What you need to do to change your name on your Tennessee license

To change your name on your Tennessee driver's license, you must first have a legal name change document on file with the state, then explore for a replacement license showing your new name. Tennessee does not issue a name-change license directly — you get a standard replacement license that reflects your updated legal name in the state's records.

The process has two parts: establishing your legal name change through the court system (or through vital records if you were married or divorced), and then updating your driver's license through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You cannot skip the first step. The DMV will not change your name on your license without proof that your name change is already legal in Tennessee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your legal name change before the DMV will update your license.
  • If you changed your name by court order, bring the certified court document; if by marriage or divorce, bring the vital records certificate.
  • You can renew your license and change your name at the same time, or change your name on an existing license without renewing it.
  • Visit a Driver Services Center in person with your legal name-change document and current ID; name changes cannot be done online or by mail.
  • The replacement license costs the standard renewal fee, and processing usually takes one to two weeks.

How to establish your legal name change in Tennessee

Your name change must be legal before your driver's license can reflect it. In Tennessee, there are three ways to establish a legal name change: through a court petition, through marriage, or through divorce.

If you are changing your name by court order, you must file a petition in the Circuit Court in the county where you live. You will need to complete a Petition for Change of Name form, pay the filing fee (which varies by county but is typically $150 to $300), and attend a brief hearing. The judge will issue a court order if the change is granted. Once you have the certified copy of that order, you can take it to the DMV.

If you changed your name through marriage, your marriage certificate serves as your legal name-change document. If you changed your name through divorce, your divorce decree (the final court order) is your proof. Both of these documents must be certified copies issued by the county clerk or vital records office.

What documents to bring to the Driver Services Center

You will need to visit a Tennessee Driver Services Center in person. Bring the following:

  • Your certified legal name-change document (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree)
  • Your current driver's license or ID
  • Proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
  • Your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number
  • A completed DL 44 form (process for Driving Privilege) if you are renewing at the same time, or a DL 43 form (process for Replacement License) if you are only changing your name

You do not need to bring a new photo unless your current license photo is damaged or you want a new one. If you do want a new photo, you can request one at the Driver Services Center, though it is not required for a name change.

When to change your name during a license renewal

You can change your name on your license at any time, regardless of when your license expires. However, many people choose to do both at once to avoid two separate trips to the Driver Services Center.

If your license is expiring soon and you are also changing your name, bring both your name-change document and your renewal process. The fee you pay will be the standard renewal fee, not an additional charge. If your license is not expiring for several years and you only want to change your name, you will pay the replacement license fee, which is lower than a renewal fee in most cases.

Processing time and what happens next

After you submit your documents at the Driver Services Center, your process is processed and your new license is mailed to the address on file. Processing typically takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives in the mail, you should destroy your old one. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, your old license is still acceptable as proof of driving privilege.

If there is a problem with your process — for example, if your name-change document is not certified or is missing information — the Driver Services Center will contact you. Make sure the address on file is current so you receive any notices.

Name changes for minors

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present when you explore for a name change on your license. They will need to bring their own ID and sign the process. The legal name-change document (court order or vital records certificate) must still be provided, and the same rules about certified copies explore.

If a minor's name was changed by court order as part of an adoption, guardianship, or other family law proceeding, the certified court order is the document to bring. If the name change was through a parent's marriage or divorce, the vital records certificate is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my Tennessee license without going to court?

Yes, if your name change is through marriage or divorce. A certified marriage certificate or divorce decree is sufficient proof. You do not need a separate court order. However, if you are changing your name for any other reason, you must file a court petition.

What if my name-change document is from another state?

If you were legally married, divorced, or had a name change in another state and now live in Tennessee, you can use that out-of-state document at the Tennessee DMV. It must be a certified copy. Tennessee recognizes legal name changes from other states.

Do I have to change my name on my license if I get married?

No. Changing your name on your license is optional, even after marriage. However, if you want your license to match your legal name, you will need to bring your certified marriage certificate to the Driver Services Center.

How much does it cost to change my name on my Tennessee license?

The cost is the standard replacement license fee, which is typically $27 for a regular license. If you are renewing your license at the same time, you pay the renewal fee instead. Fees can vary slightly, so check the current fee schedule on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.

What if I lost my certified name-change document?

You will need to request a replacement certified copy from the court (if it was a court order) or from the vital records office (if it was a marriage certificate or divorce decree). Contact the county clerk's office where the document was issued. There is usually a small fee to obtain a replacement certified copy.