Name Change
Here you will find links to written information about changing your name. Additionally, you will find legal forms and details on how to seek assistance or aid from a lawyer, if needed. Some areas of the state have more information than others. You may wish to look at information from other areas as well as your own. Please be advised that not every court in the state will accept all of the following forms.
Legal Information:
Change a name on a Social Security card
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you must tell Social Security so you can get a corrected card for free. The same applies once you receive the I-766 card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can find more details on this process by visiting the Social Security Administration's website.
How do I get my birth certificate?
Learn how to obtain your birth certificate from the Tennessee Office of Vital Records.
How do I get my birth certificate corrected?
The Office of Vital Records is tasked with amending birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates. If you need to amend one of these documents, you may click on the link above to visit the website for the Office of Vital Records.
Tennessee Driver’s License Name Change
Learn where and how to legally change your name by clicking the link above to visit the website of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Forms:
Nashville
Davidson County Petition for Adult and Minor Name Changes & Birth Certificate Corrections
This link will direct you to the forms provided by the Davidson County Chancery Court.
Memphis
Shelby County Probate Court: Name Change Procedures
This link will direct you to forms and information provided by the Shelby County Probate Court.
This link will direct you to a variety of forms provided by the Shelby County Probate Court. Scroll down to find name change forms.
Legal Advice:
If you are in Tennessee, the website, Free Legal Answers, allows you to ask a lawyer for help with a legal issue at no cost. It is fast and easy, and all you need is a computer. This is a FREE service for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
How it works:
- You will answer a few questions to see if you qualify for their service. If you qualify, you will have the option to create an account.
- If you are eligible, you can ask their volunteer attorneys a non-criminal legal question.
- Once your question receives a response, you will get an email. You will need to sign into the website to read your response and ask any additional questions.
Visit https://tn.freelegalanswers.org/ to sign up.
