How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Tennessee

The winning sequence in Tennessee is: certified marriage certificate → Social Security (free, first) → wait 24–48 hours → Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Driver Services Division → passport → notify everyone. Each step verifies against the one before it, so order matters.

Order 3–5 certified copies from the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. Photocopies aren't accepted.

Good to know for Tennessee: Certified copy of marriage certificate costs $15 per copy; can be ordered online via VitalChek, by mail (Tennessee Vital Records, Andrew Johnson Tower, 1st Floor, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243), or in person. Requires a signed application and a valid government-issued photo ID; mail requests take about 4 weeks.

File the free SS-5 with Social Security first, wait 24–48 hours, then update your license at the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Driver Services Division (typically $8–$28 (varies; confirm with the agency)). Bring:

• Certified copy of marriage certificate from Tennessee Vital Records or county clerk (original or certified copy only, no photocopies/faxes)
• Current Tennessee driver's license or ID
• Proof that Social Security Administration record has been updated with new name (recommended before DMV visit)
• Proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, etc.) if updating for REAL ID compliance
• Completed in-person application at a Driver Services Center (no separate form needed to bring, but bring proof of identity/citizenship if upgrading to REAL ID)

Update your passport, then your Tennessee voter registration (Voter registration (including updates such as a name change) must be completed at least 30 days before an election; mail-in forms must be postmarked 30 days before Election Day.), and finally your bank, employer, and insurers.