How to Change Your Name in Tennessee
Published June 17th, 2021
Everyone gets a name when they are born. You go through life with it. Over time, it comes to define you and people identify you with it.
So, why would you want to change your name in Tennessee?
There are many reasons why many people get their name changed.
Some do it because of a clerical error in their birth certificates. Some do it for branding purposes. And then there are those who do it for legal reasons. Contrary to popular belief, this is a pretty common practice and not unlikely in any state.
You can also change your entire name, change only part of your name (first, last, or middle), change the positions of your given name, or take on an entirely new name.
Whatever your reason may be, this is the best place to find out how to change your name in Tennessee.
First, you’ll have to be familiar with Tennessee’s statutes, codes, and limitations regarding name change procedures. You’ll find that here.
So How Do You Get Started?
Changing your name in Tennessee starts with filling up and submitting a name change application form. This process can take anywhere from a day to six months to complete. Some, if there are complications can take longer.
This process can also vary from one county to another, one state to another, and so on. The number of applications currently being processed in your locale’s courthouse can also affect the completion date.
You should also expect to pay legal fees, filing fees, publication fees and service of process charge fees. This does not include the fees you will need to pay for postage and getting signatures and seals of a Notary public. To get a complete list of fees involved, contact your local court clerk for an estimate.
To set your expectations, you will need to appear in court for the entire process to complete.
Think you’re still up for it?
Note: you will also need to meet the residency requirements of the state you wish to change your name in. you will need to provide proof that you have been a resident for at least six months to a year in Tennessee.
Can You Go Online To Change Your Name In Tennessee?
Fortunately, this entire process doesn’t require you to head to your local courthouse. You can place a call to get an estimate and then go online to find numerous name change websites that can cater to your needs.
You will be required to answer an online questionnaire. The answers you put down will be used to prepare the documents. At this point, this can be a purely online experience. The only time you will be required to talk to anyone is if there are additional questions or points of clarification needed.
An email will then be sent to you after a few business days. Usually 3 to 5 depending on the complexity of your case.
Although this is mostly done online, real work happens behind the scenes to prepare and carry out the process as if it was done by you. You will need to pay an additional amount for service charges with the online company. The money you pay is going to be well worth it as it is a great way to save time and money on your behalf.
Are There Instances Where A Name Change is Denied?
There are just as many unsuccessful attempts as there are successful name changes in Tennessee. The good thing is that you can always re-apply or appeal the court’s decision.
But what are the reasons why a name change is denied?
Here are some:
- Incomplete residency
- Application for a minor
- Active refusal by a parent (applicable to minors)
- Name change application is for adoption (there is a different office for this)
- Legal or copyright issues
So Should You Change Your Name in Tennessee?
Knowing all of these things, you are now left with the question: should you still go through with it or not.
No doubt about it, this has the possibility of becoming a long and arduous task if there are complications present.
But, if everything goes according to plan, then it will have been well worth the time, effort, and money spent based on your reasons why you applied for a name change in the first place.
So, go ahead and fill out that application form. You can choose to submit it or stop the process at any time you want if you change your mind.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is the lead writer for the Instant Vital Records blog and several other renowned publications. She is committed to delivering accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources for all of her articles.