Legal Name Change in Tennessee: Court-Ordered Process
Petition the Chancery, Probate, or Circuit Court for a name change.
A court-ordered name change in Tennessee uses a verified petition filed at your county Chancery, Probate, or Circuit Court (court type varies by county). Filing fees vary; most courts require newspaper publication; certified copies vary. Total typical: Varies; check your court.
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Tennessee Name Change Forms
Tennessee doesn’t use standardized statewide forms. Each county may have its own forms or require you to draft your petition yourself.
Verified (notarized) petition with your current name, requested name, residency, reason, and statements that the change isn’t to evade debts or prosecution.
Required by most Tennessee counties — newspaper notice before your hearing. Affidavit of publication filed with the court.
Final court order signed by the judge after your hearing. Your legal proof of name change.
If you can’t afford the filing fee (varies; check your court). Approved based on financial hardship.
Step-by-Step Tennessee Name Change Process
Same 4-step path in every county, with local variation in fees, forms, and publication.
Step 1: File Your Petition with the County Court
File a written, notarized petition in the Chancery, Probate, or Circuit Court of the county where you live (court type varies by county). Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and the filing fee or indigent-status request.
Your petition must include your current full legal name and any aliases or prior names; current address and length of county residency; birth date, age, and Social Security number; desired new name; reasons for the change; and statements that you’re not changing your name to avoid debts, lawsuits, or criminal prosecution.
Some Tennessee courts provide standardized petition forms, while others require you to draft your own. Contact your county court clerk to ask about local requirements and available forms.
Tennessee Code Section 29-8-101 bars certain individuals from legally changing their names: people convicted of first or second-degree murder; registered sex offenders (unless the change results from lawful marriage); current inmates in Tennessee Department of Correction custody. If you’re unsure whether your criminal history affects eligibility, consult the court clerk before filing.
Step 2: Publish Notice (length varies, Most Counties)
Most Tennessee courts require newspaper publication before your hearing. Publication varies; check your court. The court clerk can provide a list of approved newspapers.
Publication gives the public notice of your intended name change and lets anyone with objections come forward. You’ll need to file an affidavit of publication with the court before your hearing.
Publication exemptions are available for domestic violence victims or in cases where publication could endanger the petitioner’s safety. Ask the court clerk about confidential proceedings if this applies to your situation.
Step 3: Attend Your Court Hearing
Hearing typically scheduled after filing. Brief proceeding. The judge verifies your reasons and confirms the change isn’t to evade debts or legal obligations.
Bring: photo ID (driver’s license or passport), copies of your filed petition, affidavit of publication (if publication was required), and any supporting documents the court requested.
Common questions the judge will ask:
- Why do you want to change your name?
- Are you trying to avoid debts or legal troubles?
- Do you understand this affects all your legal documents?
- Has anyone objected to your name change?
Dress professionally, address the judge as “Your Honor,” and answer honestly. “Personal preference” is a sufficient reason. Most Tennessee judges approve straightforward requests without hesitation. If approved, the judge signs your order immediately or within a few days.
Step 4: Get Your Certified Order
Once the judge signs your order, request 5-10 certified copies from the court clerk. You’ll need certified originals (not photocopies) to update Social Security, DMV, passport, and other agencies.
After Your Court Order: Updating Your Documents
Federal first. Social Security, then everything else cascades.
Show 6-step update checklist
Form SS-5 with certified order. Free, 5-10 business days by mail after SSA processes your request. Required first.
The State Department explains which passport form applies to a name change on its Change or Correct a Passport page; its fee calculator and form guide shows what you’ll pay.
Bring certified order. Same-day issuance at most TN driver service centers.
GoVoteTN.gov. Free. Update at the same time as your driver’s license visit if you prefer.
No separate IRS form for most people: the IRS matches your next return to Social Security records. Free.
Certified order + new license at branch. Same day.
Special Situations in Tennessee
Tennessee has specific rules for minors, gender identity, and domestic violence survivors.
Show special situations (minors / gender / DV)
Minor Children Name Changes
Both parents (or legal guardians) must consent to the name change. Children age 14 and older may need to consent themselves. Best-interest standard applies if a parent objects.
- Both parents must consent — or legal guardians, if applicable
- Children 14 and older may need to consent — to their own name change
- Best-interest hearing — if one parent objects, the court holds a hearing
- Guardian ad litem possible — the court may appoint one to represent the child’s interests
See our minor name change guide for the full process.
Gender Identity Name Changes
Tennessee courts handle gender identity-related name changes the same as any other personal preference name change. No medical documentation or doctor letters required.
- No medical documentation required — simply state your reasons in your petition
- County variation — Davidson County (Nashville) and Knox County (Knoxville) tend to have more experience with diverse name change requests
- Personal preference is sufficient — Tennessee law respects your right to choose your own name
See our gender identity name change guide.
Domestic Violence Exemptions
Survivors of domestic violence or stalking can request confidential proceedings when filing.
- Publication waiver — skip newspaper publication entirely
- Sealed records — court records sealed from public view
- Initials in court documents — instead of full names
- Private chambers hearings — scheduled away from open court
Bring documentation (restraining orders, police reports, etc.) to support your request for confidentiality.
Tennessee Name Change Cost Breakdown
Total: Varies; check your court. Less with an indigent-status fee waiver.
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| Expense | Tennessee Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | Varies; check your court | Varies by county; indigent-status waiver available |
| Newspaper Publication | Varies; check your court | Varies; check your court, county-approved newspaper |
| Certified Copies (5-10) | Varies; check your court | Varies; check your court |
| Driver License Update | Varies; check your state's DMV | After receiving certified order |
| Passport Renewal | $130 (DS-82); DS-11: $130 + $35 acceptance fee ($165 total) | DS-82 or DS-11 |
| Total | Varies | Before fee waivers |
Other state guides
See all state guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a legal name change take in Tennessee?
A Tennessee court-ordered name change varies in length. This includes time for publication (if required), scheduling your hearing, and processing the judge's decision. The timeline can vary by county and court schedule.
How much does a legal name change cost in Tennessee?
Tennessee name change vary, including court filing fees, newspaper publication, and certified copies. Costs vary by county, so check with your local court clerk for exact fees.
Do I need a lawyer for a name change in Tennessee?
Many people handle a name change themselves. If your situation involves custody, immigration, or a criminal record, consider talking to a lawyer.
Can I change my child's name in Tennessee?
Yes, but both parents (or legal guardians) must consent to the name change. If one parent objects, the court will hold a hearing to determine what's in the child's best interest. Children age 14 and older may need to give their own consent to the name change.
Do I have to publish my name change in a Tennessee newspaper?
Most Tennessee courts require newspaper publication before your hearing. Publication varies; check your court. However, courts may waive publication for domestic violence victims or others who could be endangered by public notice.
What happens if someone objects to my name change in Tennessee?
Objections to Tennessee name changes are rare. If someone objects, they must appear at your hearing and explain their reasoning to the judge. Common objections include fraud concerns or belief the name change would harm children. The judge will make the final decision based on the evidence presented.
Official sources
Forms, fees and rules change. Check these official pages (and your county court) before you file.
- Self-Help Center (Tennessee State Courts)
- Driver services (Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security)
- Change your name with Social Security (Social Security Administration)
- Replace your Social Security card (card mailed 5-10 business days after processing) (Social Security Administration)
- Name change for a U.S. passport or correct an error (U.S. Department of State)
Links checked 2026-10-09.
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Last verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy