What you need to do to change your name on your Tennessee driver's license

To change your 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 the same day — though the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The key requirement is having legal documentation of your name change. This means a court order (from divorce, legal name change petition, or adoption), a certified marriage certificate, or a certified divorce decree. Without one of these documents, the Driver Services Center cannot process your request, no matter what other paperwork you bring.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change — mail-in requests are not accepted.
  • Acceptable proof includes a court order, certified marriage certificate, or certified divorce decree showing your new name.
  • Bring your Social Security card or other document showing your SSN, because Tennessee verifies your identity against federal records.
  • Your new license is issued the same day, but the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can use your old license until then.
  • The fee for a name change is included in the standard license renewal fee, which varies depending on your license type and how long you want it valid.

Documents you must bring to the Driver Services Center

Bring your current Tennessee driver's license and the legal document proving your name change. If you are changing your name due to marriage, bring the certified marriage certificate issued by the county clerk where you were married — a photocopy or uncertified version will not work. If you are changing your name due to divorce, bring the certified divorce decree. If you obtained a legal name change through the court, bring the court order.

You also need a document showing your Social Security number. A Social Security card works best, but Tennessee also accepts a W-2, tax return, or bank statement with your SSN printed on it. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted for the SSN document.

Bring a document proving your current address if your license does not show your current residence. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. If your address on your license is current, you do not need this.

Where to go and what to expect at the Driver Services Center

Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in every county. You can find the one nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website by entering your county or city. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some centers are busier in the morning or on certain days of the week — calling ahead to ask about typical wait times can help you plan.

When you arrive, take a number at the entrance and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are changing your name on your license. Hand over your current license, your legal name-change document, and your SSN proof. The clerk will scan your documents, take a new photo (unless you had a recent photo on file), and print your new license on the spot. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will pay a fee at this time. The cost depends on your license type (standard, enhanced, or REAL ID) and how many years you want the license valid for. Ask the clerk for the exact amount before you pay, or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for current fees.

What happens after you leave the Driver Services Center

You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter that is valid when ready. Your new plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Use the temporary license for driving until the card arrives — it is legal and accepted by police and other agencies.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver Services Center where you applied. Keep your temporary license and your old license until the new one arrives. Once the new card comes, destroy the old one and the temporary license.

If your name change was due to marriage

Bring your certified marriage certificate. "Certified" means it has an official seal and signature from the county clerk's office where you were married — not a photocopy you made yourself. If you do not have a certified copy, contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married and request one. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes a few days to arrive by mail.

Some people are married in one state but live in Tennessee. You can still use your out-of-state marriage certificate as long as it is certified. Tennessee recognizes all valid marriages performed in any U.S. state or country.

If your name change was due to divorce

Bring the certified divorce decree — the official court document that finalized your divorce. This is different from a divorce agreement or settlement. The decree is what the judge signed, and it must show your new name (your maiden name or whatever name you chose). If your decree does not show your new name, you will need to file a separate legal name-change petition with the court.

If you do not have a certified copy of your decree, contact the clerk of court in the county where your divorce was finalized. Request a certified copy of the final decree. This usually takes a week or two and costs $10 to $20.

If you obtained a legal name change through the court

Bring the court order granting your name change. This is the document the judge signed after you filed a petition for legal name change. It must be certified (have an official seal and signature from the court clerk). If you do not have a certified copy, go to the clerk of court's office in the county where you filed the petition and request one.

Legal name-change petitions are filed in the district court in your county. The process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks from filing to final order, and there is a court filing fee (typically $200 to $400, depending on the county). You will need to appear in court or have an attorney represent you. If you need help with this process, contact your county's legal aid office or a family law attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license without going to the Driver Services Center in person?

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 do this by mail, phone, or online. You must visit a center in your county or any other county in Tennessee.

What if I lost my certified marriage certificate or divorce decree?

Contact the county clerk's office where you were married or divorced and request a certified copy. You can usually do this by phone, email, or in person. There is a fee (typically $10 to $25), and it takes a few days to a week. Some clerks offer rush processing for an additional fee.

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, you will eventually need to update your name with Social Security and the IRS if you have changed it legally. The Social Security Administration accepts your new driver's license as proof of your name change, so updating your license first makes the Social Security process easier.

What if my old license is expired or damaged?

Bring it anyway. If it is damaged, bring what you have. The Driver Services Center can still look up your record and process your name change. If your license is expired, you can renew it at the same time you change your name — tell the clerk you want to do both.

How much does it cost to change my name on my license?

The fee is the same as a standard license renewal for your license type. Costs vary by whether you want a standard, enhanced, or REAL ID license, and by how many years you want it valid (typically 4, 8, or 10 years). Call your local Driver Services Center or check the Tennessee Department of Safety website for exact current fees.