Change your address online, by mail, or in person at any Tennessee Driver Services office

Tennessee lets you update your driver's license address without renewing the entire license. You can do this through the online system, by mail, or by visiting a Driver Services office in person. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you want a new card mailed to you.

The fastest route is the online system at tn.gov/safety/driverlicense, which processes most address changes within minutes. If you prefer not to use the online system or need a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can mail a form to the state or visit an office. Each method has different timing and requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the Tennessee Driver Services website take effect when ready and cost nothing, but your physical card will still show the old address until you renew.
  • Mailing Form DL 43 (Address Change) to the state takes two to four weeks and also does not produce a new card with your updated address.
  • Visiting a Driver Services office in person costs $7 for a replacement card printed with your new address and is usually processed the same day.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) for any method.
  • Your address change is recorded in the state system regardless of method, so law enforcement and the DMV will have your current information even if your card still shows the old address.

Online address change through the Tennessee Driver Services website

The online system is the fastest way to update your address in the state database. Go to tn.gov/safety/driverlicense, select "Change Address Online," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to provide your Social Security number and confirm your new address. The system will verify your identity using information on file and process the change when ready.

The trade-off is that your physical driver's license card will still display your old address. The state does not mail you a new card when you change your address online. If you need a card with your new address printed on it — for example, to show proof of residency to a bank or landlord — you will need to either visit an office to pay for a replacement card or wait until your license renewal date.

Mailing a form to change your address

You can mail Form DL 43 (Address Change) to the Tennessee Driver Services office. read the form from tn.gov/safety/driverlicense or request it by phone at 615-741-3054. Fill in your driver's license number, current address, new address, and sign the form. 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 completed form and proof to: Tennessee Driver Services, P.O. Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Like the online method, mailing does not produce a replacement card, so your physical license will still show your old address. You will receive written confirmation that your address has been updated in the state system.

In-person address change at a Driver Services office

Visiting a Driver Services office is the only method that produces a new card with your updated address printed on it. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and be ready to pay $7 for the replacement card. Most offices process the request the same day and issue your new card before you leave.

Find the office nearest you at tn.gov/safety/driverlicense and check their hours before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others operate by appointment only. Call ahead if you are unsure. Bring the documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of address. If you do not have a current utility bill or lease in your name, you can use a bank statement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill instead.

What counts as proof of your new address

Tennessee requires proof dated within 60 days of your address change request. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document showing your new address. The document must be in your name and show your full address.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on official letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some Driver Services offices will accept this in place of a standard document. Call the office you plan to visit to confirm what they will accept before you make the trip.

Timeline and what happens after you change your address

The state updates your address in its system when ready (online), within two to four weeks (by mail), or the same day (in person). Once your address is changed, law enforcement, the DMV, and other state agencies will have your current information. If you receive a traffic ticket or renewal notice, it will be mailed to your new address.

Your physical driver's license card will show your old address until you renew your license or pay for a replacement card. If you need a card with your new address sooner, the in-person replacement option is your only choice. When your license renewal date arrives, you can renew online, by mail, or in person, and the new card will display your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move within Tennessee?

You are not legally required to change your address when ready, but you should do so within a reasonable time. Keeping your address current helps may support you receive important notices, including license renewal reminders and traffic citations. If you are stopped by law enforcement, having an outdated address on file may cause delays.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You cannot change your address online if your license is expired. You will need to renew your license first, which you can do online, by mail, or in person. Once your license is renewed, you can then change your address using any of the three methods. If you prefer to do both at once, visit a Driver Services office and they can renew and update your address in a single transaction.

What if I move out of state?

If you move to another state, you will eventually need to obtain a driver's license from that state. Tennessee does not require you to remove your address from the system, but you should obtain a new license in your new state within the timeframe that state requires — typically 30 to 60 days. Driving on an out-of-state license after moving is usually not legal.

Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration?

Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You will need to update your registration address separately through the Tennessee Department of Revenue. You can do this online at tn.gov/revenue or by mail using Form RE 4 (Registration Change of Address).

How much does it cost to change my address?

Changing your address online or by mail costs nothing. If you visit a Driver Services office and request a replacement card with your new address printed on it, the fee is $7. This is the only charge involved in any address change method.