You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Tennessee Driver Services office

Tennessee offers three routes to update your address on your driver's license: an online change through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, a mail-in form, or an in-person visit to a Driver Services office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. Mail and in-person visits also work but take longer. You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address — it is a separate transaction.

Which route you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you have access to the internet and a printer. All three methods update the same state database, so your address change is official regardless of which you pick.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website is free and takes minutes, with no office visit required.
  • You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change your address online.
  • Mail-in address changes require the DL 43 form, a copy of your license, and proof of your new address, and take two to three weeks to process.
  • In-person changes at a Driver Services office are when ready but require you to bring your license and proof of your new address.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Changing your address online through the state website

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs an online address-change tool on its website. Go to the TDOSHS Driver Services page, locate the address change option, and enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system verifies your identity against state records and processes the change when ready.

You will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your address change is recorded in the state system right away, though your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew it. For most purposes — mail, bank records, insurance — the state database update is what matters.

This method works only if you have internet access, a device to enter information, and your license number and Social Security number handy. It costs nothing and takes about five minutes.

Mailing in the DL 43 form

If you prefer not to use the online tool, you can request or read the DL 43 form (Address Change Request) from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Fill it out with your name, license number, old address, and new address. Include a photocopy of your driver's license and a document that shows your new address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form, copy of your license, and proof of address to the address listed on the form — typically the Driver Services headquarters in Nashville.

Processing takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter in most cases; the address change straightforward appears in the state system. If you need proof that the change went through, you can request a duplicate license or check your record online after two weeks have passed.

Visiting a Driver Services office in person

You can walk into any Tennessee Driver Services office and request an address change at the counter. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). The staff member will update your record on the spot.

Your address change is recorded when ready in the state database. Your physical license card still shows the old address, but the official record is updated. If you need a new card with the correct address printed on it, you can request a duplicate license at the same visit; this costs a small fee (typically under $10) and takes a few days to arrive by mail.

Office wait times vary by location and time of day. Smaller offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than urban Driver Services centers. You can find office hours and locations on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website.

What counts as proof of your new address

Tennessee requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it shows your current address. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail such as tax notices, voter registration cards, or court documents also count.

Documents must be originals or clear copies — a photo of a bill on your phone screen usually does not work for in-person visits, though the online tool does not require physical proof at all. If you just moved and have not yet received mail at your new address, a lease or mortgage document is your best option.

Timeline and what to expect after you change your address

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. In-person changes take effect the same day. In all cases, your physical driver's license card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license or request a duplicate.

The state database update is what matters for most purposes: your address will be correct in law enforcement records, voter registration, vehicle registration, and any state agency that checks the driver's license database. Banks, insurance companies, and other private businesses may take longer to update their records if they rely on mail or manual updates.

If you move again before your license expires, you can change your address as many times as you need. There is no limit to how many address changes you can make, and each one is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to renew my license to change my address?

No. An address change is separate from license renewal. You can change your address at any time, and your license remains valid until its expiration date. You only need to renew if your license is about to expire or if you want a new card printed with your new address.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

If you just moved and have not received mail at your new address, use a lease agreement or mortgage document instead. These show your name and address and are accepted by all three methods. If you have neither, contact your landlord or property manager for a letter on their letterhead confirming your residency.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address online or by mail. For an in-person visit, bring your expired license and proof of your new address. You may want to renew your license at the same time, which requires a separate fee and process.

How long does it take to receive a duplicate license with my new address?

If you request a duplicate license at a Driver Services office, it typically arrives by mail within five to seven business days. The cost is usually under $10. Your address change in the state database takes effect when ready, even if the new card has not arrived yet.

Will my vehicle registration update automatically when I change my address?

No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. You must update your vehicle registration address with the Tennessee Department of Revenue separately. You can do this online, by mail, or at a Driver Services office using the same address change methods.