How To Change Your Name and Gender Marker in Tennessee

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.

Changing your gender marker in Tennesee is different since the state generally doesn't allow it.

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.

Identify and Follow the Correct Tennessee Legal Name Change Process

The Tennessee name change process you'll need to follow depends on the reason for your name change.

Marriage

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.

Tennessee allows couples to change their last names when applying for a marriage license. 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.

Divorce

If your marriage ends, the court handling your divorce can change your name back 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.

Petition for a Change of Name

For all other situations, you'll have to go to court. Tennessee law allows residents to change their name by petitioning a court. 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.

Assuming you're an adult, you'll need to:

• Fill out and file an application form
• Verify the application with an affidavit
• Provide a copy of your birth certificate
• Show your Social Security card
• Show a photo ID
• Prove you're a resident of the county where the court sits
• Pay a filing fee

You'll need to provide reasons for changing your name on the application. Once filed, you can expect to get a hearing date. Show up in court for your hearing and appear before a judge when they call your case.

A name change in Tennessee isn't automatic. State law prevents the court from granting a name change petition if the court believes the petition is to defraud or mislead. The petition will also get denied if it's made in bad faith, will cause injury to someone, or will compromise public safety.

Convicted felons face a higher standard, and state law bans murderers and registered sex offenders from changing their names.

If the court grants your petition, you'll want to get certified copies of the court's order. You'll need copies to submit to other agencies as proof of your name change. Photocopies are rarely accepted.

Name Changes for Minors in Tennessee

The process above only applies to an adult name change. Changing the name of a minor requires a different petition and parental consent.

If you're a minor, you'll need the help of a parent, guardian, or adult relative/friend to petition the court for a name change on your behalf. The person petitioning for your name change will need to fill out a Petition for Change of Name of Minor and file it with the court clerk in the county in which you live.

You'll get a hearing date after your petition (and any necessary supporting documentation) gets filed with the court. At your scheduled hearing, the court will listen to the facts and decide whether allowing a name change is in your best interests. Parental consent is generally required to change your name when you're a minor.

If the court grants your petition, get certified copies of the court's order. You'll need these to change your name with your school and other places.

File the Appropriate Paperwork With Government Agencies

A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order legally changes your name, but there are extra steps you'll need to complete with other government agencies.

Contact your local Social Security office first. Updating your name on your Social Security card will give you an identifying document in your new name. The good news is that if you want to change your gender marker, you can make that change simultaneously. Just say your preferred gender designation on your new Social Security card application. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will update its records with the information you provided and issue you a new card.

Next, go in person to your local Driver Service Center to change your name on your Tennessee driver's license. Remember to bring documentation proving your legal name change. You can expect to pay a small fee, too.

Changing Your Gender Marker

Tennessee doesn't allow changes to your gender marker on your Tennessee birth certificate. Also, Tennessee requires that the gender marker on your driver's license match the gender marker indicated on your birth certificate.

Get Legal Help in Tennessee

Changing your name in Tennessee is generally a straightforward process. But if you're overwhelmed by name change documents, you don't need to navigate the process alone. Contact an experienced local attorney for help filling out the appropriate name change forms.