The fastest way to update your address

You can change your Tennessee driver's license address online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you do not need to visit an office or pay a fee. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to start.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form or walk into any Driver Services Center with proof of your new address. The in-person route usually takes a few minutes, while mail can take two to three weeks. Tennessee does not charge a fee to update your address on an existing license, regardless of which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website is free and takes about 10 minutes.
  • You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement).
  • In-person updates at a Driver Services Center are processed when ready, while mail updates take two to three weeks.
  • Tennessee does not charge a fee to update your address on a valid driver's license.
  • Your new license will be mailed to your updated address within 7 to 10 business days if you change it online or by mail.

Changing your address online

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the driver's license services section. Click on the option to update your address online. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity.

Next, enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. Double-check the spelling and numbers — this is what will print on your new card. You will also need to provide an email address where Tennessee can send you a confirmation. After you submit the form, you should receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

Updating your address in person

Find your nearest Driver Services Center using the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security office locator on their website. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Walk up to the counter, tell the staff member you need to update your address, and hand them your license and proof of address. They will process the change on the spot, and your new license will be mailed to your updated address within 7 to 10 business days. This method takes about 10 to 15 minutes total, depending on how busy the office is.

Updating your address by mail

read the DL 44 form (process for Tennessee Driver License) from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or call 615-251-8590 to request one be mailed to you. Fill out the form with your new address, sign it, and include a copy of one document proving your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Include your current driver's license if you want it returned to you, though this is not required. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date Tennessee receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.

What counts as proof of your new address

Tennessee accepts several types of documents to verify your address change. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works as well. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail (such as tax documents or voter registration cards) are also acceptable, as long as they show your name and new address.

The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a bill or statement yet in your name, ask your landlord or mortgage lender for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Some Driver Services Centers will accept this if it is signed and dated, though policies vary slightly by location — call ahead if you are unsure.

Timeline and what to expect

If you update your address online or by mail, your new license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license is still valid. You do not need to do anything else — just watch for the envelope from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

If you update your address in person at a Driver Services Center, the change is recorded when ready, but you still receive your new physical license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your old license remains valid as long as it has not expired. If your license has already expired, you will need to renew it at the same time you change your address.

Updating your address if your license is expired

If your Tennessee driver's license has expired, you cannot update only your address — you must renew your license at the same time. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services Center. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address (dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.

The renewal fee varies depending on how long your license has been expired and what type of license you hold. Standard renewal costs around $27 for a four-year license, though this amount can change. Call 615-251-8590 or check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for the current fee before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address before I move or after?

You can update your address before or after you move. However, you must have proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days) to complete the change. If you move before receiving those documents, wait until you have one in hand before updating.

What if I moved out of state — do I still update my Tennessee address?

If you have moved out of Tennessee permanently, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of updating your Tennessee address. However, if you are moving temporarily or keeping a Tennessee address, you can update it online, by mail, or in person as described above.

Can I update my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

You can update your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect the status of your license. Use the same online, mail, or in-person methods described above.

How long does my old address stay on file after I update it?

Once you update your address, Tennessee replaces your old address with your new one in their system. Your new license will show only your current address. If you need documentation of your old address for any reason, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security directly.

What if I do not receive my new license in the mail after 10 business days?

Wait a few extra days, as mail delivery times vary. If more than two weeks have passed since you submitted your change, call the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at 615-251-8590 to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.