What you need to do to change your name on your Tennessee license
To change the name on your Tennessee driver's license, you visit a Driver Services Center in person with a court order showing your legal name change, your current license, and proof of your new address. Tennessee does not allow name changes by mail or online — you must appear in person. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The key requirement is the court order. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal petition, you need the official document from the court that granted the change. Without it, the Driver Services Center cannot process your request, even if you have other documents showing your new name.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your court order showing your legal name change to any Driver Services Center.
- Your current Tennessee driver's license and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) are also required.
- The name change is processed in person only — there is no mail-in or online option for Tennessee.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your old license until it arrives.
- The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a standard license renewal fee, which varies based on your license type and expiration date.
Getting your court order for a name change
If you have not yet obtained a court order, you must do that before visiting the Driver Services Center. The process depends on why you are changing your name. For marriage, you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk where you were married. For divorce, you need the final divorce decree showing your new name. For a legal name change petition, you need the court order from the judge who approved your petition.
You can request certified copies from the county clerk's office in the county where the event occurred. Call ahead to ask about fees — they typically range from $10 to $25 per copy — and whether you can pick up the document the same day or if it must be mailed. Some counties allow you to order copies online through their website.
If you lost your original documents, the county clerk can issue certified copies. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to pay a replacement fee. If your name change happened in another state, bring the court order or vital record from that state; Tennessee will honor it.
Documents to bring to the Driver Services Center
Bring these documents in person to any Driver Services Center:
- Your current Tennessee driver's license
- An original or certified copy of your court order (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change petition approval)
- Proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days
- A photo ID if your current license has expired or is not acceptable as ID for some reason
Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace easily. The Driver Services Center will not return your court order or other papers — they keep them on file. If you need the original later, request a certified copy from the county clerk.
Finding a Driver Services Center near you
Tennessee has Driver Services Centers in every county. To find the one closest to you, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and use their office locator tool, or call 615-251-8590. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Some locations have extended hours on certain days.
You do not need an appointment at most centers, but wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means a shorter wait. A few high-traffic centers do offer online appointment scheduling — check your local center's page to see if yours is one of them.
What happens after you submit your request
Once the Driver Services Center staff process your name change, they will issue you a receipt showing your new name and the date your new license will arrive. Your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued, but you can continue using it for identification purposes until your new license arrives in the mail.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the Driver Services Center. If you move before it arrives, contact the Driver Services Center when ready with your new address so they can redirect it. If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, call 615-251-8590 to check the status.
Changing your name on other documents after your license
Once you have your new driver's license, use it to update your name with other agencies and organizations. Start with your Social Security card — visit your local Social Security office with your new license and your Social Security card to request a replacement. Then update your name with your employer, bank, insurance company, and any government programs you use.
Keep a copy of your court order handy during this process. Many organizations will ask to see it as proof of your legal name change. You can request additional certified copies from the county clerk if you need them for multiple organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order?
No. Tennessee requires an official court document showing your legal name change. If you changed your name through marriage, you need a certified marriage certificate. If through divorce, you need the final divorce decree. If through a legal petition, you need the court order. Without one of these documents, the Driver Services Center cannot process your request.
How much does it cost to change my name on my license?
The fee is the same as a standard license renewal fee. The amount depends on your license type (regular, commercial, motorcycle) and how long until your license expires. Call your local Driver Services Center or visit the Tennessee Department of Safety website to find the exact fee for your situation.
What if my court order is from another state?
Tennessee honors name changes granted by courts in other states. Bring your out-of-state court order or vital record to the Driver Services Center along with your current Tennessee license and proof of address. The staff will process it the same way they would an in-state order.
Can I change my name on my license by mail?
No. Tennessee requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot submit a name change by mail or online. You must bring your documents and current license to a center during business hours.
What if my name change happened years ago and I never updated my license?
You can still update your license at any time. Bring your original court order or a certified copy from the county clerk, along with your current license and proof of address. The Driver Services Center will process it as a standard name change, regardless of how long ago the change occurred.