Report your new address to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security

You can change your address on your Tennessee driver's license without getting a new license card. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) handles address changes through their online system, by mail, or in person at a driver services center. You do not need to retake your photo or pass a test — this is a straightforward record update.

The fastest route is online through the TDOSHS website if you have a valid Tennessee driver's license and a Social Security number. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form or visit a driver services center in person. Each method takes different amounts of time, so choose based on how soon you need the change recorded.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the TDOSHS website are processed within a few business days and cost nothing.
  • You can mail Form DL 43 (Address Change) to the TDOSHS with a copy of your driver's license and proof of your new address.
  • In-person visits at any driver services center take about 30 minutes and require your current license and an address verification document.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your license card itself does not change — only your address record in the system is updated.

Change your address online through the TDOSHS website

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the online services section for driver's licenses. You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using this information before letting you proceed.

Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear in the system. Double-check the spelling of your street name, city, and ZIP code — errors here can delay mail from the state or cause problems later. Once you submit, the system will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. The address change is usually recorded within two to three business days.

You do not need to pay a fee for an online address change. Your physical license card will not change — the address on the card itself stays the same, but the state's records are updated. If you move again, you can repeat this process as many times as needed.

Mail Form DL 43 if you do not have internet access

read or request Form DL 43 (Address Change) from the TDOSHS website, or call the driver services customer service line to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form with your current information and your new address. You will need to include a photocopy of your current Tennessee driver's license (front and back) and a document that proves your new address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and new address on it. Mail the completed form, your license copy, and the proof of address to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date TDOSHS receives it.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If you do not hear back within four weeks, contact the driver services customer service line to confirm receipt. There is no fee for a mailed address change.

Visit a driver services center in person

Find the driver services center nearest you on the TDOSHS website. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. Bring your current Tennessee driver's license and one document that proves your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days).

Check in at the counter and tell the staff member you need an address change. They will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and update the system on the spot. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the center is. There is no fee. Your license card itself does not change — only your address record in the state system is updated.

If you are changing your address because you moved out of state or no longer need a Tennessee license, you do not need to surrender your card at a driver services center. An address change is purely an update to your existing license.

What counts as proof of your new address

The TDOSHS accepts several types of documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must show your name, your new address, and a date within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and insurance documents also work. Government mail — such as a letter from Social Security, the IRS, or a court — counts as well.

Bank statements and credit card statements are generally not accepted as proof of address by TDOSHS, even if they show your name and address. If you are renting and do not have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease with your name and the landlord's signature is usually sufficient. If you are staying with family or friends and have no document in your name, contact the driver services customer service line to ask what alternatives they can accept.

What happens if you move and do not update your address

Your license remains valid even if the address on it is outdated. However, the TDOSHS records will still show your old address, which can cause problems. Mail from the state — such as license renewal notices or registration documents — will go to the old address and may not reach you. If you are pulled over by law enforcement, the officer will see the outdated address on your license.

If you are renewing your license by mail and your address has changed, update it before you submit your renewal. If you wait until after renewal, you may receive your new license at the old address. For vehicle registration and insurance purposes, your address should match across all documents to avoid confusion or delays in receiving important notices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a new license card if I change my address?

No. An address change updates only your record in the state system. Your physical license card stays the same, with the old address printed on it. The card remains valid for its full expiration date. You only get a new card if you renew your license or request a replacement for a lost or damaged card.

How long does it take to change my address online?

Online changes are usually recorded within two to three business days. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after you submit. If you need the change recorded faster, visiting a driver services center in person completes it the same day.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can change your address online or by mail with an expired license, as long as it expired within the last year or so. If your license has been expired for longer, you may need to renew it first. Contact the driver services customer service line to confirm what you need to do in your situation.

What if I moved to a new city but stayed in Tennessee?

The process is the same whether you moved across town or across the state. You still need proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. Update your address through the online system, by mail, or in person at any driver services center in Tennessee.

Do I have to update my address before my license expires?

You do not have to, but it is a good idea. If your license is about to expire and your address has changed, update it before you renew. That way your renewal notice will reach you at the correct address, and your new license card will have your current information on it.