Update your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office
Tennessee lets you change your driver's license address without getting a new license. You can do this online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail, or by visiting a Driver Services office in person. The online method is fastest — it takes a few minutes and costs nothing. Mail and in-person visits also work, though mail takes longer.
You do not need to bring your current license to update an address online, but you will need to know your license number or Social Security number. If you go in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website is free and takes just a few minutes.
- You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to update your address online.
- If you update by mail, send a signed letter with your name, license number, old address, and new address to the address listed on the TDSA website.
- In-person updates at any Driver Services office require your current license and a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Your updated address appears in the system right away online, but physical license cards still show your old address until you renew.
Updating your address online through the TDSA website
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the address change option under driver's license services. You will enter your license number or Social Security number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system will ask you to review the information and confirm the change.
Once you submit, your address updates in the state's system when ready. You will receive a confirmation number. Keep this for your records. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew your license, but the address on file with the state is now current.
Mailing in an address change form
If you prefer to mail your update, write a signed letter that includes your full name, driver's license number, your old address, and your new address. Do not send your actual license. Mail this letter to the address listed on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for address changes.
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter, so keep a copy of what you mailed. If you need proof that your address has been updated, you can call the Driver Services customer service line or visit an office in person to verify.
Updating your address in person at a Driver Services office
Visit any Driver Services office in Tennessee with your current driver's license and a document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The office staff will update your address on the spot.
There is no fee for an address change. Your updated address goes into the system right away. Your physical license still shows the old address, but the state's records are current. If you need your license card to show the new address, you can renew your license early, though that will cost the standard renewal fee.
What counts as proof of your new address
Tennessee accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You do not need multiple documents — one is enough.
If you do not have any of these documents yet, wait until you do before visiting an office. Mailing in your change or updating online does not require proof of address, so those routes may be faster if your paperwork is not ready.
When your address change takes effect
Online and in-person updates happen when ready in the state system. Your new address is active for voting, vehicle registration, and any state records right away. By mail, allow two to three weeks for processing.
Your physical driver's license card will continue to show your old address until you renew. This does not affect the validity of your license. If you need to show proof that your address has been updated — for a bank, landlord, or employer — you can request an official record from a Driver Services office or print a confirmation from the online system if you updated that way.
Renewing your license early if you need the new address on the card
If your physical license card must show your new address, you can renew your license before your expiration date. This costs the standard renewal fee, which varies depending on how many years you renew for. You will receive a new card with your updated address in the mail within one to two weeks.
Most people do not need to do this — updating your address in the state system is enough for legal and official purposes. Only renew early if a specific situation requires the card itself to show the new address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update my address if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Tennessee, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can keep your Tennessee license if you want, but most states require you to get a license in your new state within a certain time frame after moving.
What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
Update online or by mail instead of visiting an office. Both methods work without requiring a document showing your new address. Once you have proof, you can visit an office if you need it on record for another reason.
Will updating my address affect my vehicle registration?
No. Your driver's license address and vehicle registration are separate. If you need to update your vehicle registration address, you will do that through the Tennessee Department of Revenue separately.
How long does it take to get a new license card with my updated address?
If you renew your license early to get a new card, it takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail. Your address updates in the state system when ready, but the physical card takes time to print and ship.
Can I update my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can update your address on an expired license through any of the three methods. However, you cannot drive legally with an expired license, so you will need to renew it as well if you plan to drive.