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

To change the name on your Tennessee driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services office 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 itself is straightforward — you fill out a form, provide documents, and pay a fee — but the documents you bring depend on why your name changed.

You cannot change your name on your license until you have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows your new legal name. Tennessee will not accept a name change request based on a document you plan to get later or one that is still being processed. The state needs proof that your name change is already official.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change.
  • Acceptable proof includes a court order, certified marriage certificate, or certified divorce decree showing your new name.
  • The fee for a name change on your license is the same as renewing your license, which varies by license type.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your visit.
  • If your license expires soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your name to avoid a second trip.

Documents you must bring to the Driver Services office

Bring your current Tennessee driver's license and one of the following documents that shows your new legal name:

  • A certified court order authorizing your name change (from a name change petition or judgment)
  • A certified marriage certificate showing your new married name
  • A certified divorce decree showing your new name after divorce
  • A certified adoption decree if your name changed due to adoption

The word "certified" matters. A photocopy or uncertified copy will not work. You need an official copy with a court seal or the issuing agency's certification stamp. If you do not have a certified copy yet, contact the court or agency that issued the original document and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs a small fee.

You will also need to bring a form of identification that matches your current name — your current license works for this. If you have changed your name very recently and your current license still shows your old name, that is fine; the license itself serves as your ID for the transaction.

The form you fill out at the Driver Services office

At the office, you will complete Form DL 44 (process for Tennessee Driver License or Identification Card). This is the same form used for a new license or renewal. You do not need to fill it out ahead of time; the office staff will help you complete it on site.

On the form, you will enter your new legal name exactly as it appears on your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. Make sure the spelling matches perfectly — if there is a discrepancy between your documents and what you write on the form, the office may ask you to correct it before processing.

The fee and what happens next

The fee for a name change on your license is the same as the fee for renewing your license. The cost depends on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver's license costs less than a commercial driver's license (CDL), and a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for current fees, as they can change.

After you pay the fee and submit your documents, the office will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to update your address at the same time, tell the staff before they process your paperwork.

If your license expires within the next few months, consider renewing it at the same time you change your name. You will pay both fees, but you will avoid making a second trip to the Driver Services office later.

Finding a Driver Services office near you

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website by entering your county or city. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea.

Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Some offices have extended hours one or two evenings per week. Check the website or call before you go to confirm hours and to ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in.

What to do if you cannot find your certified documents

If you have lost your certified copy of your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, you will need to request a new one from the issuing agency before you can change your name on your license. For a marriage certificate or divorce decree, contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married or divorced. For a court-ordered name change, contact the district court clerk in the county where the order was issued.

You can usually request a certified copy by mail, phone, or in person. The process takes one to three weeks depending on the agency's workload. Some agencies offer expedited service for an extra fee. Once you have the certified copy, you can schedule your visit to the Driver Services office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I am under 18?

Yes, but you will need a parent or legal guardian to accompany you to the Driver Services office. Bring the same documents you would for an adult name change — a certified court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — plus the guardian's ID. The guardian must sign the process form with you.

What if my name change was very recent and I do not have the certified copy yet?

You cannot change your name on your license until you have the certified document in hand. Contact the court or agency that issued the order and request a certified copy. Once it arrives, you can visit the Driver Services office. There is no way to speed up the license change without the certified proof first.

Do I need to change my name on my license if I got married?

No, it is not required. You can keep your maiden name on your license if you choose. However, if you want your license to match your married name, bring your certified marriage certificate to a Driver Services office and follow the same process described above.

Will my license number change when I change my name?

No. Your license number stays the same. Only the name printed on the license will be updated. Your new license will have the same number as your old one.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your visit to the Driver Services office. Mail delivery time varies by location, so you may receive it a few days sooner or later. If you need your new license urgently, ask the office staff whether they can issue it faster or provide a temporary license that is valid longer than 45 days.