How to Legally Change Your Name in Tennessee
Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in Tennessee is filed in the Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court (which court hears name changes depends on the county) and costs about $100–$250 (typical $175, varies by county). In Tennessee, no newspaper publication is required, and most cases finish in 1–6 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
Tennessee Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Tennessee name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Tennessee Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court (the court that hears name changes varies by county) and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | Circuit or Chancery Court (through the final divorce decree) | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court (which court hears name changes depends on the county) | $100–$250 | Not required | 1–6 weeks |
| Minor child | Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court (varies by county) | $100–$250 | Not required | 2–8 weeks |
| Gender identity | Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court (varies by county) | $100–$250 | Not required | 1–6 weeks |
Choose your situation
Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.
No court petition
Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.
$0 · Circuit or Chancery Court (through the final divorce decree)
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$100–$250 · Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court (which court hears name changes depends on the county)
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$100–$250 · Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court (varies by county)
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$100–$250 · Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court (varies by county)
The Tennessee name-change process
Most legal name changes in Tennessee that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court (which court hears name changes depends on the county). You file where you live — The Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court in the county where you have lived for at least six months. The filing fee is $100–$250 (typical $175, varies by county), so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you file.
You do not have to publish a notice in a newspaper. From filing to a signed order usually takes 1–6 weeks.
Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies right away — you'll hand one to Social Security, the DMV, and the passport agency, in that order.
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Tennessee driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Tennessee name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Tennessee?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Tennessee?
How long does a name change take in Tennessee?
Which court handles name changes in Tennessee?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Tennessee?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.tncourts.gov/programs/self-help-center
- www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/vital-records.html
- www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/helpful-information/dlnamechange.html
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.