How do I legally change my name in Tennessee?

Q: How do I legally change my name in Tennessee?

Tennessee adult name changes are governed by Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 29-8-101 through 29-8-105 and filed in the chancery court (or probate court in counties that have one) of the petitioner's county of residence. 1. File the Petition - Complete the Petition for Change of Name with the chancery court clerk . - Filing fee is approximately $217–$350 depending on county (Davidson: ~$233; Shelby: ~$200; Knox: ~$246). - Petition must include sworn statements about sex-offender registration, felony convictions, and good-faith reason for the change. 2. Publication - Many Tennessee counties require publication in a newspaper of general circulation for two consecutive weeks before the hearing — check local rules. - Cost: $50–$200. 3. Background Disclosures - Tennessee prohibits name changes for petitioners convicted of murder, rape, aggravated rape, or sex offenses requiring registration (T.C.A. § 29-8-101(b)–(c)). 4. Hearing - Brief hearing in chancery court; uncontested petitions usually granted same day. - Judge enters a Final Decree of Name Change . 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($5 each). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update Tennessee DL at TDOSHS ($16), passport, voter registration, banks. 6. Gender Marker on Birth Certificate - Tennessee historically blocked gender-marker changes on birth certificates; ongoing litigation continues. Name change is separately granted under § 29-8-101. 7. Divorce-Based Restoration - T.C.A. § 36-4-110(b) allows restoration of a former name in the divorce decree without a separate name-change action. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Accepted Answer

Tennessee adult name changes are governed by Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 29-8-101 through 29-8-105 and filed in the chancery court (or probate court in counties that have one) of the petitioner's county of residence.

1. File the Petition

Complete the Petition for Change of Name with the chancery court clerk.

Filing fee is approximately $217–$350 depending on county (Davidson: ~$233; Shelby: ~$200; Knox: ~$246).

Petition must include sworn statements about sex-offender registration, felony convictions, and good-faith reason for the change.

2. Publication

Many Tennessee counties require publication in a newspaper of general circulation for two consecutive weeks before the hearing — check local rules.

Cost: $50–$200.

3. Background Disclosures

Tennessee prohibits name changes for petitioners convicted of murder, rape, aggravated rape, or sex offenses requiring registration (T.C.A. § 29-8-101(b)–(c)).

4. Hearing

Brief hearing in chancery court; uncontested petitions usually granted same day.

Judge enters a Final Decree of Name Change.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($5 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Tennessee DL at TDOSHS ($16), passport, voter registration, banks.

6. Gender Marker on Birth Certificate

Tennessee historically blocked gender-marker changes on birth certificates; ongoing litigation continues. Name change is separately granted under § 29-8-101.

7. Divorce-Based Restoration

T.C.A. § 36-4-110(b) allows restoration of a former name in the divorce decree without a separate name-change action.

This is legal information, not legal advice.