How to Change a Name in the State of Tennessee
Most residents are allowed to change their name under Tennessee Code Title 29, Chapter 8. The Circuit, Probate and County courts all have jurisdiction. You must file a petition in the county where you live, stating your reason for requesting the name change. The court will approve your request as long as it does not go against the public interest and welfare. There are certain people, however, who are not legally allowed to change their name in Tennessee.
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Instructions
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How to Change a Name in the State of Tennessee
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Apply in writing with a signed and sworn-to petition to the court located in the county in Tennessee where you live. You must state that you are a resident of the county, and you must state your reason for wanting your name to be changed. You must provide your birth date, Social Security number, full name and all names you have ever been known by. In addition, you must provide certified copies of your birth certificate, Social Security card and driver's license or other photo id.
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Pay to the clerk of court the filing fee required for the name change petition. The amount will vary depending upon the location where the petition is filed in, but pursuant to Tennessee Code Title 29-8-103, the amount will be similar to that charged for like services in other cases.
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Appear in court and ask the judge to approve your request.
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The judge will issue an order approving your request for name change, which you can pick up at the clerk's office. You will need the original order to change your legal name on bank accounts, driver's license, credit cards and other items. Legal publication of name change is not required in Tennessee because the court takes the public's welfare and interest into account when the name change is approved or denied.
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Tips & Warnings
Mistakes or errors made on birth certificates in Tennessee can also be corrected with the same type of petition as the name change.
Minors also may change their names, but their parents must appear with them before the court. a minor's name will not be changed unless it is in his "best interest."
Some people in Tennessee are not allowed legally to change their names. Anyone convicted of murder of a sex offense requiring registration as a sex offender is not allowed to change her name.
The court will not allow anyone who is attempting to avoid judgments or debts to change her name and in this way protects the public's interests without having to require notice of publication of the name change.
