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 quickest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $7. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests; the state straightforward updates your record and mails you a replacement license with your new address.
If you move within Tennessee, you have 30 days to report the change. If you move to Tennessee from another state, you must get a Tennessee license within 30 days of establishing residency. The address change itself does not expire, but your license does — Tennessee licenses are valid for five or eight years depending on your age.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes cost $7 and take about 10 minutes; you receive your replacement license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You have 30 days from the date you move to report your new address to the state.
- You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, your new address, and a valid payment method to change your address online.
- If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form or visit a Driver Services Center in person, though both take longer than the online option.
Changing your address online
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the option to change your address. You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, your new street address, and a debit or credit card to pay the $7 fee. The system will confirm your identity by asking questions about your driving record or previous addresses.
After you submit the form, the state mails your replacement license to your new address. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you do not need to do anything else. Do not throw away your old license until the new one shows up — you may need it for identification in the meantime.
Changing your address by mail
read the Address Change form (Form DL 43) from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it along with a copy of a document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work.
Mail the form and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the state receives it, plus mail time in both directions. You do not pay a fee for a mail-in address change. Your old license stays valid during this time.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services Center
Visit any Driver Services Center with your current Tennessee driver's license and a document proving your new address. Bring the same proof documents that work for mail-in changes: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You will pay $7 for the replacement license.
The staff will update your record on the spot, and you will receive your replacement license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can find the Driver Services Center nearest you on the state website. Some centers require you to schedule an appointment online first, while others accept walk-ins — check before you go.
What counts as proof of your new address
Tennessee accepts several documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and full street address. 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, or a homeowner's insurance policy.
A post office change-of-address confirmation does not count as proof of residence. If you do not have any of the accepted documents yet, wait until you receive a utility bill or other official mail at your new address before you submit your address change.
What happens to your old license
Your old license remains valid for identification purposes until your replacement arrives. You do not need to surrender it or destroy it — the state straightforward deactivates it in their system once the new license is issued. You can keep it or throw it away; there is no requirement either way.
If you lose your old license before the new one arrives, you can still use other forms of identification. You do not need to report the lost license separately when you have already submitted an address change.
Timeline and what to expect
The method you choose affects how long your replacement license takes to arrive and what it costs. Online changes are fastest and cost $7, while mail-in changes are free but take longer. In-person visits cost $7 and have the same delivery time as online changes, but you get when ready confirmation that your address was updated correctly.
| Method | Processing Time | Cost | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 7–10 business days for delivery | $7 | License number, new address, payment method |
| By Mail | 2–3 weeks plus mail time | Free | Form DL 43, proof of address |
| In Person | 7–10 business days for delivery | $7 | Current license, proof of address |
No matter which method you choose, your replacement license will show your new address and your same license number. The expiration date does not change — your new license expires on the same date your old one would have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I move out of state after getting a Tennessee license?
You do not have to notify Tennessee. Your Tennessee license remains valid for identification and driving in other states until it expires. If you establish residency in a new state, that state will require you to get a license there within a certain time frame, but Tennessee has no requirement to be notified of your move.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. A suspension or revocation does not prevent you from updating your address. The state needs your current address on file for legal notices and correspondence, so you should report the change even if your license is not valid for driving.
Do I need to change my address if I move within the same city?
Yes. Any change to your street address, even within the same city, must be reported to the state within 30 days. The online method is the quickest way to do this.
What if my replacement license arrives with the wrong address?
Contact the Driver Services Center or call the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to report the error. You may need to submit a corrected address change form or visit in person with proof of your correct address. The state will issue another replacement at no additional cost if the error was their mistake.
Can I change my address before I physically move?
You can submit the change a few days before you move, but Tennessee's 30-day window starts from the date you actually move and establish residency at the new address. Submitting early does not extend your important date — you still have 30 days from your move date to report it.