Restoring Your Name After Divorce in Tennessee: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Tennessee Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court (the court that hears name changes varies by county) and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
In Tennessee, you restore your former or maiden name after divorce through the divorce decree — request it in the divorce and the decree is your legal proof. There is usually no extra court fee. Then update Social Security first, then the DMV, then your passport. No newspaper notice is required.
Your personalized plan
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
What it costs
Restoring a former or maiden name is free when requested in the divorce; ask the court to include it in the final decree
The Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court in the county where you have lived for at least six months
Step by step
- 1
Ask the court to restore your former (maiden) name inside your divorce complaint or in the final decree of divorce — Tennessee law lets a spouse request restoration of a prior name at no extra cost.
- 2
If the divorce is already final and you did not request it, ask the court to amend the decree or file a separate name-change petition in the county where you live.
- 3
Get a certified copy of the final divorce decree from the clerk showing the restored name.
- 4
Use the certified decree to update Social Security first, then Driver Services, then your passport and accounts.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
| Form | Code | Official link |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee divorce self-help resources (Administrative Office of the Courts) | — | Open ↗ |
- • You do not need a separate name-change petition to return to a former name if you request the restoration during the divorce case.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Tennessee license, then your passport and accounts.
Divorce name change in nearby states
Restoring Your Name After Divorce in Tennessee: FAQ
Can I restore my maiden name without paying again in Tennessee?
What if I forgot to ask for my former name in the divorce in Tennessee?
Do I need to publish a notice to restore my name after divorce in Tennessee?
What's the first ID to update after a divorce name change in Tennessee?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.tncourts.gov/programs/self-help-center
- www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/helpful-information/dlnamechange.html
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.