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

Tennessee lets you change your address without getting a new license photo or paying a fee. The fastest way is online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDHS) website, which takes about 10 minutes. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail in a form or visit a Driver Services Center in person — both take longer but work just as well.

You'll need proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works) and your current Tennessee driver's license. The address change itself is free, though some methods have small processing fees.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the TDHS website is the fastest option and requires only your license number, Social Security number, and a photo of your proof of address.
  • By mail, you send form DL 43 along with proof of your new address to the TDHS address on the form; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In person at any Driver Services Center, you bring your license and proof of address; the change is when ready and costs nothing.
  • Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
  • You do not need to renew your license or get a new photo — only the address on your existing license changes.

Updating your address online through the TDHS website

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the Driver Services section. You'll find a link to update your address online. You'll need your current Tennessee driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your new address.

The system will ask you to upload a photo of your proof of address — take a clear picture of the document showing your name and new address, dated within the last 60 days. Once you submit, the system confirms the change when ready, though it may take a few days for the change to appear in all state records. There is no fee for this method.

This method works only if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had a name change since your license was issued. If either of those applies to you, use the in-person or mail method instead.

Mailing in your address change with form DL 43

read or request form DL 43 (process for Duplicate Driver's License or Permit) from the TDHS website or any Driver Services Center. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of your proof of address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date TDHS receives your envelope. There is no fee for a straightforward address change by mail.

Keep a copy of what you send for your records. If you do not hear back within four weeks, contact a Driver Services Center to confirm they received your form.

Updating your address in person at a Driver Services Center

Visit any Driver Services Center in Tennessee with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. The staff will verify your information, update your address on the spot, and you'll leave with the change complete. There is no fee for an address-only change.

Driver Services Centers are located in most counties. You can find the one nearest you on the TDHS website by entering your county or city. Most centers do not require an appointment for address changes, but some busier locations may have wait times during peak hours (usually mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Going early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means a shorter wait.

Bring your current license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

What counts as proof of your new address

Tennessee requires that your proof of address be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works.

Documents that do not work include a driver's license from another state, a post office change-of-address form, or a letter from your employer. If you 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 their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date.

How long the address change takes depending on your method

An in-person address change at a Driver Services Center is when ready — your address updates while you wait. An online submission through the TDHS website shows as complete right away, though it may take a few business days to appear in all state systems. A mailed form takes two to three weeks from the date the TDHS office receives it.

If you need your address changed quickly — for example, because you are moving and need your license to reflect your new address for a job or housing — the in-person method is your best choice. If you are updating your address after you have already settled in, any method works, but online is fastest if you are comfortable uploading a photo.

What happens if your address change is rejected

An address change can be rejected if your proof of address is older than 60 days, does not show your name, or does not match the address you entered on the form. If you submitted online or by mail and your change was rejected, you'll receive a letter or email explaining why.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot update the address online — you must go in person or by mail. If you have a suspended or revoked license, contact a Driver Services Center to find out what you need to do before the address can be changed.

If you submitted by mail and do not hear back within four weeks, call the TDHS Driver Services office to confirm they received your form and ask what the hold-up is. Sometimes mail gets lost, and calling lets you resubmit if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a new license photo when I change my address?

No. An address change does not require a new photo or a new license. Your current license stays valid; only the address printed on it changes. You keep the same license number and expiration date.

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

No. If you have moved to another state and plan to get a license there, you should get a license in your new state instead. You do not need to update your Tennessee address. If you are moving out of state but keeping your Tennessee license (for example, if you work in Tennessee but live nearby in another state), you can update your address to your new out-of-state address.

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still have its address updated. However, you should also renew your license soon so it does not stay expired. You can renew and update your address at the same time by visiting a Driver Services Center or mailing in a renewal form.

How do I know if my online address change went through?

The online system confirms your submission when ready and gives you a confirmation number. Check your email for a confirmation message from TDHS. If you do not receive an email within a few hours, log back into the system and check your account to see if the change shows as complete.

What if my proof of address has my old name on it but I have since married or changed my name?

Bring both your proof of address and a document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The staff at the Driver Services Center or the TDHS office processing your mail will accept the address proof along with the name-change document. If you are updating online, call the TDHS office to ask whether you can upload both documents or if you need to visit in person instead.