Change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office
Tennessee lets you update your address without renewing your license early. You can do it online through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail with a form and proof of your new address, or by walking into any Driver Services office with your current license and an address document. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person is when ready but requires you to visit during office hours.
You do not need a new photo or to retake any tests. Tennessee straightforward updates the address in its system and mails you a replacement license with the new address printed on it. Your current license remains valid until its expiration date, even before the replacement arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Tennessee Department of Safety website are free and take about 10 minutes, with your new license arriving by mail in one to two weeks.
- You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
- If you change your address in person at a Driver Services office, you receive your updated license when ready and do not have to wait for mail delivery.
- Your current license stays valid until it expires, even if you have not yet received the replacement with your new address printed on it.
Changing your address online through the state website
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the Driver Services section. You will find a link to update your address online. 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. Have your new address ready before you start.
The system will ask you to confirm your current address, enter your new address, and review the information for accuracy. Once you submit, you are done. Tennessee will mail your replacement license with the updated address to your new location. There is no fee for this change. Your new license typically arrives within one to two weeks, though mail times vary by location.
Mailing in an address change form
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form to the state. Request form DL 43 (Address Change) from the Tennessee Department of Safety, or read it from their website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. You do not need to include your license itself.
Attach proof that you live at your new address. Tennessee accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, or government mail — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and new address on it. Mail the form and proof to the address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks after the state receives it, plus mail delivery time both ways. There is no fee.
Updating your address in person at a Driver Services office
Bring your current Tennessee driver's license and one document proving your new address to any Driver Services office. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to bring your Social Security card or birth certificate.
Tell the clerk you want to update your address. They will verify your information, take a new photo if required by state policy, and print your updated license on the spot. You walk out with your new license the same day. There is no fee for an address change. Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the state website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go.
What counts as proof of your new address
Tennessee requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works. So does a property tax bill, a government agency letter, or mail from your bank or insurance company.
A piece of mail addressed to you at your new address counts, even if it is junk mail — the state just needs to see your name and the address together on an official document. A handwritten note or a bank statement without your address printed on it does not work. If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord for a signed lease or a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
Online changes are processed when ready, and your replacement license ships within one to two weeks. Mail submissions take one to two weeks to process after the state receives them, plus mail time. In-person changes are done the same day. Your current license remains valid and usable for its entire expiration date, even if your replacement has not arrived yet.
If you do not receive your replacement license within three weeks of submitting online or mailing your form, contact the Driver Services office. They can check the status using your license number. If you are moving out of state or your license is expiring soon, consider whether you want to renew at the same time instead of doing a separate address change — some people find it simpler to handle both together, though it is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address before I move, or can I do it after?
You can do it either way. Tennessee law does not require you to update your address by a specific date. However, it is safer to update it soon after you move so that any official mail from the state reaches you. If you wait too long and miss a renewal notice, you may not know your license is about to expire.
What if my new address is outside Tennessee?
If you are moving out of state, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead of just changing your address. Tennessee cannot issue a license to someone who no longer lives in Tennessee. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to find out what documents you need and whether you can transfer your current license or must explore for a new one.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes, you can still update your address. The address change does not affect the status of your license. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive, and updating your address does not restore your driving privileges. You would need to resolve the suspension or revocation through the appropriate court or state agency first.
Will changing my address affect my insurance or registration?
Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your car insurance or vehicle registration. You will need to contact your insurance company and the Tennessee Department of Revenue separately to update those records. Many insurance companies let you change your address online or by phone. Vehicle registration updates are handled through the county clerk's office where your vehicle is registered.
What if I made a mistake on my address change?
If you submitted the wrong address online or by mail, contact a Driver Services office as soon as you realize the error. Bring your current license and correct proof of your actual new address. They can submit a correction, and you will receive another replacement license with the right address. There is no fee for the correction.