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

Tennessee lets you change your address without getting a new license card. The fastest way is online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH) website if you have a valid email and your current license number. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form or walk into any Driver Services office with proof of your new address.

You do not need to pay a fee to update your address. The change takes effect when ready online or the same day in person. By mail, it typically takes 7 to 10 business days for the TDSH to process and mail you confirmation.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the TDSH website is the fastest and requires only your license number, email, and proof of your new address uploaded as a photo or PDF.
  • In-person updates at any Driver Services office take a few minutes and require one document proving your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • Mailing in a form (DL 43) works if you cannot go online or visit an office, but takes 7 to 10 business days plus mail time.
  • You keep your current license card and expiration date; only the address record changes, not the physical card itself.
  • Updating your address does not affect your insurance, but some insurers may ask you to confirm the change separately.

Update your address online through the TDSH website

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the address change option under driver's license services. You will need your current license number, the email address on file with the TDSH, and a photo or PDF of one document that shows your new address.

Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Take a clear photo with your phone or scan it, then upload it through the online form. The system will confirm your change when ready, and you will receive an email confirmation.

Your address updates in the TDSH database right away. You do not receive a new physical card in the mail—your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the official record held by the state shows your new address. This matters for traffic stops, vehicle registration, and insurance purposes.

Update your address in person at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Tennessee Driver Services office with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. No appointment is needed, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring the same types of documents accepted online: utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days.

Tell the clerk you want to update your address. They will verify your document, update the record in the system, and hand you a receipt. The change takes effect when ready. Your physical card stays the same, but your address is now updated in the state database.

If you are updating your address because you moved out of state or are no longer a Tennessee resident, you will need to surrender your Tennessee license and may be asked additional questions. If you are moving within Tennessee, a straightforward address change is all that is required.

Update your address by mail

Request form DL 43 (Address Change) from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security by calling 615-741-3054 or visiting their website. You can also read and print it directly if it is available online. Fill out the form with your current license number, name, and new address.

Include one document proving your new address—a copy of a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days. Mail the completed form and document copy to the address listed on the form. Do not send your physical license card unless instructed to do so.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the TDSH receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time both ways. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail at your new address. Your physical license card will not change; only your address record in the state system updates.

What documents prove your new address

Tennessee accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it shows your name and current address. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail (tax documents, voter registration, court papers) are also accepted.

Documents that do not work include a driver's license from another state, a post office change-of-address form, or a letter from someone else. The document must have your name on it and your new address printed on it, not handwritten. If you live with someone else and the utility bill is in their name, ask if they can provide a statement showing both names, or bring a lease or mortgage document instead.

How address changes affect insurance and vehicle registration

Updating your driver's license address does not automatically notify your auto insurance company. You should contact your insurer separately and tell them about your move. Some insurers use your license address to calculate rates, and moving to a different area can change your premium. Failing to update your address with your insurer can cause problems if you file a claim.

You must also update your vehicle registration address with the Tennessee Department of Revenue. This is a separate process from updating your driver's license. You can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person at a county clerk's office. The registration and license address do not have to match, but it is simpler if they do.

What to do if you moved out of state

If you have moved to another state and no longer live in Tennessee, you should surrender your Tennessee license and get a license from your new state. You cannot straightforward update the address on a Tennessee license if you are now a resident of another state. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving.

If you are temporarily out of state but still a Tennessee resident (for work, school, or military service), you can update your address to a Tennessee address where you receive mail—a parent's home, a P.O. box, or a friend's address. You will need to show that you still have ties to Tennessee or explain the temporary move when you renew your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new license card when I change my address?

No. Your physical card stays the same with the old address printed on it. Only your address record in the Tennessee state database changes. The card remains valid and legal to use for identification and driving.

How long does an address change take?

Online and in-person changes take effect when ready. By mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing plus mail delivery time. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address.

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

You can update the address on an expired license, but you cannot drive legally with an expired license. If your license is expired, you should renew it at the same time or shortly after you move. Renewing and changing your address can often be done together online or in person.

What if I do not have a document that proves my new address?

You will need at least one document dated within 60 days showing your name and new address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, ask your landlord for a lease copy, contact your bank for a statement, or check if you received any government mail at the new address. If none of these are available, visit a Driver Services office and ask what alternatives they accept.

Will my insurance rates change if I update my address?

Possibly. Some insurers use your address to calculate rates based on the area where you live. Moving to a different city or county can raise or lower your premium. Contact your insurer to update your address and ask if your rate will change.