The Tennessee name change process starts in your county court
To legally change your name in Tennessee, you file a petition in the circuit court of the county where you live, pay a filing fee, and attend a brief hearing where a judge approves the change. The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks. You do not need a lawyer, though you can hire one if you prefer.
Tennessee allows name changes for any reason — you do not have to explain why you want a new name. The court will not deny your petition unless you are trying to change your name to commit fraud, evade child support, or avoid criminal liability. Once the judge signs the order, you receive a certified copy that you use to update your name with the Social Security Administration, the Tennessee Department of Driver Services, banks, employers, and other institutions.
Key Takeaways
- You file your petition in the circuit court of your home county, not in a state office, and the filing fee ranges from roughly $150 to $300 depending on your county.
- The court requires you to publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper once a week for four consecutive weeks before your hearing date.
- You must attend the hearing in person unless the judge grants you permission to appear by phone or video, which is rare but possible if you live out of state.
- After the judge signs the order, you receive a certified copy that serves as proof of your legal name change for updating Social Security, your driver's license, and other documents.
- Tennessee does not require a background check, fingerprinting, or a waiting period beyond the four-week newspaper publication.
Finding your county circuit court and filing the petition
Start by locating the circuit court in the county where you currently live. The Tennessee Courts website lists all 31 circuit courts by county. Once you identify your court, call the clerk's office and ask for the name change petition form — most courts have it available as a PDF read on their website or will mail it to you.
The petition form asks for your current legal name, the name you want, your date of birth, your address, and your reason for the change (though you can write "personal preference" if you prefer not to detail it). Some courts also ask whether you have any criminal convictions or outstanding child support obligations. Fill out the form completely and legibly, make two copies, and bring all three to the clerk's office along with your filing fee and a valid photo ID.
Filing fees vary by county but typically fall between $150 and $300. A few counties charge less; a few charge more. Call your clerk's office to confirm the exact amount before you go. You can usually pay by cash, check, or card. The clerk will keep one copy, return one stamped copy to you, and file the third with the court.
Publishing notice in a local newspaper
Tennessee law requires you to publish notice of your name change in a newspaper of general circulation in your county once a week for four consecutive weeks. This is not optional — the court will not schedule your hearing until you have completed the publication and provided proof.
Contact the legal notice department of a newspaper in your county (often the largest daily paper, but any may have access to newspaper works). Tell them you need to publish a name change notice. The newspaper will provide you with the exact text to publish, handle the publication, and send you an affidavit of publication — a document signed by the newspaper confirming that your notice ran on the correct dates. The cost is usually $50 to $150 total, depending on the newspaper and the size of the notice.
Once all four publications are complete, bring the affidavit of publication to the clerk's office. This triggers the scheduling of your hearing, which the court will set for a date at least one week after your final publication.
Preparing for and attending your hearing
Your hearing is brief and informal. You will stand before a judge, confirm your identity, state your current name and desired name, and explain briefly why you want the change. The judge will ask a few questions — typically whether you are changing your name to avoid legal obligations or to commit fraud — and then either approve or deny the petition on the spot. Most petitions are approved.
Bring your photo ID and the certified copy of your birth certificate to the hearing. Wear neat, clean clothing. You do not need to hire a lawyer or bring witnesses. If you cannot attend in person, contact the judge's office in advance and ask whether you can appear by phone or video; some judges will allow it, but this is not may provide.
If the judge approves your petition, they will sign an order right away. The clerk will give you certified copies of the order — ask for at least three or four, because you will need them to update your name with multiple agencies and institutions.
Updating your name with government agencies and institutions
Once you have the signed court order, use it to update your name with the Social Security Administration, the Tennessee Department of Driver Services, and any other institutions that have your name on file.
Start with Social Security. Go to your local Social Security office with your certified court order and a photo ID. They will update your Social Security record and issue you a new Social Security card with your new name. This usually takes one to two weeks.
Next, visit the Tennessee Department of Driver Services to update your driver's license or ID card. Bring your certified court order, your current driver's license, and proof of your address (a utility bill or lease works). The fee for a replacement license is typically $27. You will receive your new license in the mail within two weeks.
After that, contact your bank, credit card companies, employer, insurance companies, and any other institutions that have your name on file. Each will have its own process, but most require a copy of your court order and a form they provide. Update your name with the IRS by filing Form SS-5 if you have a different Social Security number or by notifying them through your tax return the next time you file.
What happens if you have a criminal record or owe child support
Tennessee law allows the court to deny a name change if you are trying to evade criminal liability or avoid paying child support. This does not mean you cannot change your name if you have a criminal record — it means the court will investigate whether your change is motivated by a desire to hide from the law.
If you have a criminal conviction or outstanding child support, the court may order a background check or contact the district attorney's office before ruling on your petition. Be honest on your petition form about any convictions or obligations. Lying to the court will result in denial and may expose you to perjury charges.
If your petition is denied, you can file a new one after one year has passed. You can also request a hearing to contest the denial, though you would need to show that the court's reason for denial no longer applies.
Name changes for minors and other special situations
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must file the petition on your behalf. The process is the same, except the parent or guardian signs the petition instead of you, and both of you must attend the hearing.
If you are changing your name as part of a divorce, you can request the name change in your divorce petition itself, and the judge can grant it as part of the divorce order. This avoids the separate name change process and the newspaper publication requirement. Ask your divorce attorney or the court clerk whether you can include a name change request in your divorce filing.
If you are a transgender person changing your name, Tennessee law treats your petition the same as any other name change. You do not have to disclose your transgender status, and the court cannot deny your petition based on it. Some people choose to change their name and gender marker at the same time; you can update your gender marker on your driver's license and birth certificate through separate processes after your name change is final.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a name change cost in Tennessee?
The filing fee ranges from $150 to $300 depending on your county. Newspaper publication costs another $50 to $150. If you hire a lawyer, expect to pay $300 to $800 in attorney fees, though you can do the process yourself without a lawyer.
Can I change my name without publishing in a newspaper?
No. Tennessee law requires four weeks of newspaper publication before the court will schedule your hearing. There is no exception to this requirement, and the court will not proceed without proof of publication.
What if I want to change my name back to my maiden name after a divorce?
You can request a name change as part of your divorce petition, and the judge can grant it in the divorce order without requiring separate newspaper publication. If you did not request it during the divorce, you can file a separate name change petition and follow the standard process.
How long does the whole process take?
Four to eight weeks. The four-week newspaper publication period is mandatory. After your final publication, the court schedules your hearing for at least one week later. Once the judge approves your petition, you receive the order when ready, though getting certified copies and updating all your documents takes another week or two.
Do I have to tell my employer or school about my legal name change?
You are not required to tell them, but you should update your name with your employer, school, and any institution that has you on payroll or enrollment records. Failing to do so can create confusion with taxes, transcripts, and benefits. Bring a copy of your court order when you notify them.