You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office
Tennessee offers three ways to update your address on your driver's license: through the online portal, by mail, or by visiting a Driver Services office in person. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home. By mail takes about two weeks. In person is when ready if you need the change right away, though you may wait in line.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The address change is free, and your license card itself stays valid. You will receive a new card in the mail with your updated address if you use the online or mail method. If you go in person, the office can print a temporary document showing your new address while you wait for the card.
Key Takeaways
- The Tennessee Driver Services online portal lets you change your address without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready.
- You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change it online.
- If you mail in the change, include a signed form and proof of your new address, and allow two to three weeks for processing.
- Visiting a Driver Services office in person is the fastest way to get a temporary address document on the same day.
- Your license remains valid during the address change — you do not need to renew it early.
Changing your address online through the Tennessee portal
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the Driver Services section. Look for the option to manage your driver's license online. You will need to log in or create an account using your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Once logged in, select "Change Address" or "Update Information." Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Review the information for accuracy — misspellings can delay mail delivery. Confirm the change, and the system will show you a confirmation number. Your address change takes effect when ready in the state's system.
A new driver's license card with your updated address will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, your current license is still valid, even though it shows your old address. If you need proof of your new address before the card arrives, you can print the confirmation page from the online transaction.
Changing your address by mail
Request the address change form from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or call the Driver Services customer service line to have one mailed to you. The form is called the "process for Duplicate Driver License" or "Address Change Request" — the website will specify which one applies to your situation.
Fill out the form completely and sign it. You must include proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. Mail the signed form and proof to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your mail. A new license card will be mailed to your new address. During this time, your current license remains valid. If you need to verify the status of your mailed request, call Driver Services with your license number and confirmation details.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services office
Locate your nearest Driver Services office using the office finder on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address — the same documents accepted by mail (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
Walk in during business hours, or check whether your local office takes appointments. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Tell the clerk you need to change your address. They will verify your identity, update your information in the system, and process your request on the spot.
You will receive a temporary document showing your new address when ready. This temporary document is valid for driving and identification purposes while you wait for your new license card to arrive by mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary document with you until the new card arrives.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, last four digits of Social Security number | when ready; card arrives in 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Signed form, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement dated within 60 days) | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current driver's license, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement dated within 60 days) | when ready; temporary document issued same day |
What happens if you move out of state
If you move to another state, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from that state. Most states require you to obtain a new license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency, though the exact timeline varies. You do not have to do this when ready, but driving with an out-of-state license after you have moved can create problems if you are stopped by police.
Before you move, you can change your address on your Tennessee license to your new out-of-state address. However, this is temporary — once you move, you should obtain a license from your new state rather than continuing to renew a Tennessee license. Contact the Driver Services office in your new state to learn what documents they require and whether they offer a transfer process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my license to change my address?
No. Changing your address does not require renewal. Your license remains valid until its expiration date. The address change is a separate transaction that costs nothing and does not affect when you need to renew.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. If you go in person, the office may ask you to renew at the same time, depending on how long it has been expired. Call your local Driver Services office to confirm their policy before you visit.
What if I do not have a document proving my new address?
Acceptable proof documents must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement, ask your landlord or a family member at your new address if you can use theirs temporarily, or contact Driver Services to ask about alternative documents they may accept.
How long does it take to receive the new card in the mail?
A new license card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after your address change is processed. If you changed your address online or in person, the card is mailed automatically. If you mailed in the change, allow an additional 2 to 3 weeks for the office to process your request before the card is mailed.
Is my license valid while I wait for the new card?
Yes. Your current license remains valid for driving and identification even though it shows your old address. If you changed your address in person, you receive a temporary document when ready. If you changed it online or by mail, your confirmation number or receipt serves as proof of the change until the new card arrives.