Where to change your address and what you'll need
You can change your address on your Tennessee driver license at any Driver Services office, online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, or by mail. The online option is fastest if you're only changing your address — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you need to update your license for other reasons (like a name change or correcting information), you'll have to visit an office in person.
Before you start, gather your new address and your current driver license number. If you're changing your address online, you'll also need a valid email address where the state can send confirmation. For an in-person visit, bring your current license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee lets you change your address online for free through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, which is the fastest method.
- You can also change your address in person at any Driver Services office by bringing your current license and a recent utility bill or lease showing your new address.
- Changing your address by mail requires sending your current license and proof of address to the state, which takes longer than online or in-person options.
- Your new license will be mailed to your updated address within 7 to 10 business days if you change it online or in person.
Changing your address online
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on the address change option and enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current information and let you enter your new address.
After you submit the change, you'll receive a confirmation email. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You don't need to pay anything, and your current license remains valid until the new one arrives. This method works only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than one year.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services office
Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead to check wait times is a good idea.
Bring your current driver license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. Hand these to the clerk, pay the $7 fee, and your new license will be mailed to your updated address within 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your address by mail
If you prefer not to go online or visit an office, you can mail your request to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Send your current driver license, a completed address change form (available on the state website), and a copy of proof of your new address to the mailing address listed on the form.
Include a check or money order for $7 made payable to the state. Mail takes longer than other methods — expect 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus mail delivery time. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address once the state processes your request. Keep a copy of everything you send in case the state needs to contact you.
What happens after you submit your address change
Once the state receives your address change request, it updates its records within 1 to 2 business days. Your current license stays valid during this time. The new license is printed and mailed to your updated address within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive it in a standard envelope — there's no tracking number, so check your mail regularly.
If you don't receive your new license within two weeks, contact the Driver Services office. Have your driver license number and new address ready. The state can check the status of your license and remail it if needed. If you move again before your new license arrives, you can update your address a second time, but the first license will still be mailed to the previous address you provided.
Updating your address for vehicle registration at the same time
Your driver license address and your vehicle registration address don't have to match, but Tennessee law requires you to notify the state within 10 days if your registration address changes. You can update your vehicle registration address online through the same Department of Safety website, by mail, or at a Driver Services office.
If you're changing both your driver license and registration address, you can do both online in one session. This is more efficient than handling them separately, and both updates are free online. If you're doing it in person, you can handle both at the same Driver Services office visit, though you'll pay separate fees for each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a new license photo when I change my address?
No. Changing your address does not require a new photo. You'll receive a new license card with your updated address, but it will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you can request one when you change your address, but you'll pay an additional fee.
What if my proof of address is in someone else's name?
The document must show your name and your new address. If you have a lease or utility bill in a roommate's or spouse's name, ask them for a document in your name, or bring a bank statement or government mail addressed to you instead. The state will not accept proof of address that doesn't match your name.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
You can change your address online if your license expired less than one year ago. If it's been expired longer than that, you'll need to renew it at a Driver Services office, and you can change your address at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and any documents required for renewal.
How long does the online address change take to show up in the system?
The state updates its records within 1 to 2 business days after you submit your online request. However, your physical new license card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you need proof of your address change before the card arrives, you can print your confirmation email from the online submission.
What if I move again before my new license arrives?
You can submit another address change request. Your first license will be mailed to the address you originally provided, but you can update it again and have a second license mailed to your newest address. The state will send you whichever license is printed and mailed last. To avoid confusion, wait until your first new license arrives before changing your address again.