
• Your application must include a classifiable set of your own fingerprints, taken by an authorized law enforcement agency with an FBI-issued Originating Agency Number.
• To make an appointment to obtain fingerprint cards for the ABI and FBI checks, Petitioner may call the Talladega County Jail at (256)761-2000 ext. 2. The address for the Talladega County Jail is 150 East Renfroe Rd., Talladega, AL 35160.
•  We cannot accept background checks from state employment/licensure/certification.

• Go to the FBI’s website, which is located at www.fbi.gov. If you do not have access to a computer, you can utilize one at a local public library.
• Once on the website, go to “Get a rap sheet (Identity History)”
• Read the instructions carefully and fill out the Application Information form and print it out.
• There are two different ways to obtain the background check from the FBI. The two choices are listed on the instructions.
• If you choose to submit your request directly to the FBI and mail the request in, please submit the form, the original fingerprint card and $18.00 fee per person. They will accept a cashier’s check, money order, or credit card.

• The FBI Mailing address is:

• The FBI will also send you a certified criminal history background check that must be brought into the Probate Court along with the ABI’s certification.
• If you have any questions for the FBI, you may contact a local office, as follows:

3. Once you receive your certified copy of your background checks, you will need to come into the probate office. The filing fee for your name change is $50.00. You will receive three (3) Order of Name Change. If you require additional copies, it will be $4.00.
4. Payment may be made by cash only. You will complete the petition and get your name change order the same day. If you have any questions, please contact us at (256)362-4175.

Minor Name Changes

1. If the minor child is 18 years old or younger and a resident of Talladega County, Alabama, you must complete and file the following information:

• • Petition and Declaration for Change of Name of a Minor Child
  • Proof of Residency
  • Copy of Current State Issued ID for the Petitioner(s)
  • Certified Copy of Birth Certificate, must be dated within 6months of the date of the filing of the petition

2. All Petitioners and the minor child (if 14 years of age or older) must sign petition in front of a Notary.
3. You must provide a Certified Copy of the minor child’s birth certificate dated within 6 months of the date of the filing of the petition. (If Alabama Birth Certificate, please call Health Department (256) 362-2593.
4. If both parents’ names appear on the child’s birth certificate, then both parents must sign the petition to have the child’s name changed without a hearing.
5. If one parent is not available to sign the petition, or if the father’s name is not listed on the birth certificate, you will need to acquire the services of an attorney.
6. You may present all required items with a $50.00 filing fee and bring it to our office at 1 Court Square, Talladega, AL 35160, located on the first floor of the courthouse.
7. You will receive three(3) Orders of Name Change. If you require additional copies, add $3.00 for each additional copy.
8. Payment may be made by CASH ONLY.
9. If you have any questions, please contact us at (256) 362-4175.