Tennessee requires you to update your driver's license address within 30 days of moving

When you move to a new address in Tennessee, you must report the change to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDHS) within 30 days. You cannot do this online — Tennessee does not offer address-only changes through its website. You must visit a Driver Services office in person, bring proof of your new address, and pay a $7 fee. The process takes about 15 minutes if you have the right documents.

The 30-day window is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not a traffic violation, but it can complicate matters if you are pulled over, and it may cause problems with vehicle registration renewal or insurance claims. The sooner you update, the sooner your license reflects where you actually live.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person within 30 days of moving; online address changes are not available in Tennessee.
  • Bring one document proving your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • The fee is $7, and the process takes about 15 minutes if your documents are in order.
  • Your current driver's license remains valid during the address change — you do not need a new photo or to renew your license early.

What documents prove your new address

TDHS accepts one document from a specific list to verify your new address. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document such as a voter registration card or tax return.

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and utilities have not been connected in your name — you can use a notarized affidavit of residence. This is a sworn statement signed in front of a notary public confirming that you live at the new address. Some Driver Services offices keep blank affidavit forms on hand, but it is wise to call ahead and ask whether yours does.

Bring your current Tennessee driver's license as well. If you have moved out of state and your license has expired, you will need to renew it rather than straightforward change the address, which requires a different process and additional documents.

Where to go and what to bring

Find your nearest Driver Services office on the TDHS website at tn.gov/safety. The site has a location finder that shows office addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your office requires an appointment — some do, and some operate on a walk-in basis.

Bring your current driver's license, one proof-of-address document, and $7 in cash or card. Some offices accept card payments, but not all, so having cash is safest. If you are changing your address because you got married or divorced and your name also changed, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree along with your address proof.

What happens after you submit your change

The Driver Services office will process your address change on the spot. Your license is updated in the system when ready, and you walk out with your updated license in hand. The new license has the same expiration date as your old one — you are not getting a new license, just an address correction. Your license number and photo remain the same.

If you need a replacement license card with your new address printed on it (rather than just the system update), you can request one for an additional $7. This is optional — the system update alone is sufficient for legal purposes, but some people prefer to have the physical card reflect their current address.

If you cannot visit an office in person

Tennessee does not offer mail-in address changes or remote processing. If you are unable to visit a Driver Services office — for example, if you have moved out of state or have a medical condition that prevents travel — you can send someone else on your behalf. That person must bring a notarized power of attorney document authorizing them to act for you, along with all the documents listed above.

Alternatively, if you have moved out of Tennessee and your license has not yet expired, you can wait until you renew it in person or through whatever process your new state requires. Your Tennessee license remains valid in other states even if the address is outdated, though it is better practice to update your address in your new state's system.

Address changes and vehicle registration

Updating your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must handle those separately through the Tennessee Department of Revenue. When your vehicle registration comes up for renewal, you will need to provide your new address at that time. If you want to update your registration before renewal, you can do so online at tn.gov/revenue or by mail, but the Driver Services office cannot do it for you.

Some insurance companies require that your driver's license address match your policy address. If you have not yet updated your insurance, contact your agent or company directly to change the address on your policy. Mismatched addresses can sometimes delay claims processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address if I move within Tennessee?

Yes. The 30-day requirement applies to any move within the state. If you move from one Tennessee city to another, you must report the change to TDHS within 30 days, even if you are staying in the same county.

What if I miss the 30-day important date?

There is no penalty for missing the important date, but you should update your address as soon as you realize it. Driving with an outdated address does not violate traffic law, but it can cause confusion during traffic stops and may complicate insurance or registration matters.

Can I change my address when I renew my license?

Yes. When your license comes up for renewal, you can update your address at that time. However, if you move before your renewal date, you should update the address sooner rather than waiting for renewal.

Will I get a new photo on my license if I change my address?

No. An address change is not a renewal. Your photo, license number, and expiration date all stay the same. You only get a new photo when you renew your license or if you specifically request a replacement card.

What if my proof-of-address document is in someone else's name?

The document must show your name and your new address. If you live with someone else and only their name appears on the utility bill or lease, ask them to add you to the account, or use a different document such as a notarized affidavit of residence instead.