File a Petition for Name Change:
- Where: You will need to file the Petition for Name Change at the Circuit Court in the county where you reside. The court will provide the required forms, and many counties offer these forms online.
- Information Required:
  - Your current legal name.
  - The name you wish to use.
  - A brief explanation of why you are changing your name (e.g., gender identity).
Pay the Filing Fee:
- The typical fee for filing a name change petition is between $150 and $250, depending on the county.
- If you cannot afford the fee, you may request a fee waiver from the court.
Notice of Petition:
- In most cases, Alabama law requires that you publish a Notice of Petition for Name Change in a local newspaper. This notice allows the public to object to your name change.
- Request for Waiver of Publication: If you fear for your safety (for instance, due to potential harassment), you may file a request to waive the publication requirement. A judge will decide whether to grant this waiver.
Court Hearing:
- A court hearing is generally scheduled, where you may be asked to present your case for the name change.
- Court Order: If the judge approves your petition, a court order for the name change will be issued.
Obtain Updated Documents:
- After receiving the court order, you can begin updating your records (such as Social Security, driver’s license, bank accounts, etc.).

Submit Request for Gender Change:
- To change the gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID, you must submit a request to the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS).
- Required Documentation:
  - You must submit a letter from a licensed healthcare provider verifying that you are undergoing treatment for gender transition. This is required to amend the gender marker on your ID.
  - The letter should include the healthcare provider’s credentials and affirm that the gender marker should reflect your gender identity.
Complete the Application:
- You will need to complete the Gender Change Application form, available at your local Alabama Department of Public Safety office or their website.
- Fee: There is typically a small fee of $5–$25 to process the update.
Submit the Application:
- Submit the completed form and supporting documentation to the DPS. You may need to do this in person or by mail, depending on the local office.
Receive Updated ID:
- Once processed, you will receive a new driver’s license or state ID reflecting your updated gender marker.

Petition for Gender Marker Change:
- To change the gender marker on your birth certificate, you will need to file a petition in the Alabama Circuit Court.
- Required Documentation:
  - Submit a letter from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that your gender identity is consistent with the requested gender marker.
  - If needed, some courts may request additional evidence of gender transition (e.g., medical treatment or surgery).
Court Hearing:
- After filing the petition, a court hearing will be scheduled. The judge will review the petition and supporting documents.
- If the judge approves your petition, a court order will be issued to change the gender marker on your birth certificate.
Submit Court Order to the Alabama Department of Public Health:
- After obtaining the court order, you will need to submit it to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) to update your birth certificate.
- Fee: There is a fee of approximately $15–$30 to amend your birth certificate.
Receive Updated Birth Certificate:
- Once the ADPH processes the change, you will receive an updated birth certificate reflecting the new gender marker.

File Petition for Name Change at your local Circuit Court (forms and fee required).
Publish Notice of the name change or request a publication waiver if necessary.
Attend Court Hearing and obtain court order for name change.
Update Documents (Social Security, driver’s license, bank accounts, etc.) with your new name.

Driver’s License/State ID:
- Submit Gender Marker Change Application and healthcare provider’s letter to Alabama Department of Public Safety.
- Pay the fee and receive updated driver’s license or state ID.
Birth Certificate:
- File Petition for Gender Marker Change in Circuit Court.
- Submit court order to Alabama Department of Public Health.
- Pay the fee and receive an updated birth certificate.

No Surgery Requirement: Alabama does not require proof of surgery to change the gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID.
Court-Approved Process: While you can change your gender marker through the court system, you must follow specific legal processes to have it officially amended on documents like birth certificates.