The cost to change your address on a Tennessee driver's license is free
You do not pay a fee to update your address with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Whether you change it online, by mail, or in person at a driver services center, there is no charge for the address change itself.
What you might pay for depends on whether you need a replacement card at the same time. If you only update your address in the system without getting a new physical license, the service costs nothing. If you request a new card with your updated address printed on it, that card itself has a fee — but the address change is still free.
Key Takeaways
- Changing your address in Tennessee's system is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person.
- A replacement card with your new address printed on it costs $19.50 for a standard license or $29.50 for a REAL ID card.
- You can update your address without ordering a new card, which keeps your cost at zero.
- Online address changes through the Tennessee DMV website are the fastest and cheapest option.
When you need to pay for a replacement card
The fee applies only if you want a physical replacement card with your new address printed on it. A standard Tennessee driver's license replacement card costs $19.50. If you have or want a REAL ID card (the kind with a gold star that works for federal travel), a replacement costs $29.50.
You are not required to get a new card just because you moved. Your current license remains valid even if the address printed on it is outdated. Many people update their address in the system and keep their old card until it expires or they need to renew it for another reason.
How to change your address for free online
The fastest and cheapest way is to update your address through the Tennessee DMV website without ordering a new card. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, log into your driver record, and update your address. This takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to log in. Once you update your address online, the change takes effect when ready in the system. Your old card stays valid — the address on it just will not match your records anymore.
Changing your address by mail at no cost
If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a form to the Tennessee DMV. Request form DL-43 (Address Change) from the driver services center or read it from the DMV website. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your current license and proof of your new address.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes longer — usually two to three weeks — but there is no fee for the address change itself.
Changing your address in person at a driver services center
You can also walk into any Tennessee driver services center and update your address in person. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or similar document). A staff member will update your address in the system while you wait, and there is no charge.
This method is useful if you are already at a driver services center for another reason or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. The change takes effect right away. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can order it at that time and pay the $19.50 or $29.50 fee.
What counts as proof of your new address
Tennessee accepts several documents as proof of address. A current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail addressed to you at your new address also work.
The document must show your full name and the address you are claiming. It should be recent — generally from the last 60 days, though the DMV may accept older documents in some cases. If you are unsure whether a specific document will work, call the driver services center before you go in.
Timeline for address changes by method
Online changes are when ready — your address updates in the system as soon as you submit the form, and you can see it reflected when ready if you log back in. By mail, expect two to three weeks for processing. In person at a driver services center, the change happens while you wait, usually within minutes.
If you order a replacement card with your new address, add another week or two for the card to arrive by mail, regardless of which method you used to request it. The card itself is mailed to your new address once it is printed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new card if I change my address?
No. You can update your address in the system for free without ordering a new card. Your old license stays valid; the address on it just will not match your records. Many people wait until their license expires to get a new one.
What if I move again before my new card arrives?
Contact the DMV and update your address again. The card will be mailed to your most recent address on file. If the card arrives at an old address, you can request a replacement card be sent to your current address, which will have a fee.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can update your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. If you go in person, you may be asked to renew your license at the same time, which would have a separate renewal fee.
Is there a fee to change my address if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Address changes are free for all Tennessee driver's licenses, including commercial licenses. The fee only applies if you order a replacement card with your new address printed on it.
What happens if I do not update my address with the DMV?
Your license remains valid, but your address on file will not match where you actually live. This can cause problems if you get pulled over, renew your license, or need to update vehicle registration. It is best to update it when you move.