A person is generally allowed to change their first name, last name, middle name, or full name—provided the name change is not for a fraudulent purpose or to avoid creditors. The process is often initiated by filing a name change petition in court and providing notice of the name change to government agencies such as (1) the state department of motor vehicles or department of public safety that issues driver’s licenses and (2) the U.S. Social Security Administration.

State voter registration records and passport information (U.S. Department of State) will also need to be updated to reflect a name change.

Some states—such as California—allow a person to change their name simply by using a different name in all aspects of their life. This is known as the usage method for name change. But government agencies will often require a court order as official proof of a name change, so it is generally best to follow that process.

A person may seek a name change for a number of reasons. Following marriage, one spouse will often change their last name to the other spouse’s last name. And one or both spouses generally may change their name following divorce. A person may also change their name to match their gender identity. And the name of a minor child may be changed—often when a parent remarries and the parent’s new spouse adopts the child.

Name change laws vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes—often in the family code or domestic relations code.

In Alabama, individuals have the right to change their first, middle, last, or full name as long as the change is not for fraudulent purposes or to evade creditors. The process typically involves filing a petition for a name change with the probate court. After the court approves the name change, the individual must notify various government agencies, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) for driver's license updates and the Social Security Administration for social security card updates. Additionally, voter registration records and passport information must be updated. Unlike some states like California, where a name can be changed through consistent usage in all aspects of life (usage method), Alabama generally requires a court order to legally change a name. Name changes may occur for various reasons, including marriage, divorce, gender identity alignment, or the adoption of a minor child. The specific procedures and requirements for a name change are outlined in Alabama's statutes, which can be found in sections related to family or domestic relations law.