You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office
Tennessee lets you update your driver license address without getting a new license or paying a fee. The fastest way is online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website — you can do it in about 10 minutes from home. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail in a form or visit a Driver Services office in person. The address change takes effect when ready online or on the day you submit it in person; by mail, it typically processes within two weeks.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address. Your current license remains valid; only the address on file gets updated. This matters because some places — banks, insurance companies, voter registration — may check your address against your driver license, so keeping it current helps avoid delays when you need to verify your identity.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website is the fastest option and requires only your license number, date of birth, and new address.
- You can also mail Form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the address listed on the form, and it will process within two weeks.
- In-person changes happen when ready at any Driver Services office during business hours; bring your current license and proof of your new address.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address.
- There is no fee to change your address, and your current license stays valid — only the address on file updates.
Changing your address online
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the online address change option. You will need your current driver license number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record or personal history. Once you complete the process, your address updates when ready in the state system.
This method works best if you have a computer or phone with internet access and your license number handy. You do not need to upload documents or take photos. The online system is available 24 hours a day, so you can make the change whenever it is convenient for you.
Changing your address by mail
read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address printed on the form — this is typically the Driver Services headquarters in Nashville, though the form itself will show the correct mailing address.
Include a copy of proof of your new address with the form. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or any government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card) that shows your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail processing usually takes two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services office
Visit any Driver Services office in Tennessee during business hours. Bring your current driver license and one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government mail all work. Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will update it on the spot, and your new address takes effect when ready.
You do not need an appointment for an address change at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and early afternoons. If you live far from an office or have limited transportation, the online or mail options may be more practical.
What counts as proof of your new address
Tennessee accepts several types of documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it shows your name and new address. Government mail counts too — this includes property tax notices, voter registration cards, vehicle registration documents, or mail from any state or federal agency.
The document must show your full name and your new address. If you just moved and have not yet received mail at your new address, ask your utility company or landlord for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Some offices will accept this temporary proof while you wait for official mail to arrive.
Timeline and when the change takes effect
If you change your address online, it updates in the state system right away. If you go to a Driver Services office in person, the change takes effect the same day. If you mail in Form DL-43, allow two weeks for processing, though it may take longer during peak times.
Your physical license card itself will not change — it still shows your old address. The address in the state database is what matters for law enforcement, vehicle registration, and official records. When you renew your license in the future, your new address will print on the new card. If you need a license with your current address printed on it before your renewal date, you would need to renew early, which does involve a fee.
Changing your address when you renew your license
If your license is expiring soon anyway, you can update your address at the same time you renew. This way, your new license card will have your current address printed on it. You can renew online, by mail, or in person — the address change happens as part of the renewal process. Renewal does cost a fee (the amount depends on your license type and how many years you are renewing for), but you get a new card with the correct address.
If your license is not expiring for several years, doing a separate address change now (free) and then renewing later is usually the better choice. But if you are within a year of your renewal date, combining the two might make sense for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I moved out of state?
If you moved out of Tennessee permanently, you should get a driver license from your new state instead of just changing the address. Each state requires you to get a license there within a certain time frame (usually 30 to 60 days). You can keep your Tennessee license as a second ID, but your primary license should be from the state where you live.
What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
If you just moved and have not received mail at your new address, contact your utility company or landlord and ask for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. Some Driver Services offices will accept this temporary proof. You can also wait until you receive an official bill or mail at your new address, then update your address.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes, you can change your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change is separate from the status of your license. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive, and you should address that issue separately with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?
Changing your address does not affect your driving record — it only updates where the state has on file for you. Your insurance company may use your address to calculate rates, so tell them about your move separately. Some insurers offer discounts based on location, so updating them could actually lower your premium.
How long does my current license stay valid after I change my address?
Your license stays valid until its expiration date, regardless of when you change your address. The address on the physical card does not have to match your current address — what matters is that the address in the state database is correct. You can drive legally with an old address on your card as long as the license itself has not expired.