You can change your Tennessee driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office
Tennessee allows you to update your address without renewing your license. The fastest route is the online system at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail a form to the state or walk into any Driver Services office with proof of your new address.
The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you have the required documents on hand. Online processing is when ready — your record updates the same day. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits are same-day but require a trip to an office during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee's online address change system is free and updates your record the same day you submit it.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and proof of your new address to change it online.
- Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
- If you change your address in person, bring your current license and one document showing your new address.
- Mailing in a change takes longer but works if you do not have internet access or prefer paper forms.
Changing your address online through the Tennessee system
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs an online portal where you can update your address without leaving home. Go to the official TDOSHS website, find the Driver Services section, and look for the address change option. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your new address.
The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history. Once you pass that step, you enter your new address and confirm it. The change takes effect when ready in Tennessee's system, though your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew it. Your driving record and vehicle registration will reflect the new address right away.
This method works only if your license is valid and not suspended. If your license is expired or suspended, you will need to handle that separately before changing your address online.
What documents prove your new address
Tennessee accepts several types of documents as proof of your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail addressed to you at the new address also works. Some people use a bank or credit card statement, though not all offices accept these — calling ahead if you plan to use one saves a trip.
The document must show your name and the new address clearly. It must be dated within the last 60 days. If you are moving and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your move-in date and address.
If you are changing your address online, you do not need to upload or mail a document — the system only requires that you enter the address itself. The document requirement applies only if you are changing your address in person or by mail.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services office
Every county in Tennessee has at least one Driver Services office where you can change your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address. The staff will verify the document, update your record, and you are done. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use online scheduling to manage wait times. Check the TDOSHS website for your county's office hours and whether appointments are required or recommended. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours.
Bring your license and proof of address in original form — photocopies are not accepted. If you have moved out of state and do not have your Tennessee license with you, call the office ahead of time to ask what alternative identification they will accept.
Mailing in your address change
You can request an address change form from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security by calling their main line or visiting their website. Fill out the form with your current license number, your new address, and your Social Security number. Include a copy of one document showing your new address. Mail the form and document to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the office receives your mail. There is no fee. Keep a copy of what you send in case the office needs to contact you. You can track the status of your change by calling the department or checking the website if they offer online status updates.
This method works well if you do not have internet access, prefer paper forms, or cannot visit an office during business hours. It is slower than online or in-person, but it is reliable and costs nothing.
What happens to your physical license card
Changing your address does not issue you a new license card. Your current card will still show your old address until you renew your license. When you renew — whether online, by mail, or in person — your new card will print with the updated address. Tennessee licenses are valid for eight years, so you may carry the old address on your card for several years after you move.
This does not affect your driving rights or the validity of your license. Police, insurance companies, and government agencies can see your current address in the system even though your card shows the old one. If you need your card to show the new address when ready, you can renew your license early, though this costs the full renewal fee and is rarely necessary.
Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended
If your Tennessee license is expired, you cannot change your address online or by mail. You must renew your license first, which you can do in person at a Driver Services office or online if your license expired within the last year. Once your license is valid again, you can change your address using any of the methods above.
If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the suspension before changing your address. Suspensions are usually related to unpaid traffic fines, child support, or insurance lapses. Contact the Driver Services office or call the main TDOSHS line to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are needed to lift it. Once the suspension is cleared, you can update your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address on my vehicle registration at the same time?
No, but you should do it soon after. Tennessee's Driver Services and the Department of Revenue handle these separately. You can change your vehicle registration address online through the Department of Revenue website or by mail. Keeping both updated prevents mail delays and confusion if you are pulled over.
What if I moved to a different state?
You do not need to change your Tennessee address if you have moved out of state. Your Tennessee license remains valid in other states. If you plan to stay in the new state long-term, you should get a driver's license there instead. You can keep your Tennessee license as a second form of ID, but driving with an out-of-state address on your license can raise questions during traffic stops.
How long does it take to see the change in the system?
Online changes take effect the same day. In-person changes are when ready. Mail takes one to two weeks. Your driving record and vehicle registration will show the new address as soon as the change is processed, even though your physical card still shows the old address.
Can I change my address if I do not have a Social Security number?
The online system requires a Social Security number. If you do not have one, you will need to change your address in person at a Driver Services office with your license and proof of address. Call ahead to confirm what identification the office will accept in place of a Social Security number.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No. Changing your address online, by mail, or in person is free. You only pay a fee if you renew your license at the same time or request a replacement card with the new address printed on it.