{"id":376391,"date":"2017-03-15T11:40:46","date_gmt":"2017-03-15T16:40:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/tennessee-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-tennessee.html"},"modified":"2024-06-24T16:20:01","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T21:20:01","slug":"how-to-change-your-name-in-tennessee","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/tennessee-law\/how-to-change-your-name-in-tennessee.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Change Your Name and Gender Marker in Tennessee"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Change Your Name and Gender Marker in Tennessee<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

If you’re from the state of Tennessee and you want to change your name, you’re in luck. The process is pretty straightforward. This is especially true if you change your name due to marriage or divorce.<\/p>\r\n

Changing your gender marker in Tennesee is different since the state generally doesn’t allow it.<\/p>\r\n

This article discusses how to identify the right name change process for you. It also addresses how to notify other government agencies of your name change. Finally, it discusses gender marker changes in Tennessee.<\/p>\r\n

Identify and Follow the Correct Tennessee Legal Name Change Process<\/h2>\r\n

The Tennessee name change process you’ll need to follow depends on the reason for your name change.<\/p>\r\n

Marriage<\/h3>\r\n

Most name changes happen due to marriage. Because it happens so frequently, states allow couples to change their last names easily and with some flexibility.<\/p>\r\n

Tennessee allows couples to change their last names when applying for a marriage license<\/a>. Fill out the marriage license application form using your new name. Following your marriage ceremony, the clerk will issue your marriage certificate. Hold onto this document since the certificate proves your name change.<\/p>\r\n

Divorce<\/h3>\r\n

If your marriage ends, the court handling your divorce can change your name back<\/a> to your previous or maiden name. Make sure to request a name change when filing for divorce. Ensure that the court includes the name change in the final divorce decree. A copy of the divorce decree is necessary to change your name on your Social Security card and driver’s license.<\/p>\r\n

Petition for a Change of Name<\/h3>\r\n

For all other situations, you’ll have to go to court. Tennessee law allows residents to change their name by petitioning a court<\/a>. This is the route you’ll follow if, for instance, you’re transgender and want to change your name as part of your gender transition.<\/p>\r\n

Assuming you’re an adult, you’ll need to:<\/p>\r\n