The fastest way to change your address in Tennessee
You can change your address on your Tennessee driver's license online through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your updated license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests; Tennessee treats an address change as a routine update, not a license renewal.
You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address to start the online process. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to the address listed on the Department of Safety website, or walk into any Driver Services Center with your current license and proof of your new address.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days from submission.
- You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- An address change does not require a new photo, a written test, or a road test — only your current license and the new address information.
- If you change your address in person at a Driver Services Center, bring your current license and one document showing your new address.
Changing your address online
Visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and look for the address change option under driver's license services. You will enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your new address, and a valid email address. The system will send you a confirmation email once the change is processed.
Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not pay a fee for an address change in Tennessee. Your current license remains valid at your old address until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification during that time.
Changing your address by mail
read the address change form from the Department of Safety website or request one by phone. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address listed on the Department of Safety website. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your envelope. Keep your current license with you during this time; it remains valid until your new license arrives.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services Center
Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address to any Driver Services Center in Tennessee. The document can be a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
The staff will update your address on the spot, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee. If you need your license sooner, ask the staff whether they can issue a temporary paper license you can use for identification while you wait for the new one.
What counts as proof of 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 choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail from a state or federal agency all work as well.
The document must show your full name and the complete new address. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a signed lease agreement from your landlord or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your new address and move-in date can work in some cases — call your local Driver Services Center to confirm before you go in.
When you need to change your address
Tennessee law does not set a specific important date for updating your address after you move. However, it is a good idea to update it within 30 days of your move so that your license matches where you actually live. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, an outdated address can create confusion and may delay processing.
If you move out of state, you do not need to update your Tennessee license — you will need to get a license from your new state instead. If you move within Tennessee, an address change is all you need; you do not have to renew your license early or pay any additional fees.
How long the process takes
Online submission is the fastest: your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your envelope, plus whatever time it takes for your mail to arrive. In-person at a Driver Services Center is also 7 to 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail, though you complete the transaction when ready.
If you need to use your license for identification before the new one arrives, your current license with the old address remains valid. Some Driver Services Centers can issue a temporary paper license on the spot if you ask, though this varies by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I move?
Tennessee does not legally require you to update your address within a specific timeframe, but it is recommended within 30 days. An outdated address can cause problems if you are stopped by police or need to renew your license, so updating it is worth doing soon after you move.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No. You must renew your license first, then change the address. Contact your local Driver Services Center or the Department of Safety website to find out how to renew an expired license, then follow the address change process once your new license arrives.
What if I move and do not have a utility bill yet?
A lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or letter from your landlord on their letterhead can work. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within 60 days. Call your local Driver Services Center before you go in to confirm they will accept the document you have.
Will changing my address cost me anything?
No. An address change in Tennessee is free. You do not pay a fee whether you change it online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center.
Can I change my address if I have a commercial driver's license?
Yes. The same process applies to commercial driver's licenses. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center using the same methods and documents required for a regular driver's license.