Name Change

Adult Name Changes

1. If you are 19 years old or older and a resident of Talladega County, Alabama, you must complete and file the following:

• • Petition for Change of Name
  • Proof of Residency
    • If you reside with parents or friends, etc., you must provide an Affidavitcompleted 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, must be dated within 6 months of the date of the filing of the petition

2. Unless the name change is pursuant to a Divorce Decree, correction of a misspelling on a form of identification (birth certificate/driver’s license/social security card), or the elimination of replacement of a given first or middle name with your maiden name; you are required to complete and file with your petition both Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks.

• • Certified criminal history background checks based on fingerprints from the ABI:
    • 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.
    • The address for the Talladega County Jail is 150 East Renfroe Rd., Talladega, AL 35160.
    • 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.
    • Petitioner may call (205)353-4340 if there are any questions.
    • Petitioner will receive a certified criminal history background check from the ABI that mustbe brought to the Probate Court when filing for name change.
  • Certified criminal history background checks from the FBI:
    • Go to the FBI’s website, which is located at 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 “stats and services” and choose “Identity History Summary Checks”.
    • 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:

    • FBI CJIS - Record Request 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, WV 26306

• • • 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. You will bring all required items with a $50.00 filing fee to: Judge of Probate, 1 Court Square, Talladega, AL 35160.
4. You will receive three(3) Orders of Name Change. If you require additional copies, add $3.00 for each additional copy.
5. Payment may be made by CASH ONLY.
6. 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.