Tennessee lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a service center

You can update your address on your Tennessee driver's license through three routes: the online system (fastest, available 24/7), mail (takes 7–10 business days), or in person at a Driver Services office (same-day processing). Tennessee does not charge a fee for an address change alone. You do not need to renew your license early or get a new photo unless you choose to.

The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you have access to a computer and printer. Online is the default for most people; mail works if you prefer not to visit an office; in-person is best if you need proof of the change when ready or if you have other license business to handle at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee's online address-change system is open 24 hours and takes about 10 minutes; the change appears in the state system within one business day.
  • You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
  • If you mail in the change, you must include a signed form and proof of your new address; processing takes 7–10 business days.
  • An in-person address change at a Driver Services office takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing, but you must bring your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Your physical license card does not change when you update your address online or by mail — the address in the state system updates, but your card keeps the old address until renewal.

Changing your address online through the Tennessee DMV system

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security runs an online address-change portal at tn.gov/safety. You log in with your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system then asks you to enter your new address and confirm it. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

Once you submit, the state system updates your record within one business day. You will receive a confirmation email if you provide one. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it (which happens every five or eight years depending on your age), but law enforcement and state agencies can see your current address in the system. This is sufficient for most purposes — banks, employers, and government offices can verify your address through the DMV database.

The online system is available 24 hours, seven days a week. It does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than one year. If any of those explore, you must use the mail or in-person route.

Mailing in an address change with the required form and proof

To change your address by mail, you need two things: Form DL 43 (Address Change form) and proof of your new address. You can read Form DL 43 from the Tennessee DMV website or request it by phone at 615-741-3054. The form asks for your name, license number, old address, new address, and signature.

Proof of your new address must be an original document (not a photocopy) dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at the new address. A piece of mail with your name and new address is the simplest option.

Mail the signed form and proof document to: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37249. Processing takes 7–10 business days from the date the office receives your envelope. You will not receive a confirmation; the change is complete when your new address appears in the system. If you need to verify the change was processed, call 615-741-3054 after 10 business days.

Updating your address in person at a Driver Services office

You can walk into any Tennessee Driver Services office and request an address change. Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address (same documents as the mail route: utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). You do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

The staff member will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and update the system on the spot. The change is recorded when ready. If you want a new physical license card with your updated address printed on it, you can request that at the same time — it costs $27 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. Most people skip this step and keep their old card until the next renewal.

Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. You can find your nearest office and current wait times on the Tennessee DMV website.

What counts as proof of your new address

Tennessee requires an original document (not a scan or photocopy) that shows your name and new address and was issued or dated within the last 60 days. The most common documents are:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
  • Lease agreement or rental contract
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Government mail (tax notice, voter registration, court document)
  • Insurance policy or bill

A piece of mail from your bank or a utility company is usually the fastest to gather. If you just moved and have not received any mail at the new address yet, a signed lease or a utility bill in your name (even if dated before you moved) can work — call the Driver Services office ahead of time to confirm. Do not bring a printed email or a screenshot; the document must be a physical original.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

The timeline depends on which method you use. Online changes are recorded within one business day. Mail takes 7–10 business days from receipt. In-person changes are when ready. If you are moving for a job or a time-sensitive reason, the online or in-person route is the only option.

After your address is updated in the state system, you will not see a physical change to your license card unless you request a replacement. Your old card remains valid and will work for identification purposes. The address in the DMV database is what matters for official records — police, courts, and government agencies check that system, not your card.

If you change your address and then renew your license before the next scheduled renewal date, the new card will print with your updated address. A renewal costs $27 for a five-year license or $54 for an eight-year license. Most people wait until the renewal date rather than pay to replace the card early.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address

Submitting an incomplete form by mail. If you mail Form DL 43 without proof of your new address, the office will send it back. Include both the signed form and an original proof document in the same envelope.

Using a photocopy or scan as proof. Tennessee requires the original document. A photocopy will be rejected, even if it is notarized. Bring or mail the actual utility bill, lease, or bank statement.

Assuming your physical card updates automatically. It does not. Your card keeps your old address until you renew your license or pay for a replacement card. The state system has your new address, but your card does not. This is normal and does not cause problems with law enforcement or government agencies.

Trying to change your address if your license is expired. The online system will reject you if your license expired more than one year ago. Use the mail or in-person route instead, and consider renewing your license at the same time.

Forgetting to update your address with other agencies. Changing your DMV address does not automatically update your voter registration, vehicle registration, or insurance. You must contact those organizations separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Tennessee law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within a reasonable time after you move. There is no specific important date, but doing it within 30 days is standard practice. Failing to update your address can cause problems if you are pulled over or if mail from the DMV cannot reach you.

Can I change my address without going to an office or using the online system?

Yes, by mail. You can print Form DL 43, sign it, include proof of your new address, and mail it to the Nashville address listed above. It takes longer (7–10 business days) but requires no office visit or internet access.

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

Call the Driver Services office at 615-741-3054 and explain your situation. If you just moved and have not received mail yet, they may accept a signed lease or a utility bill in your name. Some offices have flexibility for people in transition. Do not guess — ask first.

Will my vehicle registration address change automatically when I update my driver's license?

No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. You must update your vehicle registration separately through the Tennessee DMV or by mail. Contact the Vehicle Services Division at 615-741-3101 or visit tn.gov/safety.

How long does it take to get a new license card with my updated address?

If you request a replacement card at a Driver Services office, it takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. The cost is $27. Most people keep their old card and wait until their next scheduled renewal instead.