Change Name Car Registration Tennessee

Legal Name Change Process

Name Change After Marriage or Divorce

When changing your name due to marriage, you are typically allowed to change your last name but cannot change your first name. You may, however, modify your middle name to include your premarital last name. To officially change your name on your car registration, you should first update your driver's license and other legal documents to reflect your new name. This ensures consistency across all records, including your vehicle title and registration.

Name Change for Other Reasons

For individuals seeking a name change unrelated to marital status, the following steps must be taken.

Complete a Petition for Change of Name Form

Obtain the appropriate form from your county court and fill it out, ensuring the date and clerk signature fields are left blank. The form must be verified via affidavit. You will need to provide your original birth certificate, social security card, and photo identification. Keep the originals handy as they may be required for verification.

Attend a Hearing

A court hearing may be necessary to finalize the name change. Engaging a qualified attorney can streamline this process, providing guidance on the required documents and representing you during the hearing. Legal assistance is often recommended to navigate these procedures effectively and efficiently.

Updating Vehicle Registration

Once you have legally changed your name, it is essential to update your vehicle registration to reflect your new identity.

Obtaining New Title and Registration

When transferring ownership or updating your name, you must complete a new title application and submit the necessary documents. These include the original or certified copy of your name change documentation, the current vehicle registration if applicable, and a properly assigned Certificate of Title or Bill of Sale if you recently purchased the vehicle.

Required Documentation

To update your vehicle registration, you will need to provide proof of your legal name change. This can be a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, depending on the circumstances of your name change. You must also provide proof of identification and residency. If you are transferring the vehicle to another person, that individual must also provide their identifying information.

Fees

A fee of $20.50 is typically required for transferring the title and registration, with additional fees applicable if certain documentation is not provided. Payment methods may include cash, check, or credit card, depending on the county clerk's office policies. Be sure to check with your local office regarding specific fee amounts and accepted payment methods.

Timely Registration

Tennessee law mandates that the vehicle must be registered in the new owner's name promptly after the title transfer. Failure to do so may lead to additional complications and potential legal issues. By following these steps and maintaining timely compliance, you can successfully change your name on your car registration in Tennessee, ensuring that all your legal documents reflect your new identity.

Steps to Complete the Process

Update Legal Documents First

Before updating your vehicle registration, ensure that your legal name change is fully documented and that you have updated your driver's license and other important identification documents. This step is crucial for consistency across all records.

Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents, including your original or certified copy of the name change documentation, current vehicle registration, and proof of identification and residency. Having all required documents prepared before visiting the county clerk's office will help expedite the process.

Visit Your County Clerk's Office

Submit your name change documentation and the completed title and registration application to your local county clerk's office. Payment of the applicable fees should be made at this time. Ask about current processing times and whether expedited services are available.

Receive Your Updated Registration

After submission, you will receive updated vehicle registration documents reflecting your new name. Processing times vary by county, so ask your local office for an estimated completion date.