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

Tennessee lets you update your address without renewing your license early. The fastest method is the online portal at the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form or visit a Driver Services office in person. Your new address will appear on your license when ready if you go online or in person; by mail, it takes roughly two weeks after they receive your request.

You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test. Tennessee treats an address change as a record update, not a license renewal. Your license remains valid until its original expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Tennessee Department of Safety website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with your new address active the same day.
  • By mail, you send Form DL-43 with proof of your new address to the address listed on the form, and the change takes roughly two weeks.
  • In person, you visit any Driver Services office with your current license and proof of your new address, and the change is when ready.
  • You must provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your license photo and expiration date do not change when you update your address.

Changing your address online through the Tennessee portal

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the Driver License Services section. You will find a link to update your address online. You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. Double-check the spelling and zip code before you submit. Once you confirm, the system will show you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you contact the department later. Your new address becomes active when ready in their system, though it may take a day or two to appear in all their databases.

Changing your address by mail

read or request Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate Driver License) from the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Fill in your current license number, your name as it appears on your license, and your new address. You do not need to fill in every field on the form — focus on the address section.

Gather proof of your new address. Tennessee accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Make a copy of this proof and attach it to your form.

Mail the completed form and proof to the address printed on Form DL-43. Include a check or money order for $7 if you want a duplicate license mailed to you; if you only want the address updated in their records, you can send the form without payment. The department will process your request in roughly two weeks. You will receive a confirmation letter or your new license by mail.

Changing your address in person at a Driver Services office

Locate your nearest Driver Services office using the office finder on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. Bring your current Tennessee driver's license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Tell the staff member you need to update your address. Hand them your license and your proof of address. They will enter the new address into the system while you wait. Your updated license will be printed on the spot, and you can leave with it when ready. There is no fee for an address change.

What counts as proof of your new address

Tennessee requires a document that shows both your name and your new address, dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it is recent enough. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government-issued mail (such as tax documents or voter registration confirmation) are also accepted.

A piece of mail addressed to you at your new address counts, even if it is not a bill. The key requirement is that the document must be dated within 60 days of when you submit it. If your proof is older than 60 days, the office or mail processor may reject it and ask you to provide something more recent.

If your address is a PO box or you live out of state

Tennessee does not allow a PO box as your primary address on a driver's license. If you live in an area without a street address or you use a PO box for mail, you will need to provide a physical street address instead. If you are unsure whether your address qualifies, call the Driver Services customer line before you submit your request.

If you have moved out of Tennessee but still hold a Tennessee license, you can update your address to an out-of-state address using any of the three methods above. Your license remains valid as long as you have not moved to a state that requires you to get a license there. If you have established residency in another state, you should get a license in that state instead.

What happens after you change your address

If you changed your address online or in person, your new address is active when ready. If you changed it by mail, the department will process your request within two weeks. Once the change is complete, your address will appear in the Tennessee driver's license database and on any official records the state pulls.

You do not need to notify your insurance company, employer, or bank separately — they will see your updated address when they check your license. However, it is a good idea to update your address with these organizations directly as well, since they may not check your license when ready. Your vehicle registration will still show your old address until you renew it or update it separately with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to renew my license to change my address?

No. An address change is separate from a license renewal. Your license remains valid until its original expiration date, and you do not need to pay a renewal fee or take a new photo.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

The department typically processes mail requests within two weeks. You will receive a confirmation letter or your updated license by mail. If you need the change faster, use the online method or visit an office in person.

What if I move again before my change is processed?

If you submitted a mail request and moved again before it was processed, contact the Driver Services customer line with your license number and explain the situation. They can update your address to the new one or hold your request until you provide a new address.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No. You must have a valid, unexpired Tennessee driver's license to change your address. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it first, which involves a new photo and vision test.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address is free. You only pay a fee if you request a duplicate license to be mailed to you at the same time.