Where to change your address and what you need

You can change your address on your Tennessee driver's license at any Driver Services office run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You do not need to renew your license or get a new photo — a straightforward address change takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing.

Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address. The Tennessee Department of Safety accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail with your name and new address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you have moved out of state and your Tennessee license is still valid, you can also change your address by mail. Fill out Form DL 44 (Address Change), include a copy of your current license and your address proof, and mail both to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes about two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Driver Services office in Tennessee with your current license and a recent utility bill or lease showing your new address.
  • Address changes are free and do not require a new photo or license renewal.
  • If you live out of state, you can mail Form DL 44 with copies of your license and address proof instead of visiting an office.
  • Your address proof must be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and new address.
  • The change takes effect when ready at the office or about two weeks if you mail the form.

Finding a Driver Services office near you

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you on the Tennessee Department of Safety website by entering your county or city. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone first. Check the specific office's hours before you go, as they vary by location.

If you cannot reach an office easily, the mail-in option using Form DL 44 is available to anyone with a valid Tennessee license. The form is available on the Tennessee Department of Safety website as a PDF you can print at home.

What happens to your old address on your license

Once you change your address at a Driver Services office, the clerk updates your record in the Tennessee system when ready. Your physical license card still shows your old address until you renew it for other reasons — the address change does not trigger a new card. Law enforcement and other agencies see your current address in the system when they scan your license, so the old printed address on the card does not matter for legal purposes.

If you want a new card with the updated address printed on it, you can request one at the Driver Services office, but this is optional and may have a small fee. Most people leave the old card as-is since the system reflects the change.

Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended

If your Tennessee driver's license is expired, you cannot change the address alone — you must renew the license at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number and identity (such as a birth certificate or passport). Renewal costs vary but typically run between $25 and $35 depending on how many years you renew for.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change your address until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps are needed to restore your driving privileges before you visit an office.

Address changes for commercial driver's licenses

If you hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the process is the same as for a regular license. Bring your CDL, proof of your new address dated within 60 days, and visit a Driver Services office. The change is free and takes about 15 minutes. You can also mail Form DL 44 if you live out of state.

CDL holders should note that some employers or insurance companies may require you to notify them separately of an address change, even though the state record is updated. Check your employment or insurance documents to see if you have additional reporting duties.

Changing your address online or by phone

Tennessee does not currently offer online address changes for driver's licenses. You must visit a Driver Services office in person or mail Form DL 44. Some states allow phone-based changes, but Tennessee requires either a physical visit or mailed documents so the state can verify your address proof.

If you need your address changed quickly and cannot visit an office, the mail-in route is faster than waiting for an appointment at a busy location. Mail the form and documents to the address on Form DL 44, and expect the change to process within two weeks.

What to do if you move frequently or live out of state

If you move often, you can update your address each time by mail using Form DL 44. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address, and each change is free. Keep copies of your mailed forms for your records in case there is a delay or question about when the change took effect.

If you live out of state but keep a Tennessee license, you can use the mail-in process indefinitely. Some people do this to maintain a Tennessee address for insurance, vehicle registration, or other reasons. As long as your license is valid and not suspended, you can change the address on file as often as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to change my address at a Driver Services office?

It depends on the office. Some accept walk-ins during business hours, while others require appointments booked online or by phone. Check the specific office's website or call ahead to confirm their policy before you visit.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Tennessee requires address proof dated within the last 60 days. If your document is older, bring a more recent one such as a new utility bill, bank statement, or lease renewal. If you cannot get a recent document, ask the Driver Services clerk what other proof they can accept.

Can I change my address if I do not have a physical address?

Tennessee requires a physical address on your driver's license. If you are experiencing homelessness, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to learn about alternative address options, such as using a shelter address or a trusted contact's address. Some states allow this, but policies vary.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

Mail-in address changes typically process within two weeks of the Tennessee Department of Safety receiving your Form DL 44 and address proof. Mail delivery time is not included, so allow extra time for your envelope to reach the office. Send your documents by regular mail or certified mail if you want a delivery receipt.

Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration?

No. Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address are separate records. If you need to update your vehicle registration address, you must contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue separately. Some people keep different addresses on these documents for insurance or other reasons.