How to Change Your Name
in Tennessee
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Tennessee.
Filing Fee
$175-$300
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Chancery Court or Circuit Court
Where you file
Tennessee Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Chancery Court or Circuit Court
Where to File
File in the Chancery Court or Circuit Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$175-$300
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Required
Publication Required in Tennessee
Tennessee requires publication of the name change notice once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Tennessee-Specific Rule
Tennessee requires publication of the name change notice once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the petition is filed.
Required Documents in Tennessee
Petition for Change of Name
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Proof of Tennessee residency
Affidavit of publication
6-Step Name Change Process in Tennessee
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Chancery Court or Circuit Court in the county where you reside. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Tennessee residency, Affidavit of publication.
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Tennessee is approximately $175-$300. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Complete Newspaper Publication
Tennessee requires publication of the name change notice once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Tennessee courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Tennessee Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you file in the Chancery Court or Circuit Court. File in the Chancery Court or Circuit Court in the county where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Tennessee?
The filing fee in Tennessee is approximately $175-$300. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires publication of the name change notice once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
How long does a name change take in Tennessee?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Tennessee. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in Tennessee?
For your name change petition in Tennessee, gather: Petition for Change of Name, Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Proof of Tennessee residency, Affidavit of publication. JustiPal™ provides a complete Tennessee-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in Tennessee. Takes 2 minutes.
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Tennessee-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Tennessee document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in Tennessee.
Other State Guides