INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE (Tennessee)

The state of Tennessee does not have a statewide Petition for Name Change. Instead, each County Court has its own forms. These instructions address Davidson County but apply—for the most part—to every county in the state.

“Petition for Name Change (Tennessee) Step 1”

In the heading of the Petition, provide the full legal name of the petitioner in black ink. Do not fill in the docket number. The clerk will fill in this part.

“Petition for Name Change (Tennessee) Step 2”

Provide the petitioner’s full legal name on the first line in part 1. Write “Davidson” on the second line and the petitioner’s current address on the third line. Write where the petitioner has citizenship on the fourth line.

“Petition for Name Change (Tennessee) Step 3”

In part 3, provide the petitioner’s date of birth on the first line. Provide the city of birth on the second line and the county of birth on the third line. Provide the petitioner’s name at the time of birth on the fourth line, and the state where the birth certificate was issued.

“Petition for Name Change (Tennessee) Step 4”

If the petitioner has other aliases they’ve gone by since birth, list these names in part 3 in chronological order.

“Petition for Name Change (Tennessee) Step 5”

In part 4, provide the petitioner’s requested name change. Provide the reasons for this change in part 5.

“Petition for Name Change (Tennessee) Step 6”

Check the appropriate box if you have or have not been convicted of a felony in part 7. If the petitioner has been convicted of a felony, state the charges on the line provided.

“Petition for Name Change (Tennessee) Step 7”

The petitioner must sign the form in front of Notary Public.

“Petition for Name Change (Tennessee) Step 8”

In addition to the Petition, the petitioner also needs to submit an Affidavit of Name Change and Order Allowing Name Change to their Chancery Court. Attach a certified copy of your birth certificate to the form.

“Petition for Name Change (Tennessee) Step 9”

File all required forms with the clerk. There will be filing fees, and these fees range from county to county. The change of name procedure is complete when the judge signs the Order. Ask the clerk for certified copies to change important documents like your birth certificate and social security card.