Where to report your address change

Tennessee requires you to report an address change to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security within a specific timeframe. You have three main routes: visit a Driver Services Center in person, mail a form to the state, or use the online system if you meet certain conditions.

The fastest method is an in-person visit to any Driver Services Center. Tennessee operates centers across the state, and staff can process your change when ready. You'll walk out with an updated license the same day if you're only changing your address and not renewing your license itself.

If you cannot visit in person, you can mail Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate Driver License or Learner Permit) directly to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. The online option exists but has strict limits — it works only if your current license is still valid and you're not changing your name or other details beyond your address.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee law requires you to notify the Department of Safety within a set period after moving; the exact important date depends on whether you're a resident or non-resident.
  • In-person visits to a Driver Services Center are the fastest way to update your address and receive a new license the same day.
  • Mailing Form DL-43 works if you cannot visit in person, though it takes two to three weeks and costs a duplicate license fee.
  • The online address-change option is available only if your current license is valid and you are not changing your name or other personal information.
  • You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

What documents you need to bring

For an in-person visit, bring your current Tennessee driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address must be a document dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new street address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card).

If you are mailing your change, include Form DL-43, a copy of your current license, and a copy of your address proof. Do not send original documents — copies are sufficient. Include a check or money order for the duplicate license fee, which varies but is typically under $35. The Department of Safety website lists the current fee amount.

If you are using the online system, you will upload a photo of your proof of address during the process. The system will guide you through what format and file size are accepted.

Timeline and when your new license arrives

At a Driver Services Center, you receive your updated license when ready after processing. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the center is. Your new license will have your updated address printed on it.

If you mail your change, expect the new license to arrive within two to three weeks. The Department of Safety will mail it to your new address. During this time, your old license with the old address is still valid for identification purposes.

The online system processes your change within a few business days, and your new license is mailed to the address you provide. You should receive it within one to two weeks of submission.

important date for reporting your move

Tennessee residents must report an address change within 10 days of moving. Non-residents (those who hold a Tennessee license but live out of state) must report within 30 days. Missing this important date does not automatically invalidate your license, but driving with an outdated address on file can complicate matters if you are stopped by law enforcement or involved in an accident.

If you have already moved and your license still shows your old address, you can update it at any time. There is no penalty for updating late, though it is best to do so as soon as possible to avoid confusion with official records.

Fees and what they cover

Changing your address requires you to obtain a duplicate license, which carries a fee. This fee is not a renewal fee — you are not extending the validity of your license, only updating the information printed on it. The fee is typically under $35 but varies slightly by year. Check the Department of Safety website or call your local Driver Services Center for the exact current amount.

The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. If you visit in person, you pay at the center. If you mail your request, include payment with your form. If you use the online system, you pay by credit or debit card during submission.

Special situations and exceptions

If you are changing your address as part of a name change, you cannot use the online system. You must visit a Driver Services Center in person or mail your request along with proof of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order). The process is the same, but you will need both your address proof and your name-change document.

If your license has expired, you will need to renew it rather than straightforward update your address. Renewal involves a different process and may require a vision test or new photograph. Contact your local Driver Services Center to determine whether you need to renew or can update your address on your current license.

If you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder, address changes follow the same rules as standard licenses. Visit a Driver Services Center or mail Form DL-43 with your CDL.

Finding your nearest Driver Services Center

The Department of Safety website includes a searchable map of all Driver Services Centers across Tennessee. You can search by city or county to find the center nearest you and see its hours of operation. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

Call ahead if you want to confirm current wait times or check whether the center has any temporary closures. Having your documents ready before you arrive will speed up your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address with the Department of Motor Vehicles if I move out of state?

No. If you move out of Tennessee and obtain a license in your new state, you do not need to notify Tennessee. straightforward obtain a license in your new state through that state's motor vehicle department. Your Tennessee license will remain valid for identification until it expires, but you should not use it as your primary license once you establish residency elsewhere.

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

No. The online system works only if your current license is valid. If your license has expired, you must renew it in person at a Driver Services Center. During renewal, you can update your address at the same time.

What if my proof of address is in my spouse's name but shows our shared address?

Most Driver Services Centers will accept a utility bill or other proof of address even if it is in a spouse's name, as long as it shows your shared street address and is dated within the last 60 days. Call your local center beforehand to confirm, as policies can vary slightly by location.

If I change my address online, will my new license be mailed to my new address?

Yes. When you submit your address change online, you confirm the address where you want your new license mailed. The system will send it to the address you provide during submission.

What happens if I move again before my new license arrives?

If you move a second time while your new license is in the mail, contact the Department of Safety when ready with your new address. They may be able to redirect your license or reissue it to your current address. Call the department or visit a Driver Services Center to report the change.