How to Change the Name of an Adult in Tennessee

A judge must approve any change of name in the state of Tennessee.

To change you name in Tennessee, you must be a resident and never have been convicted of first or second degree murder or any offense that requires you to register as a sex offender under the Sexual Offender Registration and Monitoring Act. A judge must find your reasons for wanting a name change to be in good faith. You can only change your name for personal reasons; it is illegal to change your name to avoid debts or obligations.

Instructions

1. Obtain a petition for adult change of name from the court exercising jurisdiction within your county. Complete the petition with the county and state you were born in, the date you were born, and your name as it appears on your birth certificate. Include the personal reasons surrounding your decision to change your name. Sign and date the petition and have your signature notarized.

2. Obtain an affidavit for name change from the court exercising jurisdiction within your local county. Complete the affidavit with your name, address, and phone number and sign and date it in the presence of an authorized court official to have it notarized. The official should also sign the affidavit. File the completed petition for adult change of name and affidavit for name change with the deputy clerk at the court exercising jurisdiction within your county. You will be mailed an order allowing the name change from the court.

3. Notify the Department of Health of your new name within 30 days. Combine a certified copy of the court order, your original birth certificate and a check or money order for the fee. Mail the combined documents to the Tennessee Vital Records office in Nashville. A new birth certificate will be mailed to you within three to four weeks. Call the Amendment Unit if there are any discrepancies. Contact the Department of Health in the state you were born in if you were born outside Tennessee.

4. Take your current license and the original order for name change with you to any Driver Service Center in Tennessee to get a duplicate license with your new name. The fee for a duplicate license ranges from $8 to $16 dollars.

References

• Department of Safety:Name Change
• Rules of Tennessee Department of Health Policy Planning and Assesment Division of Vital Records
• Chancery Court:Forms