Marriage Name Change in Tennessee

Agency: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services. Deadline: No statewide deadline is published for name-change updates, but Tennessee requires an in-person visit to complete it.

You must visit a Driver Services Center in person to change your name on a Tennessee license or ID — this can't be done online or by mail. Bring your current license and the original or a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

Bring these documents:

• Updated Social Security card (reflecting your new name)
• Original or certified copy of marriage certificate
• Current driver’s license or ID card
• Proof of Tennessee residency (if requested)

Open the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services →

The one order that matters is Social Security first, then your driver license — state offices verify your new name against SSA records. Your U.S. passport can be updated whenever it suits you; it is not required before your license.

Update Social Security first, then your Tennessee driver license — Tennessee agencies verify your new name against Social Security records, so going the other way causes rejections and wasted trips. Your U.S. passport is a separate, independent update: you do not need a new passport to get your license, and you can renew it whenever it suits your travel plans. Banks, employer, insurance, and the rest come after your license.