Tennessee allows individuals to restore a former name during divorce proceedings at no additional cost, or to petition for a separate name change through Chancery Court for $150 to $244 depending on the county. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-106, a spouse may request restoration of a prior surname as part of the divorce complaint. If the divorce is already finalized, Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-8-101 governs standalone name change petitions filed in Chancery Court. The entire process from filing through updating government-issued identification typically takes 6 to 10 weeks in Tennessee.
Key Facts: Name Change After Divorce in Tennessee
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Easiest Method | Request maiden name restoration in divorce decree (no extra fee) |
| Standalone Petition Fee | $150 to $244 (varies by county, as of March 2026) |
| Divorce Filing Fee | $184 to $301 (varies by county and children) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months in Tennessee (TCA § 36-4-104) |
| Waiting Period (Divorce) | 60 days (no children) or 90 days (minor children) |
| Governing Statutes | TCA § 36-4-106, TCA § 29-8-101 through TCA § 29-8-105 |
| Court | Chancery Court (Clerk and Master) |
| Social Security Update | Free (Form SS-5) |
| Driver License Update | $8 to $16 at a Driver Service Center |
What Are the Two Methods for a Name Change After Divorce in Tennessee?
Tennessee provides two distinct legal pathways for a name change after divorce: requesting restoration of a former name within the divorce proceedings, or filing a separate name change petition through Chancery Court under TCA § 29-8-101. The first method costs nothing beyond regular divorce filing fees of $184 to $301. The second method requires a standalone petition costing $150 to $244.
The most efficient approach is to include the name change request directly in the divorce complaint or marital settlement agreement. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-106, the spouse filing for divorce may request that the court restore a prior surname as part of the final decree. Tennessee judges routinely grant these requests because the divorce proceeding already establishes jurisdiction over both parties and requires no additional filing fees, hearing dates, or separate petitions. Approximately 85% of post-divorce name changes in Tennessee are handled this way rather than through a standalone petition.
If the divorce decree has already been entered without a name change provision, the second method requires filing a Petition for Change of Name under TCA § 29-8-101 through TCA § 29-8-105. This standalone petition is filed in the Chancery Court of the county where the petitioner resides. The petitioner must state the current legal name, the desired new name, and the reason for the change. Tennessee courts grant virtually all post-divorce name restoration petitions absent a criminal disqualification under TCA § 29-8-101(b).
How Do You Request a Name Change in Your Tennessee Divorce Decree?
The simplest way to complete a name change after divorce in Tennessee is to include the request in the original divorce complaint filed under TCA § 36-4-106. Tennessee courts can restore a former name at no additional cost beyond the standard divorce filing fee of $184 to $301. The request should appear in both the complaint and the marital dissolution agreement.
To include a name change in your Tennessee divorce, follow these steps:
- State in the divorce complaint that you wish to restore your former name (maiden name or name used before the marriage).
- Include the specific name you wish to resume in the marital dissolution agreement or settlement document.
- Ensure the final decree of divorce contains explicit language ordering the name restoration.
- Obtain at least 3 certified copies of the final divorce decree from the Clerk and Master, which typically cost $5 to $10 per copy.
- Use the certified divorce decree as your legal proof of name change for all subsequent identity document updates.
Tennessee courts routinely grant name restoration requests during divorce proceedings. The presiding judge in Chancery Court or Circuit Court has authority to include the name change order in the final divorce decree without requiring a separate hearing. The 60-day waiting period for divorces without minor children, or 90-day waiting period for divorces with minor children under TCA § 36-4-101, applies to the divorce itself, not specifically to the name change request.
How Do You File a Standalone Name Change Petition in Tennessee?
Tennessee residents who did not request a name change during their divorce can file a standalone Petition for Change of Name under TCA § 29-8-102 in Chancery Court. The filing fee ranges from $150 to $244 depending on the county, and the process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from petition to court order. Petitioners must be residents of the county where they file.
The standalone name change process in Tennessee requires these steps:
- Obtain the Petition for Change of Name form from your county Chancery Court Clerk and Master office or the Tennessee court system website.
- Complete the petition with your current legal name, desired name, county of residence, and reason for the name change.
- Sign the petition and have it verified by affidavit as required under TCA § 29-8-102.
- File the petition with the Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court in your county of residence and pay the filing fee.
- Attend the scheduled court hearing where the judge will review your petition.
- Receive the court order granting the name change.
- Obtain certified copies of the name change order (typically $5 to $10 per copy).
