The fee to change your address on a Tennessee driver's license is $0 — it's free
You don't pay anything to update your address with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Whether you change it online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office, there is no fee attached to the address change itself.
What matters more than cost is knowing which method works for your situation. Tennessee offers three ways to update your address, and each one has different requirements and timelines. The fastest route is online if you have a valid email address and your current license hasn't expired. If your license is expired or you prefer to handle it in person, you'll go to a local office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Changing your address on a Tennessee driver's license costs nothing, regardless of which method you use.
- You can update your address online through the Tennessee Department of Safety website if your license is current and you have an email address.
- If your license is expired or you want to update in person, you can visit any driver license office with proof of your new address.
- By mail, you send your current license and a completed form to the state office, and the change takes about two weeks.
Updating your address online (fastest option)
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security lets you change your address through their website without visiting an office. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The process takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
After you submit the change online, the state mails you an updated license with your new address. This usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you don't have a gap in your driving privileges.
One limitation: this method only works if your license is not expired. If your license has already expired, you'll need to renew it at the same time you change your address, and renewal does have a fee (separate from the address change itself).
Changing your address in person at a driver license office
You can walk into any Tennessee driver license office with proof of your new address and update it on the spot. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. The office staff will take your current license, update the record, and issue you a new one when ready — you leave with the updated license in hand.
This method is useful if you want your new license right away or if your current license is expired. There is no fee for the address change. If your license is expired and you're renewing it at the same time, you'll pay the renewal fee, but that's separate from the address update.
Wait times at driver license offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the week or early in the morning typically means shorter lines. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.
Updating by mail
You can mail your current license to the Tennessee Department of Safety along with a completed address change form. The form is available on the state's website. Include a copy of proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or similar document) and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
The state will process your request and mail back a new license with your updated address. This method typically takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your materials. During this time, your old license is still valid for driving.
The mail method works well if you can't visit an office and prefer not to use the online system. Like all address changes, there is no fee.
What counts as proof of your new address
Tennessee requires a document that shows both your name and your new address. A utility bill in your name is the most straightforward option — electric, gas, water, or internet bills all work. A lease agreement or mortgage statement also works, as long as it shows your name and the new address.
Government mail counts too: a tax bill, voter registration card, or official letter from a government agency. Some offices also accept bank statements or insurance documents if they're recent and show your name and address clearly.
What doesn't work: a piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant", a post office change of address form, or a document that shows only your name without an address. If you're unsure whether your document will be accepted, call the driver license office before you go in.
Timeline for each method
| Method | Time to receive updated license | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 7 to 10 business days by mail | Free | Current license, no rush to have it when ready |
| In person at office | Same day | Free | Need the license right away or license is expired |
| By mail | 2 to 3 weeks | Free | Can't visit an office and prefer not to use online |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I move?
Tennessee law requires you to notify the Department of Safety of a new address within a reasonable time after you move. While there's no specific important date spelled out in statute, updating it within 30 days is the standard practice. Driving with an outdated address on your license can cause problems if you're stopped by police or need to use it as proof of residency.
Can I change my address without getting a new license card?
No. Whenever you update your address, the state issues a new license card with the updated information. You can't keep your old card and just notify the state of a change. The old card becomes invalid once the new one is issued.
What if I don't have proof of my new address yet?
You'll need to wait until you have a document showing your name and new address. If you're moving and haven't received a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address. Some offices will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for official documents to arrive.
Will my license number change when I update my address?
No. Your license number stays the same. Only the address portion of the card is updated, along with the issue and expiration dates on the new card.
Can I update my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
You can still update your address through the online system or by mail. If you want to do it in person, call the driver license office first — some offices have restrictions on in-person services for suspended or revoked licenses, depending on the reason for the suspension.