You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

Tennessee allows you to update your driver's license address through three routes: the online system (fastest), mail (takes 1–2 weeks), or an in-person visit to a Driver Services office. You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address. The method you choose depends on whether you have a Real ID-compliant license, how quickly you need the change recorded, and whether you want a physical card with the new address printed on it.

The online method works only if your current license is Real ID-compliant and you have not changed your name, address more than once in the past year, or your license status. If any of those conditions explore, you must visit an office or mail in your request. Address changes do not extend your license expiration date — your license remains valid until the date already printed on it.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the Tennessee DMV website take effect when ready and cost nothing, but only work for Real ID licenses with no recent changes to name or address.
  • If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a completed Form DL 43 with a proof-of-residency document to the DMV address processing center.
  • In-person visits at any Driver Services office take 15–30 minutes and let you request a replacement card with your new address printed on it for a $7 fee.
  • You must update your address within 30 days of moving under Tennessee law, though the DMV does not enforce this retroactively.
  • A mailed address change takes 1–2 weeks to process; an in-person change is recorded the same day.

Online address change through the Tennessee DMV website

The Tennessee DMV online portal lets you change your address in minutes if your license meets the requirements. Go to the official Tennessee DMV website, select "Change Address Online," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will enter your new address, confirm your identity, and the change takes effect when ready. You do not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DMV's records show the new one.

You can only use this method if your current license is Real ID-compliant (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), you have not changed your name in the past year, you have not changed your address more than once in the past 12 months, and your license is not suspended or revoked. If any of these do not explore, skip to the mail or in-person options below.

The online change is free and takes effect the same day. However, if you need a physical card with your new address printed on it — for example, if you use your license as proof of residency for a bank account or lease — you must either mail in a request or visit an office to order a replacement card.

Mailing your address change with Form DL 43

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail your address change to the Tennessee DMV. read and print Form DL 43 (Address Change) from the Tennessee DMV website or request it by phone at 615-741-3954. Fill in your name, driver's license number, current address, and new address. You must also include one piece of proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days showing your name and new address.

Mail the completed form and proof-of-residency document to: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37249. Do not send your physical license card unless you are requesting a replacement. Processing takes 1–2 weeks from the date the DMV receives your mail. Your address will be updated in the DMV system, but your physical card will still show the old address unless you pay $7 to order a replacement card at the same time.

Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you want to track your request, note the date you mailed it and call the DMV a week later to confirm receipt. The mailed method works for all license types and situations where the online system does not — including if you have changed your address more than once in the past year or your license is suspended.

In-person address change at a Driver Services office

You can walk into any Tennessee Driver Services office and change your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one proof-of-residency document (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days, showing your name and new address). Tell the clerk you want to change your address. The change is recorded when ready and takes about 15–30 minutes.

At the office, you have the option to order a replacement card with your new address printed on it for $7. If you do not order a replacement, your current card remains valid but will show the old address. Most people order the replacement so they have a physical card that matches their current address for identification and proof-of-residency purposes. The replacement card is mailed to you within 7–10 business days.

To find the office nearest you, use the DMV office locator on the Tennessee DMV website. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. No appointment is required, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the week or mid-morning usually means shorter waits.

What counts as proof of residency

Tennessee requires one document that shows your name and new address and was issued or dated within the past 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document with your address. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. Some DMV offices will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for an official bill. Call your local office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.

Replacing your card with the new address

If you change your address online, your license remains valid but the physical card shows your old address. If you need a card with your new address printed on it, you must visit an office or mail in a replacement request. The in-person replacement costs $7 and takes 7–10 business days to arrive by mail. The mailed replacement also costs $7 — include a note with your Form DL 43 request stating that you want a replacement card, and include payment by check or money order.

You do not have to replace your card. Your old card is still a valid form of identification and remains valid until its expiration date. However, if you use your license as proof of residency for banking, housing, or other purposes, having a card that matches your current address can prevent delays or questions.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

The timeline depends on which method you use. Online changes take effect the same day and are recorded in the DMV system when ready. Mailed changes take 1–2 weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope — add 2–3 days for mail delivery each way. In-person changes are recorded the same day you visit the office. If you order a replacement card in person or by mail, add 7–10 business days for the card to be printed and mailed to you.

After your address is updated, you will not receive a confirmation letter from the DMV. Your new address will appear in the system if you log into your DMV account online or if you visit an office and the clerk pulls up your record. If you ordered a replacement card, that is your confirmation — the card will arrive with your new address printed on it. If you did not order a replacement and want to verify the change was processed, call the DMV at 615-741-3954 and provide your driver's license number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address within 30 days of moving?

Tennessee law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 30 days of moving. However, the DMV does not actively enforce this or penalize you for a late change. That said, it is best to update your address promptly so your license matches your actual residence and the DMV has your correct contact information.

Will changing my address extend my license expiration date?

No. Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address. The date printed on your card remains the same. You will renew your license on its original expiration date, not on the date you changed your address.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

You can update your address in the DMV system, but you cannot use the online method. You must mail Form DL 43 or visit an office in person. You cannot order a replacement card while your license is suspended or revoked, but the address change itself will be recorded.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Tennessee address?

If you no longer live in Tennessee, you should obtain a driver's license in your new state instead of updating your Tennessee address. Once you have a valid license in your new state, you can let your Tennessee license expire or surrender it. Contact your new state's DMV for their requirements.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. Only you can change your address online using your license number and date of birth. If you mail in a change, you must sign Form DL 43 yourself. If you visit an office in person, you must be present with your ID. A family member or representative cannot make the change on your behalf.