Change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services center
Tennessee lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new license or paying a fee. You have three routes: the online system (fastest if your address is within Tennessee), mail (takes longer but works from anywhere), or walking into a Driver Services office. Which one works depends on whether you moved within the state, moved from out of state, or need the change done the same day.
The address on your license does not have to match your vehicle registration address, though most people keep them the same. Tennessee's Driver Services does not automatically update your license when you change your address with the post office or register to vote — you have to tell them directly.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes work only if you moved within Tennessee and your current license is not expired or suspended.
- By mail, you send a completed form and a piece of mail showing your new address; processing takes two to four weeks.
- In person at any Driver Services office, the change happens the same day and takes about 15 minutes.
- You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address.
- If you moved from another state, you may need to get a new Tennessee license rather than just updating the address.
Changing your address online through the Tennessee portal
Go to the Tennessee Driver Services website and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. The online system is the fastest option if you meet the requirements: your license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked, and your new address must be in Tennessee.
Once logged in, select the option to update your address. Enter your new street address, city, and ZIP code. The system will confirm the change when ready, and your updated address takes effect right away. You do not receive a new physical license card — your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it, but Tennessee's records show the new one. If you need the new address printed on the card itself, you would have to renew your license, which costs money and requires a new photo.
If the online system rejects your attempt, it usually means your license is expired, suspended, or you moved out of state. In those cases, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Updating by mail with a form and proof of address
read the Address Change form (Form DL 43) from the Tennessee Driver Services website, or call 615-741-3954 to request one by mail. Fill in your current driver's license number, your new address, and sign the form. Do not notarize it — Tennessee does not require that.
Include one piece of mail or a document showing your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail postmarked within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and the new address. A cell phone bill, credit card statement, or insurance bill usually works too, but call ahead if you are unsure about a specific document.
Mail the completed form and your proof of address to: Tennessee Driver Services, P.O. Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202. Processing takes two to four weeks. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail — your address straightforward updates in the system. If you need proof that the change went through, log into your online account after two weeks and check.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services office
Walk into any Driver Services office with your current driver's license and one piece of mail or a document showing your new address (same documents accepted by mail). Tell the clerk you want to update your address. They will ask you to confirm your new address and may ask why you moved, though that is optional to answer.
The process takes about 15 minutes. Your address updates in the system when ready, and you walk out with no new card — your current license remains valid. If you want the new address printed on a physical card, you can pay the renewal fee at that time and get a new photo taken, but that is separate from the address change itself.
Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations staying open until 6 p.m. on certain days. Find your nearest office and check its hours on the Tennessee Driver Services website before you go. Bring your current license and proof of address — without both, the clerk cannot process the change.
What counts as proof of your new address
Tennessee accepts any official document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. The most common ones are utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease or mortgage statements, bank statements, and government mail. Insurance documents, credit card statements, and phone bills usually work as well.
Documents that do not work include a driver's license from another state (even if it shows your new address), a post office change-of-address form, or a letter from your landlord without an official letterhead. If you are not sure whether your document will be accepted, call Driver Services at 615-741-3954 before you go in or mail it.
If you moved from out of state to Tennessee
If your driver's license is from another state, you cannot straightforward update the address — Tennessee requires you to get a new Tennessee license. This is a separate process from an address change and involves a fee (currently $28 for an eight-year license), a new photo, and a vision test.
You have 30 days from moving to Tennessee to get a Tennessee license, though you can drive on your out-of-state license during that time. After 30 days, driving on an out-of-state license is not legal in Tennessee. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Tennessee address, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Tennessee residency (such as a lease or utility bill) to any Driver Services office. The new license is issued the same day.
If your license is expired or suspended
You cannot change your address online if your license is expired or suspended. Use the mail method or go in person to a Driver Services office instead. If your license is suspended due to unpaid fines, traffic violations, or child support issues, you will need to resolve that before you can renew or get a new license, but you can still update your address without fixing the suspension first.
If your license is straightforward expired and you want to update the address at the same time, you can do both in person at a Driver Services office in one visit. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and the renewal fee. The clerk will update your address and issue a new license with the current address printed on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new license card when I change my address?
No. Changing your address updates Tennessee's records but does not issue a new physical card. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. If you want the new address on the card itself, you must renew your license and pay the renewal fee.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online change takes effect when ready. Your address updates in Tennessee's system right away, though it may take a few hours to show up if you log back in to check.
Can I change my address if I do not have a piece of mail with my new address yet?
Not by mail or in person — both methods require proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, wait until one arrives, or use the online method if you moved within Tennessee and your license is current.
What if I moved and my old license is suspended?
You can still update your address by mail or in person. Bring your suspended license and proof of your new address. The address change does not clear the suspension, but it does update your records.
Do I have to update my license address if I move?
Tennessee law requires you to notify Driver Services of your new address within a reasonable time after moving. There is no specific important date, but it is best to do it within a few weeks. If you are stopped by police and your address is outdated, you may receive a citation, though enforcement varies.