You can change your Tennessee driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services center
Tennessee offers three routes to update your address on your driver's license: the online system (fastest), mail (no trip required), or in-person at a Driver Services office (same-day completion). Which one works depends on your license type, whether your address change involves moving out of state, and how quickly you need the update. The online method works for most people with a valid Tennessee license, but some situations — like a name change or an expired license — require an office visit or mail submission instead.
Your address change takes effect when ready online or by mail, though a replacement card with your new address takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you need the updated license the same day, you must go to a Driver Services office in person.
Key Takeaways
- The Tennessee online system at tn.gov/safety lets you change your address in minutes if your license is current and you have no name or status changes pending.
- Mail-in address changes require a completed form, proof of your new address, and your current license, and take about two weeks total.
- In-person visits at any Driver Services office let you walk out with an updated license the same day for a $2 fee.
- You must update your address within 30 days of moving under Tennessee law, though the penalty is typically a citation if stopped by law enforcement.
- If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot use the online system and must visit an office or submit by mail.
Changing your address online through the Tennessee system
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs an online portal at tn.gov/safety where you can update your address without leaving home. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The system then asks for your new address and confirms it against postal records — if the address does not match USPS data, the system will reject it and ask you to verify the spelling or format.
The online change is free and takes effect when ready. You do not receive a new physical card unless you request one (which costs $2 and takes 7 to 10 business days). Your old license remains valid for identification purposes until the replacement arrives. This route works only if your license is current (not expired), you have no active suspensions or revocations, and you are not changing your name or gender marker at the same time.
If the online system rejects your address, the most common reason is that the address format does not match USPS records — for example, using "Street" instead of "St" or including an apartment number that the postal database does not recognize. Call the Driver Services customer line at 615-251-8590 to confirm the correct format before trying again.
Submitting an address change by mail
You can mail a completed form to the Tennessee Department of Safety without visiting an office. Use form DL 43 (Address Change), which you can read from tn.gov/safety or request by phone. Include your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and the completed form. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — currently the Driver Services office in Nashville, though you should verify the current mailing address on the form itself since it can change.
Mail processing typically takes 10 to 14 business days from receipt. You will receive a replacement license card with your new address within 7 to 10 business days after approval. During this time, your old license remains valid. If you need to confirm receipt or check status, call 615-251-8590 and have your license number ready.
The mail route costs nothing and works even if your license is expired or suspended, as long as the suspension is not for a serious offense like a DUI conviction. If your license is revoked, you must visit an office in person to discuss reinstatement before you can update the address.
Updating your address in person at a Driver Services office
Any Driver Services office in Tennessee can update your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The fee is $2 for a replacement license card. You will walk out with an updated license the same day — no waiting for mail.
In-person visits are the only option if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if you are changing your name or gender marker at the same time as your address. You can find the nearest office and hours at tn.gov/safety or call 615-251-8590. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some locations have extended evening or Saturday hours — check the website for your specific location.
If you are moving out of state, you do not need to update your Tennessee license address before you leave. Once you obtain a license in your new state, your Tennessee license becomes invalid for driving, though you may keep it as identification.
What counts as proof of your new address
Tennessee accepts several documents as proof of address. The most common are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within 60 days of when you submit it. A printed bank statement from your online account works as long as it shows the date it was printed.
Documents that do not work include a driver's license from another state (that is identification, not proof of address), a post office change-of-address form, or a letter from your landlord or employer. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a mortgage statement or a bank statement is your best option. If you have none of these, call Driver Services at 615-251-8590 to ask what other documents they will accept — they sometimes make exceptions for people in temporary housing or recent moves.
Tennessee's 30-day address change requirement
Tennessee law requires you to update your driver's license address within 30 days of moving. The 30-day clock starts on the day you move, not the day you receive mail at your new address. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your license shows an old address, you may receive a citation for failure to update — though in practice, officers often issue a warning instead if you can show you have recently moved.
The citation is a Class C misdemeanor in Tennessee, which carries a fine but not jail time. However, the real risk is that an outdated address can delay important notices from the DMV, courts, or your insurance company. If your license is suspended and the notice goes to your old address, you may not know until you are pulled over. Updating your address promptly protects you from missing critical information.
Special situations: expired, suspended, or revoked licenses
If your license is expired, you cannot use the online system to change your address. You must either mail in the form with proof of address or visit an office in person. The same applies if your license is suspended for a minor offense (like an unpaid traffic ticket) — you can still update the address, but you must do it by mail or in person, not online.
If your license is revoked (usually for a serious offense like a DUI conviction or accumulating too many points), you cannot straightforward update the address. You must first contact Driver Services to understand the terms of your revocation and whether you are may be able to access to reinstate your license. Once reinstated, you can update your address. Call 615-251-8590 to discuss your specific situation.
If you are changing your name or gender marker at the same time as your address, you must do this in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and legal documentation of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change). The office will issue a new license with all updates the same day for a $2 fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license card in the mail?
After your address change is approved, your replacement license card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The approval itself takes about 10 to 14 business days if you submitted by mail. Your old license remains valid during this time, so you can use it for identification and driving.
Do I need to update my address if I am moving out of state?
No. Once you move out of state, you should obtain a driver's license in your new state. Your Tennessee license becomes invalid for driving once you establish residency elsewhere, though you can keep it as identification. You do not need to formally surrender it or update the address.
What if my proof of address document is older than 60 days?
Documents must be dated within 60 days of submission. If your document is older, try to obtain a newer one — a recent utility bill or bank statement is your best option. If you cannot get a current document, call Driver Services at 615-251-8590 to ask whether they will make an exception for your situation.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended?
Yes, but you cannot use the online system. You must mail in the form or visit an office in person. A suspension for a minor offense (like an unpaid ticket) does not prevent an address change. If your license is revoked, you must first contact Driver Services about reinstatement before you can update your address.
What happens if I do not update my address within 30 days?
You may receive a citation for failure to update your address if you are stopped by law enforcement. The citation is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine. More importantly, an outdated address means you may miss notices from the DMV, courts, or your insurance company, which can create serious problems if your license is suspended and you do not know it.