File a Petition: In Tennessee, to change your name legally, you must file a Petition for Change of Name in the Chancery Court of your county of residence.
- Required documents:
  - Completed Petition for Name Change form.
  - A valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
  - A certified copy of your birth certificate (sometimes required).
- Background Check: Tennessee requires individuals to submit to a background check. This is done through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). If you have a criminal record, you may be denied the name change request.
- Court Hearing: A hearing may be required, but if the name change is uncontested, it might be granted without a hearing. If you need to attend, the judge will review your petition and approve the change if there are no issues.
- Fees: Filing fees for a name change typically range from $150 to $200. If you cannot afford this fee, you can apply for a fee waiver by submitting an Affidavit of Indigency.
Notification: In Tennessee, you may need to publish the name change in a local newspaper to inform the public, although this requirement can sometimes be waived in certain situations (e.g., if you fear for your safety).

Social Security Card: Once the court order is granted, file your petition with the Social Security Administration (SSA) along with the SS-5 form to update your name on your Social Security records.
Driver’s License/State ID: Visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) to update your name on your driver’s license or state ID. Bring your court order and current driver’s license.
Birth Certificate: If you were born in Tennessee, you can submit your court order to the Tennessee Department of Health, Vital Records to update your birth certificate. There will likely be a fee (around $15–$20).

Requirements: Tennessee requires a physician’s letter to change the gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID.
- The letter must be from a licensed physician who has treated or diagnosed you for gender dysphoria or confirmed that you are undergoing gender transition. The letter should state that the physician supports your gender transition.
Process:
- Submit the physician’s letter and complete the Driver’s License or ID Card Change of Gender Marker form at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS).
- You can choose between male (M), female (F), or X for your gender marker.
Fees: The fee to update your gender marker on your state-issued ID is typically around $10–$15.

Requirements: Unlike some other states, Tennessee does not yet allow gender marker changes on birth certificates based solely on self-attestation. You may need to provide proof of gender transition or a court order recognizing your gender identity.
- Medical Documentation: To change the gender marker on your birth certificate, you may need to submit a letter from a physician that confirms you have undergone gender-affirming medical treatment. The specific requirements can vary, so it’s important to check with the Tennessee Department of Health.
Process:
- If gender marker changes are allowed, you may need to submit your court order for gender change, along with medical documentation, to the Tennessee Department of Health, Vital Records.
- After approval, you will receive a corrected birth certificate with your updated gender marker.
Fees: The typical fee for obtaining a new birth certificate with the updated gender marker is around $15–$20.

U.S. Passport: If you plan to update your passport, you can do so after changing your name and/or gender marker. The U.S. Department of State requires a physician’s letter for gender marker changes, and you can submit the required documentation along with your application for a new passport.
Social Security: Updating the gender marker with the Social Security Administration requires medical documentation or a court order confirming the gender marker change.
Other Legal Documents: After updating your name and gender marker on official documents, be sure to update other records such as insurance, banking, and employment records.

Name Change:
1. File a Petition for Change of Name in the local Chancery Court.
2. Submit to a background check and attend the hearing if required.
3. Update your name with the SSA, TDOSHS, and other records once the court order is granted.
Gender Marker Change:
1. Obtain a physician’s letter for gender transition.
2. Submit the letter to TDOSHS to update your driver’s license or state ID.
3. Submit documentation to the Tennessee Department of Health (if applicable) to update your birth certificate.