Where to change your address and what you need
You can change your address on your Tennessee driver license at any Driver Services office, online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or by mail. The online option is fastest if you have not moved out of state — you log in, update your address, and the change takes effect when ready. If you go in person, bring your current driver license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
The in-person visit takes about 15 minutes at most Driver Services locations. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests unless your license is expiring within 30 days, in which case you may want to renew it at the same time. Mail-in changes take longer — typically two to three weeks — and require you to send your current license along with the address change form and proof of residency.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Tennessee Department of Safety website are when ready and require only your driver license number and proof of your new address.
- In-person changes at any Driver Services office take about 15 minutes and require your current license plus a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
- Mail-in changes require you to send your license, a completed form, and proof of residency, and take two to three weeks to process.
- You do not need a new photo or to retake tests for an address-only change unless your license expires within 30 days.
Changing your address online
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the driver license address change option. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. Have your new address ready and proof that you live there — a recent utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement works.
After you submit the change online, your new address appears on your license record when ready. You do not receive a new physical card in the mail unless you also renew your license. Your old license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the address in the state system is updated, which is what law enforcement and other agencies see when they scan or look up your license.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services office
Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Bring your current driver license and one document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You can also bring a government-issued document with your new address, such as a recent tax return or voter registration card.
Walk in during business hours; most offices do not require an appointment for address changes. Tell the clerk you need to update your address. They will verify your identity, scan your proof of residency, and update your record. You will receive a receipt showing your new address has been recorded. Like the online process, your old license card stays valid, but your address in the state system is now current.
Changing your address by mail
Request the address change form from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or call 615-741-3054 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, your new address, and the date of the change. Attach a copy of your proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement — and mail everything along with your current driver license to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the department receives your packet. You will not receive a new license card; your address will be updated in the state system and your old license remains valid. If you need your license for identification before the change processes, keep a copy of your mailed proof of residency with you as backup documentation.
What counts as proof of your new address
The Tennessee Department of Safety accepts documents dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works even if it is older, as long as it clearly shows your name and current address. Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance bills also count.
Government-issued documents with your new address are also acceptable — a recent voter registration card, tax return, or property tax bill. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your move-in date and address can work. Call your local Driver Services office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.
Timing and what happens after you change your address
Online changes are when ready. In-person changes take effect the same day. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. Your new address appears in the state system right away for online and in-person changes, which means law enforcement, government agencies, and businesses that look up your license will see your current address.
Your physical driver license card will still show your old address until you renew your license. If your license is expiring within 30 days, you can renew it at the same time you change your address and receive a new card with the correct address printed on it. Otherwise, the card itself does not change — only the address in the state database.
If you have moved out of state
If you have moved to another state, you cannot change your Tennessee address online. You must either go in person to a Driver Services office before you leave Tennessee, or mail in your change. Once you move out of state, you should get a driver license from your new state rather than keeping a Tennessee license with an out-of-state address, because most states require you to get a license within 30 to 60 days of moving there.
If you are still in Tennessee but planning to move out of state soon, handle the address change now while you can use the online or in-person options. If you have already moved and still have a Tennessee license, mail in your change or contact a Driver Services office by phone to ask about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a new license photo when I change my address?
No. An address change does not require a new photo or any tests. You only need a new photo if you renew your license or if your current license is expiring within 30 days and you want to renew it at the same time.
How long does an address change take if I do it online?
Online address changes are when ready. Your new address appears in the state system when ready after you submit it. You do not receive a new physical card unless you also renew your license.
What if my proof of residency is older than 60 days?
Documents older than 60 days are generally not accepted for address changes. However, lease agreements and mortgage statements can be older. Call your local Driver Services office to confirm whether your specific document will work.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. You can change your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect the status of your license, and you may need your current address on file for court or reinstatement purposes.
Will changing my address affect my insurance or registration?
Changing your address on your driver license does not automatically update your car insurance or vehicle registration. Contact your insurance company and the Tennessee Department of Revenue separately to update those records.