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 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 — usually within one to two weeks by mail.
You cannot straightforward request a name change because you prefer a different spelling or want to go by a nickname. Tennessee requires legal documentation showing the name change was official. This means a court order from a divorce, a marriage certificate, or an adoption decree. Without one of these documents, the Driver Services Center will not process your request.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change — a court order, marriage certificate, or adoption decree.
- Tennessee does not process name changes by mail, phone, or online, and you cannot change your name without official legal documentation.
- Bring your original or certified copy of the document that proves your name changed, not a photocopy.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks; you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready if you need one.
- The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a standard renewal — currently $27 for an eight-year license.
What legal documents Tennessee accepts as proof of a name change
Tennessee accepts three main types of legal documents to prove a name change: a court order from a divorce or legal name change proceeding, a marriage certificate if you took your spouse's surname, or an adoption decree if you were adopted and your name changed. Each document must be an original or a certified copy issued by the court or vital records office — photocopies are not accepted.
If you were divorced and changed your name back to your maiden name, bring the final divorce decree. If you changed your name through a court petition (not related to marriage or adoption), bring the court order signed by a judge. If you married and took your spouse's last name, bring the original marriage certificate or a certified copy from the county clerk's office where you were married.
Make sure the document clearly shows both your old name and your new name. If the document is worn, faded, or hard to read, request a certified replacement from the issuing court or vital records office before you go to the Driver Services Center.
How to find and visit a Driver Services Center
Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers across the state, and you can visit any location — you do not have to go to the one in your home county. To find the center nearest you, go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and use their location finder tool. The site lists hours, address, and phone number for each center.
Call ahead if you want to confirm wait times or ask whether the center has any temporary closures. Some centers are busier than others, and visiting early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait. You do not need an appointment for a name change — it is a walk-in service.
Bring your current Tennessee driver's license, your legal name-change document, and a form of payment. The Driver Services Center accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you do not have your current license with you, you will not be able to complete the name change that day.
What happens at the Driver Services Center during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you are there for a name change. They will give you a number or direct you to a counter. When called, hand your current license and your legal name-change document to the clerk. The clerk will review both documents to confirm the name change is official.
The clerk will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If your address has changed since your last license, update it now — you can change your address at the same time as your name without paying an extra fee. The clerk will take a new photo for your license unless your current photo is very recent (usually within the last year).
You will pay the license fee — currently $27 for an eight-year license — and sign the process. The clerk will give you a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, ask the clerk for a temporary paper license, which is valid for 30 days.
What to do if you cannot find your legal name-change document
If you have lost your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, you can request a certified replacement from the issuing office. 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 order from a name-change petition, contact the district court clerk in the county where the petition was filed.
Most county clerk offices can issue a certified copy within a few business days if you request it in person, or within one to two weeks if you request it by mail. There is usually a small fee — typically $10 to $25 — and you may be able to pay by check or credit card. Some offices allow you to request a certified copy online through their website.
If you do not remember which county issued the document, call the Driver Services Center and ask for guidance. The staff can sometimes help you locate the correct office based on the information in your current license.
Changing your name if you were married out of state
If you were married outside Tennessee, bring your original marriage certificate or a certified copy from the state where you were married. Tennessee recognizes marriage certificates from all U.S. states and territories. The process is the same: visit a Driver Services Center with your current license, your marriage certificate, and payment.
If your marriage certificate is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator. The Driver Services Center will accept it as long as the translation is certified and shows both your old and new names clearly.
What happens if your name change was very recent
If your divorce was finalized, marriage was registered, or adoption was completed within the last few weeks, you can still change your name on your license when ready. Bring the final court order or certificate to the Driver Services Center. You do not have to wait for any waiting period — Tennessee allows you to update your license as soon as the legal document is issued.
If you are still waiting for a certified copy of your legal document to arrive in the mail, you can visit the Driver Services Center with the original document if you have it, or wait until the certified copy arrives. The clerk will tell you which option works for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I am not a Tennessee resident?
No. You must be a Tennessee resident with a valid Tennessee driver's license to change your name on it. If you have moved to Tennessee from another state, you will need to get a Tennessee license first, then change the name on that license.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change it on my license?
It is not required, but Social Security recommends updating your name with them first. You can do either one first, but having your Social Security card and license match makes future transactions easier. Contact your local Social Security office or go to ssa.gov to update your name there.
What if the name on my legal document does not match exactly what I want on my license?
Your license name must match the legal document you present. If the document shows "Mary Elizabeth Johnson" but you want your license to say "Mary E. Johnson," the Driver Services Center will put the full name from the document on your license. You cannot shorten or change it.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your new license is usually mailed within one to two weeks of your visit. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, call the Driver Services Center with your receipt number and they can check the status.
Can I use my old license while I wait for the new one?
Your old license is no longer valid once you have completed the name change at the Driver Services Center. Ask for a temporary paper license at the counter — it is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail.