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

Tennessee offers three ways to change the address on your driver's license: through the online system, by mail with a form, or by visiting a Driver Services office in person. The online method is fastest if your license is current and you have not changed your name. Mail and in-person visits work for most situations, including expired licenses and name changes. You do not need to pay a fee to update your address alone — the change is free.

The address you provide becomes your official residence for vehicle registration, voter registration, and other state records. If you move and do not update within a reasonable time, you may face issues renewing your registration or receiving official notices. Tennessee does not have a strict important date for address changes, but updating soon after you move prevents complications.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes take minutes and are available 24/7 through the Tennessee Driver Services website if your license is valid and you have not changed your name.
  • Mail-in updates require form DL 43 (Address Change), a copy of your license, and proof of your new address, and take two to three weeks to process.
  • In-person visits at any Driver Services office work for all situations, including expired licenses and name changes, and are processed the same day.
  • You do not pay a fee to change your address, but you will pay the standard license renewal fee if your license has expired or you need a replacement card.
  • Your new address automatically updates your voter registration and vehicle registration records once the Driver Services office processes the change.

Updating your address online through the Tennessee Driver Services website

The online method is the quickest option if your current license is valid and you have not changed your name. Go to the Tennessee Driver Services website and select the address change option. 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 will ask for your new address and may request a phone number or email for confirmation.

Once you submit the form online, the change processes within a few business days. You do not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the state's records show your new address. If you need a card with the updated address printed on it, you can order a replacement through the same online system for the standard replacement fee (currently $27 for a regular license, though this amount may vary).

The online system does not work if your license has expired, if you have changed your name, or if you need to add restrictions or endorsements. In those cases, use the mail or in-person methods instead.

Changing your address by mail with form DL 43

To update by mail, read or request form DL 43 (Address Change) from the Tennessee Driver Services website or call 615-741-3054. Fill out the form with your current license number, new address, and signature. You will need to include a copy of your driver's license (front and back) and one document that proves your new address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form, your license copy, and proof of address to the address listed on the form — typically the Driver Services office in Nashville.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your mail. You will not receive a new card; the address change updates your record only. If you need a replacement card with the new address printed on it, include a check or money order for the replacement fee with your mailed form, and note that you want a replacement card.

Visiting a Driver Services office in person

In-person visits work for any address change situation, including expired licenses, name changes, or if you do not have acceptable proof of address at home. Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Tennessee Driver Services website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). If your license has expired, bring it anyway — the office will process the address change and can renew your license at the same visit. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The office processes address changes the same day. If you are only changing your address and your license is current, there is no fee. If your license has expired or you need a replacement card with the new address, you will pay the renewal or replacement fee at that time. You will receive your new card within two weeks by mail, or you can pay an additional fee for a same-day card at some offices.

What documents prove your new address

Tennessee accepts several documents as proof of address. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and insurance documents also work. Government mail such as a tax return, voter registration card, or court notice with your name and address is acceptable.

Bank statements and credit card statements are generally accepted if they show your name and address. Some offices may ask for two documents if one seems unclear or if the name on the document does not match your license exactly (for example, if you go by a nickname on your license but your legal name on the utility bill). Call your local Driver Services office ahead of time if you are unsure whether a specific document will work.

How address changes affect your vehicle registration and voter record

Once the Driver Services office processes your address change, the new address automatically updates in the state's system. Your vehicle registration will reflect the new address the next time you renew it, or you can request an updated registration card by mail from the Tennessee Department of Revenue. You do not need to visit the registration office separately.

Your voter registration also updates automatically in most cases, though this can take a few weeks. If you are registering to vote for the first time at your new address, you may need to register separately through your county election office or online at the Tennessee Secretary of State website. Check your voter status online to confirm the address is correct before an election.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired within the last year, you can renew it and change your address at the same time using any of the three methods. Online renewal is available if your license expired less than one year ago. Mail renewal requires form DL 43 plus the renewal fee. In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is always an option and is processed the same day.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and the renewal fee. The office will process the renewal and address change together. You will receive your new card by mail within two weeks, or you can pay for a same-day card at some locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new physical card when I change my address online?

No. An online address change updates your record in the state system, but your current license card remains valid with the old address printed on it. If you want a card with the new address printed on it, you can order a replacement card through the online system for the standard replacement fee of $27.

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

Mail processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Driver Services office receives your form. Send your completed form DL 43, a copy of your license, and proof of address to the Nashville office address listed on the form. Your address updates in the system during this time, even though you have not received a new card yet.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

Other documents work, including mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank statements, insurance documents, or government mail with your name and address dated within 60 days. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your local Driver Services office before you visit or mail your form.

Can I change my address if my license has expired?

Yes. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew and change your address online or by mail. If it expired more than one year ago, you must visit a Driver Services office in person. Either way, the office processes the renewal and address change together.

Will my vehicle registration automatically update with my new address?

Yes. Once your driver's license address updates, your vehicle registration record updates automatically in the state system. Your registration will show the new address when you renew it, or you can request an updated registration card by mail from the Tennessee Department of Revenue.