Voter ID in Tennessee

Tennessee is a strict voter ID state.

You are required to show an acceptable photo ID to confirm your identity when voting in person.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!

To vote absentee in Tennessee, you need to be a registered voter and unable to go to your polling place for an acceptable reason.

You do not need a copy of your ID to vote by mail.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!


Changing Your Legal Name

You must file a formal request with your local Chancery Court to change your name in Tennessee.

Procedures, forms to be filed, and supporting documentation vary by court.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

Submit a request to the Tennessee Office of Vital Records to amend your birth certificate.

To change the name on your Tennessee birth certificate, you will need to provide:

  • certified copy of your name-change court order
  • payment of applicable fee(s)

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

You must update your name with the Social Security Administration before you can change your name on a Tennessee-issued ID.

Visit a Tennessee Driver Services Center to change the name on your Tennessee driver’s license or state ID card.

You will need to provide your current state-issued ID and your name-change court order (must have judge’s original signature and/or official court seal).


Updating Gender Markers

Amending the gender marker on your birth certificate is not possible under Tennessee law.

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

Visit a Tennessee Driver Services Center to update the gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID.

You will need to provide your current state-issued ID and a signed physician’s statement confirming that you meet the state’s medical requirements.


 

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