Student Name Changes

University policy is to maintain educational records under the student's full, legal name. This is normally first name, middle initial and last name. For international students, the name maintained on the educational records will be the same as the one that appears on their passport and U.S. immigration documentation, including the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant. Official documents such as diplomas and transcripts will not be issued bearing any other name.

  • A currently enrolled student may change the name on his or her permanent academic record by presenting the following appropriate documentation to the Office of Records.
    • To correct the spelling or the proper sequence of the name requires the original or a notarized copy of the student's birth certificate or passport and/or visa.
    • To change the name, the student must present a signed request and the original or a notarized copy of the signed court order showing the new legal name, or the original social security card.
    • To assume the spouse's name following marriage, a student must present a signed request and the original or a notarized copy of the marriage certificate or a state issued driver's license or the original social security card.
    • To discontinue use of the married name and resume use of the original family name, or another name, a student must present the original or a notarized copy of the divorce decree or the original or a notarized copy of the signed court order showing restoration of the original or other name.

NOTE: If you are mailing the information, a notarized copy is required of the relevant document pertaining to your request to process the change.

The University maintains student records under the name the student had when last enrolled. A former student/ alumni may not change the name on his or her permanent academic record except by presenting a signed request and a certified copy of the signed court order showing the authorized name change.

Signed requests for a name change or correction may be mail to:

The University of Alabama
Office of the University Registrar
206 Student Services Center
Box 870134
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0134

Note 1: The requestor will be asked to provide/show the Office of Records two photo identifications - usually photo copies.

Note 2: While the Office of the University Registrar will amend a record upon presentation of appropriate documentation, a cross-reference of the change will be created to preserve the historical record and for verification and credential fraud purposes.