Tennessee name change petition filing fees vary significantly by county. Davidson County (Nashville) charges approximately $204 for the filing. Rutherford County (Murfreesboro) charges $243.50 including one certified copy. Shelby County (Memphis) charges $166.50. Robertson County charges $204.50. All fees are as of March 2026, and petitioners should verify the current amount with their local Clerk and Master office before filing.
What Are the Filing Fees for a Name Change After Divorce in Tennessee?
Tennessee name change filing fees range from $150 to $244 for a standalone petition, while requesting a name change within the divorce decree costs nothing beyond the standard divorce filing fee of $184 to $301. County-level litigation taxes and service fees account for the wide variation. All fees referenced here are as of March 2026. Verify with your local clerk.
| County | Standalone Name Change Fee | Divorce Filing Fee (No Children) | Divorce Filing Fee (With Children) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davidson (Nashville) | ~$204 | $184.50 | $259.50 |
| Shelby (Memphis) | $166.50 | ~$200 | ~$275 |
| Rutherford (Murfreesboro) | $243.50 | ~$210 | ~$285 |
| Robertson | $204.50 | ~$200 | ~$275 |
| Knox (Knoxville) | ~$180 | ~$195 | ~$270 |
Tennessee residents who cannot afford the filing fee may request a fee waiver by submitting a Uniform Civil Affidavit of Indigency under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 29 and Tenn. Code Ann. § 20-12-127. Individuals earning at or below 125% of the federal poverty level (approximately $19,506 annually for a single person in 2026) are presumed eligible for the fee waiver. The court may also consider additional financial hardship circumstances such as high medical expenses, disability, or single-parent obligations when evaluating waiver requests.
How Do You Update Your Social Security Card After a Tennessee Divorce Name Change?
After obtaining a divorce decree with a name change provision or a court order granting a name change, Tennessee residents must update their Social Security card through the Social Security Administration (SSA) before changing any other government identification. The Social Security card update is free and typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to process.
The Social Security Administration requires these steps for a name change after divorce in Tennessee:
- Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card), available at ssa.gov or at any local SSA office.
- Gather required documents: certified copy of the divorce decree showing the name change (or certified court order), current valid photo identification such as a Tennessee driver license, and your current Social Security card if available.
- Submit Form SS-5 and supporting documents either in person at a local Tennessee SSA office or by mail to the regional processing center.
- Receive the new Social Security card in the mail within 2 to 4 weeks.
Tennessee has 19 Social Security Administration field offices located in major cities including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Jackson, Clarksville, and Johnson City. All documents submitted must be originals or certified copies. The SSA does not accept photocopies, notarized copies, or faxed documents. Original documents are returned by mail after processing is complete.
How Do You Update Your Tennessee Driver License After a Divorce Name Change?
Tennessee requires residents to update their driver license within 30 days of a legal name change. The update costs $8 to $16 depending on license type and duplicate history, and must be completed in person at a Tennessee Driver Service Center. Tennessee residents cannot update their name on a driver license online or by mail.
To update your Tennessee driver license after a divorce name change, bring these documents to any Driver Service Center:
- Your current Tennessee driver license.
- Original or certified copy of one of the following: divorce decree with name change provision, or court order granting a name change under TCA § 29-8-101.
- Your new Social Security card reflecting the updated name (the SSA update must be completed first).
- Payment of the duplicate license fee ($8 to $16).
Tennessee operates 49 Driver Service Centers across the state. Hours vary by location, but most centers operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Several centers in metropolitan areas including Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville offer extended Saturday hours. Wait times average 30 to 60 minutes at urban centers. Only original or certified copies of name change documents are accepted. Tennessee will not process a name change with photocopies, faxes, or notarized copies of court orders.
What Other Documents and Records Must Be Updated After a Name Change in Tennessee?
Beyond the Social Security card and driver license, a name change after divorce in Tennessee requires updating approximately 10 to 15 categories of records and accounts. The full update process typically takes 6 to 10 weeks when completed systematically. Starting with government identification and working outward to financial and personal records is the most efficient approach.
