Update your Tennessee driver's license address online, by mail, or in person
Tennessee lets you change your driver's license address without getting a new license, and the fastest way is online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. You can also mail in a form or visit a driver services center in person. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change and whether you have the documents Tennessee requires.
You do not need to pay a fee to update your address — it is a free change. The state will mail you an updated license with your new address printed on it, which takes about one to two weeks after your request is processed.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Tennessee Department of Safety website is the fastest and requires only your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth.
- If you mail in your request, you will need to send Form DL 43 along with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- You can also visit any driver services center in person with your current license and proof of address to update when ready.
- Your updated license will be mailed to your new address and should arrive within one to two weeks.
Updating your address online
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website has an online address change tool that is the quickest option. Go to the department's driver services page and look for the address change option. You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, 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 format before you submit, because errors on the license itself are harder to fix. Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to check on your request later.
Tennessee will mail your updated license to the new address you provided. The process usually takes one to two weeks from the time the department receives and processes your request.
Mailing in your address change
If you prefer to mail your request, you will need to send Form DL 43 (Address Change Form) to the Tennessee Department of Safety. You can read this form from the department's website or request it by phone. Fill out the form with your current license information and your new address.
Along with the form, you must include proof that you actually live at the new address. Tennessee accepts documents such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The name on the proof document should match the name on your license.
Mail the form and proof of address to the address listed on the form itself. Processing takes longer by mail — typically two to three weeks — because the department has to receive it, open it, verify your information, and then mail your new license back to you.
Updating your address in person at a driver services center
You can walk into any Tennessee driver services center with your current license and proof of your new address, and the staff will update your address on the spot. Bring a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days. The name on the proof must match your license.
The staff will take your information, verify it, and print a temporary license on the spot that shows your new address. Your permanent updated license will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.
In-person visits are useful if you need proof of your new address right away for other purposes, such as opening a bank account or signing a lease. You do not need an appointment at most driver services centers, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
What proof of address Tennessee accepts
Tennessee requires that your proof of address be dated within the last 60 days and have your name on it exactly as it appears on your license. Acceptable documents include utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank or credit card statements, and insurance documents.
Government-issued mail such as tax documents or voter registration cards also work. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, some driver services centers will accept a signed letter from your landlord or property manager stating that you live there, along with a copy of your lease. Call ahead to confirm what your local center will accept.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
Online requests are processed the fastest — usually within three to five business days — and your new license ships shortly after. Mail-in requests take longer because of postal delivery time on both ends. In-person requests give you a temporary license when ready and your permanent license within one to two weeks.
Your updated license will be mailed to the new address you provided. If you move again before it arrives, you can update your address a second time, but it is better to wait until the first license arrives before moving again if possible. If your license arrives and you have moved a third time, you will need to update again.
If more than three weeks have passed since you submitted your request and you have not received your updated license, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to check the status. Have your confirmation number (if you submitted online) or your driver's license number ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new photo taken when I change my address?
No. An address change does not require a new photo or a new license number. Your updated license will have the same photo and number as your current license, with only the address changed.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
You can update an expired license's address, but you will need to renew your license at the same time. Renewal requires a new photo and a visit to a driver services center or a mail-in renewal form. Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety to find out which documents you need for renewal in your situation.
What if I move before my updated license arrives?
You can submit another address change request with your new address. However, this will delay your license further because the department will reprocess your request. If possible, wait for your first updated license to arrive before moving again.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No. Changing your address on your Tennessee driver's license is free, whether you do it online, by mail, or in person.
Can someone else change my address for me?
No. You must submit the address change yourself using your own information. If you are unable to visit a driver services center or mail in a form, ask a family member or trusted person to help you fill out the form or guide you through the online process, but you must be the one to submit it.