What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Tennessee License

To change your name on a Tennessee driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Tennessee does not allow name changes by mail or online. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a new license with your updated name on the same day if you pass the vision test and meet all requirements.

You cannot straightforward show up with a new name and expect it to work. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security requires specific documents that prove your name change is legal. What counts as proof depends on why your name changed — marriage, divorce, court order, or other reason.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change; no remote or mail-in options exist.
  • Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified name change document, depending on your situation.
  • The fee for a name change is $27.50 for a standard license or $32.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid at the time of your visit.
  • Your new license is issued the same day if you pass the vision test and have all required documents; you keep your current license until the new one is printed.
  • If your name change was through marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of the certificate or decree, not a photocopy.

Documents You Must Bring to Prove Your Name Change

The document you bring depends on the reason for your name change. If you married, bring your original marriage certificate or a certified copy issued by the county clerk. If you divorced, bring your original divorce decree or a certified copy. If you obtained a legal name change through a court order, bring the certified court order from the judge.

Photocopies are not accepted. The Driver Services Center staff will examine the original document or a certified copy — one that bears the official seal and signature of the issuing authority. If you do not have the original, contact the county clerk's office in the county where the event occurred (marriage, divorce, or court order) and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail.

Bring your current Tennessee driver's license as well. The staff member will compare your signature and photograph to confirm you are the same person. If you have lost your license, bring a state ID card or passport instead.

Step-by-Step Process at the Driver Services Center

First, locate your nearest Driver Services Center using the Tennessee Department of Safety website or by calling 615-251-8590. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some centers are busier on Fridays and at lunch hours.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the staff member you are changing your name on your license. Hand over your current license, your legal name-change document, and any other ID if requested. The staff member will enter your new name into the system and take a new photograph unless you request to use your current photo (this is optional and not recommended if your appearance has changed).

You will be asked to sign the new license process. Then you will take a vision test — the same test required for any license renewal. If you pass, your new license will be printed at the center. You will receive it before you leave. If you fail the vision test, you will be told what to do next, which usually means getting glasses or contacts and returning.

Fees and Payment Methods

A name change on a standard Tennessee driver's license costs $27.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025), the fee is $32.50. You must pay at the time of your visit.

The Driver Services Center accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. There are no discounts or fee waivers for name changes.

If you are also renewing your license at the same time — for example, if your license expires soon — you will pay both the name-change fee and the renewal fee. A standard renewal is $27.50, so a name change plus renewal would be $55. Ask the staff member to clarify the total before you pay.

Timeline and What to Expect After Your Visit

Your new license is printed and handed to you the same day you visit, assuming you pass the vision test and have all required documents. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail. Your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued, though you can keep it as a keepsake.

The new license will have your updated name, your current photograph (or your previous one if you chose to keep it), and a new license number. Your address remains the same unless you also request an address change. Your driving record and any restrictions or endorsements carry over to the new license.

If you need to update your name with your insurance company, employer, or bank, you can show them your new license as proof. Keep your new license in a safe place — replacing a lost license costs $27.50 and requires another visit to a Driver Services Center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring a photocopy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver Services Center will not accept it. If you do not have the original, order a certified copy from the county clerk before your visit. This is the most common reason people have to reschedule.

Do not assume your name change is automatic after a divorce or marriage. You must actively request it at the Driver Services Center. straightforward getting married or divorced does not update your license — you have to go in person and ask for the change.

Do not go to a Driver Services Center without your current license or another form of state ID. Staff cannot process your name change without confirming your identity. If your license is lost, get a replacement ID card first or bring a passport.

Do not expect to change your name by phone or mail. Tennessee requires an in-person visit. If you live out of state and cannot travel to Tennessee, you will need to arrange for someone with power of attorney to visit on your behalf, though this is uncommon and requires advance coordination with the Driver Services Center.

If You Also Need a REAL ID License

A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you want to upgrade during your name change, tell the staff member when you arrive. The fee is $32.50 instead of $27.50.

To get a REAL ID license, you must bring proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), proof of your Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your legal name change (the same documents listed above). If you already have a REAL ID license and are only changing your name, you do not need to provide these extra documents again — just your name-change proof and your current license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I am not a Tennessee resident?

No. You must have a valid Tennessee driver's license to change the name on it. If you moved out of Tennessee, you need to get a license in your new state. If you moved to Tennessee and have an out-of-state license, you must first get a Tennessee license, then request a name change.

What if my legal name change was in another state?

Bring the certified court order or legal document from that state to a Tennessee Driver Services Center. Tennessee recognizes legal name changes from other states. The document must be certified and in English; if it is in another language, bring a certified English translation.

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

No, it is optional. You can keep your current name on your license if you choose. However, your name on your license should match your name on other official documents like your Social Security card, passport, and bank accounts to avoid problems.

How long does a name change take if I do not have my original marriage certificate?

You will need to order a certified copy from the county clerk where you were married, which typically takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail and costs $10 to $25. Once you have it, the name change at the Driver Services Center takes about 15 minutes. Plan for at least 2 to 3 weeks total.

Can I change my name on my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support order?

Yes. A name change is not blocked by traffic tickets, fines, or child support orders. However, changing your name does not erase your driving record or legal obligations. The Tennessee Department of Safety will link your old and new license numbers in their system.