Tennessee residents should update these records in the following order after a divorce name change:
Government Records:
- Social Security card (free, 2 to 4 weeks)
- Tennessee driver license ($8 to $16, same day at Driver Service Center)
- U.S. passport ($130 for renewal or $35 for name correction within 1 year of issuance)
- Voter registration (free, update through the Tennessee Secretary of State or county election commission)
- Tennessee birth certificate amendment (contact Tennessee Office of Vital Records, fee of $15)
Financial Records:
- Bank accounts and credit cards (free, bring certified divorce decree to your bank)
- Retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pension plans)
- Insurance policies (health, auto, homeowners, life)
- Tax records (notify IRS via next tax filing; file under new name)
- Property deeds and vehicle titles (county Register of Deeds, $10 to $25 per document)
Personal and Professional Records:
- Employer and payroll records
- Professional licenses (fees vary by licensing board)
- Utility accounts
- Medical and dental providers
- School and educational records
- Email accounts and online profiles
Tennessee does not have a centralized name change notification system. Each agency and institution must be contacted individually with a certified copy of the divorce decree or court order. Ordering 5 to 10 certified copies of the name change document from the Clerk and Master ($5 to $10 per copy) at the time of filing saves considerable time during the update process.
Can You Change to Any Name During a Tennessee Divorce, or Only Your Maiden Name?
Tennessee courts will restore a former name as part of a divorce proceeding under TCA § 36-4-106, but the name must be one the petitioner has previously used legally. A former name includes a maiden name, a name from a prior marriage, or any legally held previous name. Tennessee courts do not permit changing to an entirely new name through the divorce process alone.
If a Tennessee resident wishes to adopt a completely new name that they have never previously held, a standalone Petition for Change of Name under TCA § 29-8-101 through TCA § 29-8-105 is required. This petition can be filed separately from or concurrently with divorce proceedings. The Chancery Court has broad authority to grant name changes for any legitimate purpose, provided the petitioner is not disqualified. Tennessee law under TCA § 29-8-101(b) prohibits name changes for persons convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or those required to register as sex offenders.
The distinction matters for practical purposes. A name restoration through a divorce decree is nearly automatic and free. A petition for a completely new name requires a separate filing fee of $150 to $244, a court hearing, and judicial approval. Tennessee judges evaluate whether the name change petition is made in good faith and not for fraudulent purposes before granting the order.
How Long Does the Name Change Process Take in Tennessee After a Divorce?
The complete name change after divorce in Tennessee takes 6 to 10 weeks from the date the divorce decree is entered or the standalone name change order is granted. The divorce itself requires a minimum waiting period of 60 days without minor children or 90 days with minor children under TCA § 36-4-101. A standalone name change petition typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from filing to court order.
| Step | Timeline | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce decree entered (with name change) | 60 to 90 day minimum waiting period | $184 to $301 (divorce filing fee) |
| OR: Standalone name change petition | 4 to 8 weeks (filing to court order) | $150 to $244 |
| Social Security card update | 2 to 4 weeks after submission | Free |
| Tennessee driver license update | Same day (in-person visit) | $8 to $16 |
| Passport renewal | 6 to 8 weeks (routine) or 2 to 3 weeks (expedited) | $130 (renewal) or $35 (correction) |
| Bank and financial accounts | 1 to 5 business days per institution | Free |
| Total end-to-end process | 6 to 10 weeks after decree/order | $8 to $280+ depending on method |
The most significant variable is the Social Security Administration processing time of 2 to 4 weeks. Because Tennessee requires the updated Social Security card before issuing a new driver license, these steps must be completed sequentially rather than simultaneously. Planning ahead by ordering multiple certified copies of the divorce decree or court order before beginning the identity update process saves weeks of delay.
What Is the Tennessee Residency Requirement for Filing a Name Change Petition?
Tennessee requires petitioners to be residents of the county where they file a standalone name change petition under TCA § 29-8-102. For divorce-related name changes, at least one spouse must have resided in Tennessee for 6 months immediately before filing the divorce complaint under TCA § 36-4-104. There is no separate residency requirement for requesting a name restoration within a divorce.
The residency requirements differ based on the method used. If the name change is included in the divorce proceeding, the 6-month Tennessee residency requirement for divorce under TCA § 36-4-104 is the only residency threshold. Once the court has jurisdiction over the divorce, it also has jurisdiction to order the name change. For a standalone name change petition filed after the divorce is finalized, the petitioner must reside in the county where the petition is filed. Tennessee law does not specify a minimum duration of county residency for standalone name change petitions, only that the petitioner be a current county resident at the time of filing.
Armed services members stationed in Tennessee receive special treatment under TCA § 36-4-104. Any person in the U.S. armed services, or the spouse of such person, who has lived in Tennessee for at least 1 year is presumed to be a Tennessee resident. This presumption can only be overcome by clear and convincing evidence of domicile elsewhere.