You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center

Tennessee allows you to update your driver license address without renewing the license itself. The fastest method is online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form to TDSH or visit a Driver Services Center in person — both routes take longer but work if you don't have internet access or want to handle it face-to-face.

Your address change becomes official once TDSH processes it, and you'll receive a new license card in the mail showing your updated address. You don't need to surrender your current license or pay a fee for the address change alone. The process is separate from license renewal, so your expiration date stays the same.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the TDSH website is free and takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive your new card by mail within two to three weeks.
  • By-mail and in-person methods require form DL 43 (process for Duplicate Driver License) and take longer but don't require internet access.
  • You must provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address — only the card itself is reissued.
  • If you've moved out of state or your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot use the online method and must visit a Driver Services Center in person.

Changing your address online through the TDSH website

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the option to update your driver license information. You'll need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and then enter your new address.

After you submit your new address online, TDSH will mail you a new license card with the updated information. The card typically arrives within two to three weeks. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue using it for identification during that time. There is no fee for this service.

The online method is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, or if you have moved out of state. In those cases, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person or contact TDSH directly for instructions.

Changing your address by mail

Complete form DL 43 (process for Duplicate Driver License), which you can read from the TDSH website or request by phone. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail the form and proof to the address listed on the form, which is typically the TDSH headquarters in Nashville.

Processing by mail takes four to six weeks from the date TDSH receives your envelope. Include a return address on your envelope so you know where to expect the new card. Do not send your current license unless TDSH specifically requests it — you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.

Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If your new card doesn't arrive within six weeks, contact TDSH to confirm they received your form and proof of address.

Changing your address in person at a Driver Services Center

Visit any Driver Services Center in Tennessee with your current driver license and proof of your new address. Bring a document dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. The staff will complete the address change on the spot and issue you a new license card before you leave.

In-person service is the fastest method if you need your new card when ready — you'll walk out with it the same day. There is no fee for an address change. Driver Services Centers are located throughout Tennessee; you can find the one nearest you on the TDSH website by entering your county or city.

Bring your current license and proof of address. If you don't have a current license or your license is suspended or revoked, staff will tell you what additional steps you need to take.

What counts as proof of your new address

TDSH accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document such as a voter registration card or tax return. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

If your name on the proof document doesn't match your license exactly (for example, if you recently married and changed your name), bring both the proof of address and a document showing your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you're having trouble finding an acceptable document, call TDSH before you visit or mail your form — staff can tell you whether a specific document will work.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

Online submissions are processed within two to three weeks, and your new card will arrive by mail. By-mail submissions take four to six weeks. In-person submissions are completed the same day. Your old license remains valid for identification purposes until your new card arrives, so you don't need to stop using it.

TDSH will not send you a confirmation email or letter when your address change is processed — the first sign that it went through is when your new card arrives. If you need to confirm that your address was updated before the card arrives, you can call TDSH or visit a Driver Services Center and ask them to look it up using your license number.

Once your new card arrives, destroy your old card or keep it in a safe place. You are not required to surrender it, but keeping an expired or outdated license can cause confusion if you're asked for identification.

When you cannot change your address online or by mail

If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person. Staff will address your suspension or revocation status before they can update your address. If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to renew it rather than straightforward update the address — call TDSH to confirm what you need to do.

If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver license from your new state rather than updating your Tennessee address. However, if you still need to maintain a Tennessee license for work or other reasons, visit a Driver Services Center in person to discuss your options.

If you are unable to visit a Driver Services Center and cannot use the online system, call TDSH at the number on their website to ask about alternative methods or to request that a form be mailed to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address on your driver license is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license at the same time, which is a separate transaction.

Will my license expiration date change when I update my address?

No. Your expiration date stays the same. Only your address is updated on the new card. If your license is expiring soon and you want to renew it at the same time you change your address, you can do that, but it will cost the renewal fee.

What if I moved but don't have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?

You can use a bank statement, credit card statement, or mortgage statement instead. If none of those are available, contact TDSH before you explore — they may accept a letter from your landlord or other documents depending on your situation.

How long does it take to get my new card in the mail?

Online submissions typically arrive within two to three weeks. By-mail submissions take four to six weeks. If your card doesn't arrive within that timeframe, contact TDSH with your submission date and license number so they can track it.

Can I use my old license while I wait for the new one?

Yes. Your old license remains valid for identification until your new card arrives. You don't need to stop using it or surrender it to TDSH.