How to change your address on your Tennessee driver's license
You can update your driver's license address in Tennessee through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) in person, by mail, or online. The online method is fastest if you have a valid email address and your current license number. In-person updates at any DSHS Driver Services office take about 15 minutes and require proof of your new address. Mail-in updates take longer but work if you cannot visit an office.
Tennessee does not charge a fee to change your address on an existing license. You keep your current license number and expiration date—the address change does not reset your renewal cycle. This matters because you will still receive your renewal notice at your old address unless you update it with DSHS before the notice is mailed.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the DSHS website are the fastest option and require only your license number, email, and proof of your new address uploaded as a photo.
- In-person updates at any Driver Services office require a document showing your name and new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
- Mail-in updates require a completed form DL 43 and a copy of your proof of address, and take two to three weeks to process.
- Your license number and expiration date do not change when you update your address, so you will still renew on your original schedule.
- Updating your address with DSHS does not automatically update your vehicle registration address—you must handle those separately.
Online address change through the DSHS website
The Tennessee DSHS online portal lets you change your address without visiting an office. Go to the DSHS Driver Services website and select the option to update your address. You will need your current driver's license number, a valid email address, and a photo or scan of a document that shows your name and new address.
Acceptable proof of address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Take a clear photo or scan with your phone and upload it through the portal. DSHS will review your submission and send a confirmation email when your address has been updated in their system.
This process typically completes within one to two business days. You do not receive a new physical license card—your address is updated in the DSHS database, and your current card remains valid. When you renew your license, you will receive the new card with your updated address.
In-person address updates at a Driver Services office
You can walk into any Tennessee Driver Services office and update your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your name and new address, dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or recent government mail all work.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning visits on weekdays are usually faster than afternoons or weekends. The staff will verify your document, update your address in the system, and you will be done in 10 to 15 minutes. You leave with your current license card—no new card is issued for an address change alone.
Find the Driver Services office nearest you on the DSHS website. The office locator shows hours, which vary by location. Some offices close for lunch, so check before you go.
Mail-in address change by form
If you cannot visit an office or use the online portal, you can mail in a form DL 43 (process for Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card) along with proof of your new address. read form DL 43 from the DSHS website or request it by phone at 615-741-3054.
Complete the form with your current information and new address. Include a copy of a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address—do not send the original. Mail the form and copy to the address listed on the DSHS website. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DSHS receives your envelope.
Mail-in updates are slower than online or in-person methods, but they work if you have mobility issues or live far from an office. Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. You will not receive a confirmation email, so allow the full processing time before assuming there is a problem.
What documents count as proof of your new address
Tennessee requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows both your name and your new address. The following documents are accepted: utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank or credit card statements, insurance policies, property tax bills, and government mail from federal, state, or local agencies.
Documents that do not work include credit card offers with no account number, printed emails, or documents with only a partial address. If you recently moved and have not yet received mail at your new address, a signed lease or mortgage document works as long as it is dated within 60 days. Some people use a utility bill in a roommate's name if their own name is not on the account—call DSHS at 615-741-3054 to ask whether your specific document will be accepted before you submit it.
Updating your vehicle registration address separately
Changing your driver's license address does not automatically change your vehicle registration address. You must update your vehicle registration separately through the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Your registration renewal notice will still go to your old address unless you notify the Department of Revenue.
You can update your vehicle registration address online through the Tennessee Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at a county clerk's office. The process is similar to updating your license—you provide proof of your new address and your vehicle information. If you have multiple vehicles, you must update each registration separately.
Timing and what to expect after you update
Online updates take one to two business days. In-person updates are when ready. Mail-in updates take two to three weeks. After your address is updated, your driver's license number and expiration date stay the same. You will not receive a new card unless you renew your license or request a duplicate for another reason.
Your next renewal notice will be mailed to your new address if you update before the notice is printed and mailed. Renewal notices are usually mailed about 60 days before your expiration date. If you update your address after your renewal notice has already been mailed to your old address, you may not receive it at your new location. Check your expiration date on your current license and plan to renew online or in person if you are unsure whether the notice will reach you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new photo when I change my address?
No. An address change does not require a new photo or a new license card. Your current license remains valid with the old photo. A new photo is only required when you renew your license on your expiration date or if you request a duplicate card for another reason.
What if my proof of address document is older than 60 days?
DSHS will not accept it. You need a document dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and have not received mail yet, a signed lease or mortgage agreement dated within 60 days works. If your only available document is older, contact DSHS at 615-741-3054 to ask about exceptions.
Can I change my address online if I do not have an email address?
No. The online portal requires a valid email address to send your confirmation. Use the in-person or mail-in method instead. In-person is faster if you can visit a Driver Services office.
Will my license number change when I update my address?
No. Your license number stays the same. Only your address is updated in the DSHS system. Your expiration date also does not change—you renew on your original schedule, not on the date you change your address.
What happens if I move again before my renewal?
You can update your address as many times as you need. Each update follows the same process—online, in person, or by mail. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address on your current license.