Change your address in person at a Driver Services office or online through the TDOT website

Tennessee gives you two ways to update your address on your driver's license: you can go to a Driver Services office in your county and do it in person, or you can change it online through the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) website if you have a REAL ID-compliant license. The online method takes about five minutes and costs nothing. The in-person method takes longer but works for any license type.

You do not need to get a new license card printed unless you want to — Tennessee allows you to keep your current card and straightforward update the address in the system. However, if your license has expired or will expire within 30 days, you will need to renew it at the same time, which does require a new card and costs the standard renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes work only if your license is REAL ID-compliant (marked with a gold star or circle in the top right corner) and not expired.
  • In-person changes at any Driver Services office take about 15 to 30 minutes and require your current license and proof of your new address.
  • You can keep your current license card even after changing the address in the system — a new card is optional unless your license is expiring soon.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address.

Change your address online if your license is REAL ID-compliant

Go to the TDOT website at tdot.tn.gov and look for the Driver Services section. Select "Change Address Online" or a similar option in the menu. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of address document. Tennessee's system will not accept a P.O. box as a mailing address — it must be a physical street address. Once you submit the change, the system will confirm it when ready. Your address will update in the Tennessee system right away, though it may take a few days to appear on any documents the state mails to you.

The online method works only if your license displays a gold star or circle in the top right corner, which means it meets REAL ID standards. If your license does not have this mark, or if your license is expired, you must go in person to a Driver Services office.

Change your address in person at a Driver Services office

Find your county's Driver Services office on the TDOT website or call 615-741-3054 to locate the nearest one. You do not need an appointment — most offices operate on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail, or insurance document. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, along with a copy of your lease.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address only. They will update your information in the system at no cost. If you also want a new license card printed with your updated address, that costs the standard renewal fee (currently $27 for an eight-year license for drivers 21 and older, though this may vary). If you decline the new card, your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the state's records will show your new address.

What happens after you change your address

Once your address is updated — whether online or in person — the change takes effect when ready in Tennessee's system. Law enforcement, courts, and other state agencies can see your new address. However, the physical license card in your wallet will still show your old address if you did not order a replacement card.

This mismatch is normal and legal in Tennessee. You do not need to carry proof of your address change. If you are stopped by police, they can look up your current address in their system. If you are concerned about the mismatch or need the card to reflect your new address for another reason, you can order a replacement card at any time by visiting a Driver Services office and paying the renewal fee.

Any mail from the state — renewal notices, vehicle registration documents, or other correspondence — will go to your new address once the change is processed. If you are expecting important mail, allow three to five business days for the address change to fully process before it is used for outgoing documents.

If your license is expiring soon

If your license expires within 30 days of when you change your address, Tennessee requires you to renew it at the same time. You cannot change the address alone and keep an expiring license — the system will prompt you to renew.

In this case, you will need to bring the same documents you would for an address change, plus any documents required for renewal (typically your Social Security card and proof of citizenship or legal residency). The total cost is the renewal fee. You will receive a new license card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, printed with your new address.

Changing your address if you have a commercial driver's license

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must change your address in person at a Driver Services office. The online method does not work for CDL holders. Bring your CDL, proof of your new address, and your medical certification card (CDLIS card) if you have one. The process is the same as for a regular license, and there is no additional fee.

CDL address changes are processed the same day. If you need a replacement card, you will pay the renewal fee and receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a new license card when I change my address?

No. You can change your address in Tennessee's system without ordering a new card. Your current card remains valid even though it shows your old address. The state's records will reflect your new address, and that is what law enforcement and government agencies see. You can order a new card anytime by paying the renewal fee if you want the card to match your current address.

What counts as proof of address?

Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail, or insurance document showing your name and new address, dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and have no document in your name yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead plus a copy of your lease.

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No. Online changes work only for valid, non-expired licenses that are REAL ID-compliant. If your license is expired, you must go to a Driver Services office in person. If your license expires within 30 days, you will be required to renew it at the same time you change your address.

How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?

Address changes take effect when ready in Tennessee's system, whether you change it online or in person. Mail from the state will be sent to your new address within three to five business days. If you order a replacement card, it will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I moved to a P.O. box?

Tennessee does not accept P.O. boxes as mailing addresses on driver's licenses. You must provide a physical street address. If you are living in a situation where you only have a P.O. box, contact your local Driver Services office to discuss your options — they may be able to help you find an alternative.