You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Tennessee Driver Services office
Tennessee offers three routes to update your address on your driver's license without renewing the entire license. The fastest is the online method through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form to the Nashville processing center or visit a Driver Services office in person. None of these methods require you to take a new photo or pass a vision test — you are only changing the address record, not renewing your license itself.
The address change becomes official once the state processes your request. Online submissions typically process within 3 to 5 business days. Mail submissions take 1 to 2 weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. In-person visits are processed when ready, and you walk out with an updated license the same day if you choose the in-person option.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee's online address change tool is free and the fastest method, processing in 3 to 5 business days without a visit to an office.
- You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to use any method.
- Mailing a form takes 1 to 2 weeks but requires only a postage stamp and a completed DL 43 form from the state website.
- In-person visits at a Driver Services office produce an updated physical license on the spot, though you may wait in line.
- Your old license remains valid during the address change process; you do not need to surrender it or wait for a replacement card.
Changing your address online through the state website
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security operates an online address change system at the main state website. You log in with your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, then enter your new address and confirm it. The system accepts the change when ready and sends you a confirmation email.
After you submit online, the state mails you a new license card with the updated address printed on it. This card arrives in 3 to 5 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue using it for identification. Once the new card reaches you, destroy the old one or keep it for your records — Tennessee does not require you to return it.
The online method works only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew it through a different process rather than straightforward changing the address.
Mailing a form to update your address
You can read the DL 43 form (Address Change) from the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the Driver Services Processing Center in Nashville along with a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.
The processing center receives mail at a Nashville post office box. Delivery typically takes 3 to 5 business days depending on where you mail from, and the office processes the form within 1 to 2 weeks of receiving it. You will receive a new license card by mail after processing is complete. Like the online method, your old license stays valid during this time.
This method costs only the price of a postage stamp. It is slower than online submission but requires no computer access and no visit to an office. Keep a copy of the form and the address verification document for your records in case you need to prove you submitted the change.
Updating your address in person at a Driver Services office
Tennessee operates Driver Services offices in most counties. You can visit any office with your current driver's license and a document showing your new address. The staff member will verify your information, take a new photo if your current photo is too old or unclear, and print an updated license on the spot. You walk out with the new card the same day.
Bring your current license and one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all count. You do not need to bring your Social Security card or any other documents. The office will not charge you a fee for the address change.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities often have longer lines, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means a shorter wait. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others allow you to schedule an appointment online through the state website. Check your local office's policy before you go.
What documents prove your new address
Tennessee accepts several types of documents as proof of your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it shows your name and the new address. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail (tax documents, voter registration cards, court papers) are all acceptable.
The document must show your full name and the complete new address. It should be dated within the last 60 days, though some offices may accept older documents if they are the only proof available. If you just moved and have not yet received a utility bill or other mail at the new address, ask the office what temporary proof they will accept — a signed lease or a notarized statement from your landlord may work.
Do not bring a handwritten note or a verbal statement. The office needs a document with your name and address printed on it. If you are moving to a new address but have not yet received mail there, contact the office ahead of time to ask what they can accept.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
Online submissions process in 3 to 5 business days. You receive a confirmation email when ready after you submit, and the new license card arrives by mail within that timeframe. Mail submissions take longer — typically 1 to 2 weeks from the date the office receives your envelope, plus 3 to 5 days for mail delivery to you. In-person visits are when ready; you receive the updated license before you leave the office.
Your old license remains valid and usable for identification during the entire process. You do not need to stop using it or wait for the new card to arrive. Once the new card reaches you, the old one is no longer needed, but Tennessee does not require you to return it or destroy it.
If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the Driver Services office or check the state website for a tracking option. Occasionally mail is delayed in transit, and the office can reissue a card if yours appears to be lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to renew my license to change my address?
No. An address change is separate from license renewal. You can update your address without renewing your license, and your current license remains valid. If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time, but it is not required for an address change.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Tennessee license?
You can update your address to an out-of-state address using any of the three methods. Tennessee does not require you to hold a Tennessee address to keep your license. However, if you have established residency in another state, that state may require you to get a license there instead.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
If your license is suspended, you cannot change the address online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person, and the staff will help you address the suspension issue at the same time. If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can still change the address. If it expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew it rather than straightforward changing the address.
How long does the new license card take to arrive in the mail?
After the state processes your request, the new card is mailed to you and typically arrives within 3 to 5 business days. Mail delivery times vary depending on your location and postal service delays. Your old license is valid during this time, so you can continue using it for identification.
What if I need to change my address again before the new card arrives?
You can submit another address change request. If you submitted online and want to change it again before the card arrives, you can submit a second online request with the new address. The state will send you a card with the most recent address you submitted. Contact the Driver Services office if you need to clarify which address is currently on file.