You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office
Tennessee lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new license, as long as the address change is the only thing you need. The fastest route is the online system through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer to handle it in person or by mail, both options are available, though they take longer.
Your old license remains valid after you change the address. Tennessee does not issue a replacement card with the new address printed on it unless you request one (and pay a fee for it). The address change itself is recorded in the state system, which is what matters for law enforcement, vehicle registration, and official records.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Tennessee Department of Safety website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with no need to visit an office.
- 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 change your address in person at a Driver Services office, bring your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- Changing your address does not require a new photo or a new license card unless you request one, which costs extra.
- Your vehicle registration address should be updated separately through the Tennessee Department of Revenue if it differs from your license address.
Online address change through the Tennessee Department of Safety website
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the Driver Services section. You will find a link for "Change of Address" or "Update Driver License Information." Click it and you will be directed to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your current address as it appears on your license, and your new address.
The system will verify your identity using the information you provide. If verification succeeds, the address change is processed when ready and recorded in the state database. You will receive a confirmation number on screen — save or print it. Your old license card still works; the address in the system is what has changed.
This method works only if you have not had any violations, suspensions, or holds on your license. If your license status is anything other than valid and active, you will need to visit a Driver Services office in person or contact them by phone to resolve the issue first.
In-person address change at a Driver Services office
Find your nearest Driver Services office using the office locator on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address and is dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Tell the clerk you want to change your address only. They will update your record in the system on the spot. You will not receive a new card unless you pay for one. If you do want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, the fee is typically around $20, though this varies. The new card takes about one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
If you have any holds, suspensions, or other issues on your license, the clerk will tell you before processing the address change. You may need to resolve those first.
Address change by mail
Request a change-of-address form from the Tennessee Department of Safety by calling their main line or visiting a Driver Services office. Fill out the form with your driver's license number, current address, new address, and sign it. Include a copy of your driver's license (front and back) and one document showing your new address dated within 60 days.
Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form — this is usually the Driver Services headquarters in Nashville. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a new card; your address will be updated in the system only.
Keep a copy of everything you mail. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call the department to confirm receipt.
Updating your vehicle registration address separately
Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration address. If you own or lease a vehicle registered in Tennessee, you need to update that address through the Tennessee Department of Revenue separately. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office.
For online registration updates, go to the Department of Revenue website and use the vehicle registration section. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number. By mail or in person, the process is similar to the license address change — fill out a form, provide proof of your new address, and submit it.
Tennessee law requires your vehicle registration address to match your current residence within a certain timeframe after you move. Check the Department of Revenue website for the specific important date in your situation.
What happens if you move and do not update your address
If you receive a traffic ticket, court notice, or other official mail at your old address, you may not know about it in time to respond. This can lead to missed court dates, license suspension, or additional penalties. Law enforcement can still pull up your correct address in the system if they stop you, but the mismatch can cause confusion.
For vehicle registration, driving with an out-of-date registration address can result in a citation. Insurance companies may also deny claims if your registered address does not match where you actually live, since they use that information to calculate risk and verify coverage.
Updating your address takes only a few minutes online, so it is worth doing soon after you move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new photo or new license card when I change my address?
No. Changing your address does not require a new photo or a new card. Your current license remains valid. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can request one for a fee (usually around $20), but it is not required.
What counts as proof of my new address?
A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, insurance policy, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days all work. The document must show your name and the new address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement usually does not work.
Can I change my address online if my license is suspended or has a hold?
No. The online system only works if your license is valid and active. If you have any suspensions, holds, or other issues, you must visit a Driver Services office in person or call them to resolve those first before changing your address.
How long does it take to change my address by mail?
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. Keep copies of everything you send and follow up by phone if you do not hear back within four weeks.
If I change my driver's license address, does my vehicle registration address change too?
No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. You must update your registration address through the Tennessee Department of Revenue separately, either online, by mail, or in person.