Change your Tennessee driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office

Tennessee lets you update your address on your driver's license without renewing the entire license. You can do this online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail with a form and proof of your new address, or by visiting a Driver Services office in person. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your updated license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail and in-person options also work but take longer.

You do not need to change your address when ready after you move, but doing it within a reasonable time keeps your license current with law enforcement records. Tennessee does not charge a fee for an address change on a valid license.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Tennessee Department of Safety website is the fastest route and requires only your license number, Social Security number, and a photo of your new address proof.
  • If you choose to mail your request, you need a completed DL 43 form, a copy of your current license, and an original or certified document showing your new address.
  • In-person visits at any Driver Services office require the same documents as the mail method but process when ready, though you may wait in line.
  • Your updated license will show your new address and arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online requests, or within 2 to 3 weeks for mail requests.

Changing your address online through the Tennessee website

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on the option to update your driver's license information. You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

Once you are logged in, select the option to change your address. Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code exactly as it appears on your proof of address document. You will then upload a photo or scan of one document that shows your new address — this can be 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.

Review your information for accuracy and submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license with the old address until the new one arrives.

Mailing your address change request to Tennessee

read or request the DL 43 form from the Tennessee Department of Safety website. This is the official form for changing your address by mail. Fill in your name, current license number, and new address on the form. Sign and date it.

Gather three documents: your completed DL 43 form, a photocopy of the front and back of your current Tennessee driver's license, and one original or certified document showing your new address. The address proof must be dated within 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or official government mail.

Mail all three items to the address listed on the DL 43 form — this is typically the Driver Services headquarters in Nashville. Include a note with your phone number in case the office needs to contact you. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your new address.

Updating your address in person at a Driver Services office

Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Bring your current Tennessee driver's license, one document showing your new address (dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number if you do not have it memorized. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work as address proof.

Walk in during office hours — no appointment is needed, though you may wait depending on how busy the office is. Tell the clerk you want to change your address on your current license. Hand over your license and address proof. The clerk will verify the information, take a new photo if needed, and process the change on the spot.

You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent updated license is printed and mailed to your new address. This usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you until the new one arrives.

Documents you need for any method

No matter which route you choose, you will need proof that you live at your new address. Tennessee accepts documents dated within the last 60 days. The most common ones are utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank or credit card statements, and government mail like tax forms or voter registration cards. The document must show your name and your new address.

If your name on the document does not match your name on your license exactly — for example, if you recently married or changed your name — bring a second document that shows both your old and new name, such as a marriage certificate or court order. This prevents delays.

What happens after you submit your address change

Your new license is printed with your updated address and mailed to you. During the 7 to 10 business days you are waiting, your old license is still valid for driving. Law enforcement records are updated when ready when you change your address online or in person, or within a few days if you mail your request. This means your address will be correct in police databases even before your new physical license arrives.

If you move again before your new license arrives, you can update your address a second time using the same method. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address on a valid license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move to a new city in Tennessee?

You are not required to change it when ready, but Tennessee law expects you to update your address within a reasonable time. Keeping your license current with your actual address helps law enforcement locate you and ensures you receive important mail from the state. There is no penalty for updating late, but it is best practice to do it within 30 days of moving.

Can I use an email or online bill as proof of my new address?

No. Tennessee requires an original, printed document or a certified copy. A screenshot or PDF of an online bill is not accepted. Print your utility bill, bank statement, or lease from your online account, or request a paper copy from the company. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within 60 days.

What if I do not have a document with my new address yet?

Wait until you receive at least one document in your name at your new address before you change your license. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the company. In the meantime, your old license remains valid. If you need to drive before a document arrives, you can use your old license.

Will my license number change when I update my address?

No. Your license number stays the same. Only the address on the physical card and in the state database changes. Your new license will have the same number printed on it as your current license.

Can someone else change my address for me?

For the online method, only you can log in with your license number and Social Security number. For the mail or in-person methods, you must be present and sign the form or appear at the office yourself. Tennessee does not allow a family member or representative to change your address without you there.