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

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security lets you change your address without renewing your entire license. The fastest route is the online system if you have a valid Tennessee license and a computer with internet access. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail in a form or visit a Driver Services office in person. The method you choose depends on what you have available and how quickly you need the change recorded.

Your address update takes effect when ready in the state's system, though the physical card in your wallet will still show the old address until your license expires and you renew it. This does not affect your driving privileges — you can legally drive with an outdated address on your card. However, updating your address matters for mail from the state, insurance purposes, and vehicle registration records.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change system at tn.gov/safety is the fastest method and works if your license is valid and not suspended.
  • You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to update online.
  • If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DL 43 to the address listed on the form, or visit any Driver Services office with proof of your new address.
  • Your address updates in the state system right away, but your physical license card keeps the old address until you renew.
  • Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Updating your address online through the Tennessee system

Go to tn.gov/safety and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Address Change" from the menu. You will need your Tennessee driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.

Once you complete the online form and submit it, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number in case you need to follow up. The address change is recorded in Tennessee's system when ready, and you should see it reflected if you check your driving record online within a few hours. There is no fee for an address change.

The online system works only if your license is currently valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license status is not clear, or if the online system will not accept your information, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing in your address change with Form DL 43

read Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card) from tn.gov/safety, or call the Driver Services customer line at 615-251-8590 to request it by mail. Fill out the form with your current information and your new address. You do not need to provide a new photo or pay a fee — you are only changing the address on file.

Include one document that proves your new address. Acceptable documents are a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at the new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address listed on the form itself, which is typically the Driver Services office in Nashville.

Processing by mail usually takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. There is no tracking system for mailed forms, so if you need to know whether it arrived, call 615-251-8590 after two weeks and provide your driver's license number.

Updating your address in person at a Driver Services office

Find your nearest Driver Services office on tn.gov/safety under "Locations." Bring your current Tennessee driver's license and one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations accept them through the website.

Walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait for a representative. Tell them you want to update your address only. They will verify your identity, check your proof of address, and update your record on the spot. There is no fee. Your address change is recorded when ready in the state system.

In-person visits are usually the fastest method if you have a nearby office and can go during their hours. Most Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Check the office location page for the specific hours of the office closest to you.

What counts as proof of your new address

Tennessee requires one 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. A bank or credit card statement with your name and address also counts. Government mail — such as a tax document or voter registration card — is acceptable if it is recent enough.

The document must have your name printed on it and must match the address you are registering. A handwritten address or a document with someone else's name on it will not work. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank whether they can provide a letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Tennessee license is suspended or revoked, you cannot update your address through the online system. You must go in person to a Driver Services office or mail in Form DL 43. The office will update your address, but this does not restore your driving privileges — that requires handling the suspension or revocation separately through the court system or the Driver Services office.

Call 615-251-8590 to ask about the status of your license before you visit an office. The representative can tell you whether your license is suspended, what caused it, and what steps you need to take to restore it. Some suspensions are automatic (such as for unpaid traffic fines), while others require court action or completion of a program.

Updating your address when you renew your license

If you are renewing your Tennessee driver's license anyway, you can update your address as part of that renewal. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on your license type and how long it has been since you last renewed. When you renew, bring the same proof of address document (dated within 60 days) that you would use for an address-only change.

Renewing your license gives you a new physical card with your updated address printed on it, which is useful if you prefer to have your current address visible on your ID. However, if you only need to update your address and your license is not expiring soon, an address-only change is faster and requires no fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to update my address online?

The online system processes your change when ready, and it is recorded in Tennessee's system within a few hours. You will receive a confirmation number right away. Your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew your license, but your address on file is updated.

Do I need to bring my old license to update my address in person?

Yes, bring your current Tennessee driver's license and one document proving your new address dated within the last 60 days. You do not need anything else. The office will not take your old license — you keep it, and it remains valid even though the address on it is outdated.

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

Contact your landlord, utility company, or bank and ask for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Include your name, the new address, and the date you moved. This letter counts as proof of address if it is dated within 60 days and shows your name clearly.

Can I update my address if I am out of state?

Yes, if you have a valid Tennessee license, you can update your address online from anywhere. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DL 43 and proof of address to the Driver Services office in Nashville. You do not need to be in Tennessee to make the change.

Will updating my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Updating your address does not change your driving record or driving privileges. However, your insurance company and the state vehicle registration system will see your new address once it is updated, so notify your insurance company separately to make sure their records match.