What you need to do to change your name on your Tennessee driver's 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 state requires a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your new name — a straightforward request or affidavit is not enough. You will pay a $27 fee for a replacement license, and the new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The process itself is straightforward once you have the right documents, but the timing depends on whether you already have a court order or are still waiting for one. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, your certificate serves as proof. If you changed your name for other reasons, you must first obtain a court order from a Tennessee court before the Driver Services Center will process your request.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with your current license and a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your new legal name.
- Tennessee requires official proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — before any name change on your license will be processed.
- The replacement license costs $27 and arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your request.
- If you do not yet have a court order, you must file a petition for name change in your county's circuit court before you can update your driver's license.
Documents you must bring to the Driver Services Center
Bring your current Tennessee driver's license, your proof of legal name change, and a valid form of identification if your current license does not match your new name. The proof of name change must be one of these: a certified copy of your marriage certificate, a certified copy of your divorce decree, or a certified copy of a court order granting a name change.
If you are changing your name through marriage, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you are changing your name through divorce, bring the original or certified copy of your divorce decree. If you are changing your name for any other reason — such as a personal preference or gender identity — you must bring a certified copy of a court order from a Tennessee circuit court. Photocopies or uncertified documents will not be accepted.
You do not need to bring proof of residency or Social Security documentation to change your name on your license. The Driver Services Center will update your record based on the name change document you present.
How to get a court order if you do not have one
If you are changing your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce, you must file a petition for name change in the circuit court of the county where you live. You can find your county circuit court's contact information on the Tennessee Courts website. The court will charge a filing fee, which varies by county but typically ranges from $150 to $300.
You will need to fill out a petition form, which your county circuit court clerk can provide or which may be available on the court's website. The petition must state your current name, the name you want to change to, and your reason for the change. In most cases, you will not need a lawyer, though you may choose to hire one. After you file, the court will schedule a hearing. If the judge approves your petition, the court will issue an order granting the name change. This order is what you will bring to the Driver Services Center.
The time from filing to receiving your court order varies by county, but most courts issue orders within 4 to 8 weeks. Some counties move faster; others slower. Contact your county circuit court clerk to ask about the typical timeline in your area.
Where to go and what to expect at the Driver Services Center
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Jackson, and several other cities. You can find the full list and hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but wait times vary. Some centers are busier than others, especially on weekday mornings and late afternoons. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning typically means a shorter wait.
When you arrive, you will check in and receive a number. A clerk will call you to a window, where you will present your current license and your proof of name change. The clerk will verify the documents, take a new photo if needed, and process your request. The entire transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will pay the $27 fee at that time, usually by cash, check, or card depending on the location.
You will receive a receipt showing your new name and a temporary license number. Your new physical license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, the receipt serves as proof that you have a valid license pending.
Updating other documents after your driver's license changes
Changing your driver's license name is only the first step. You will also need to update your name with your bank, employer, insurance company, Social Security Administration, and any other organization that has your information on file. Each organization has its own process and timeline.
Start with the Social Security Administration, since many other organizations use your Social Security number to verify your identity. You can update your name with Social Security by visiting your local Social Security office with your new driver's license and a birth certificate. This usually takes a few days to process.
After Social Security, update your bank and insurance companies. Bring your new driver's license as proof. Your employer's human resources department will need to update your name in their payroll system. If you have a passport, you will need to renew it with the U.S. State Department using your new driver's license as proof of your legal name change.
What happens if your name change was through marriage or divorce
If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate to the Driver Services Center. You do not need a separate court order. The marriage certificate itself is your legal proof of the name change. The process is the same: present the certificate, pay the $27 fee, and your new license will arrive by mail.
If you changed your name through divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree. The decree must clearly show your new name. Again, you do not need a separate court order. The divorce decree is sufficient proof. The timeline and fee are the same as any other name change.
If your marriage certificate or divorce decree is not certified, you can request a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the marriage or divorce was recorded. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail, or you can pick it up in person the same day in many counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my driver's license by mail?
No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services Center with your current license and proof of your legal name change. You cannot submit documents by mail or request a name change online.
How long does it take to get my new license after I submit my name change?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your request at the Driver Services Center. You will receive a receipt with a temporary license number that you can use when ready if you need to drive.
What if my court order or marriage certificate is not certified?
The Driver Services Center requires a certified copy. You can request one from the county clerk's office where the document was issued. Certified copies usually cost $10 to $25 and take 1 to 2 weeks by mail, though many counties offer same-day pickup.
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change my driver's license?
No. You can change your driver's license first. However, it is often easier to update Social Security after your new driver's license arrives, since you can use it as proof of your legal name change.
What if I lost my current driver's license?
You can still change your name, but you will need to bring another valid form of identification along with your proof of name change. A passport, birth certificate, or state ID will work. You will also pay a replacement fee for the lost license in addition to the $27 name change fee.