What you need to do in Tennessee

To change the address on your Tennessee driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of your new address. Tennessee does not allow address changes by mail, phone, or online — you have to show up with documents. The process takes about 15 minutes, costs nothing, and you walk out with an updated license the same day.

You cannot use a temporary address or a PO box as your primary residence address on your license. Tennessee requires a physical street address where you actually live. If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, you can use a shelter address, a friend's address with their permission, or a social service agency address — but you will need to bring a letter from that organization confirming you have permission to use it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of your new address; Tennessee does not process address changes remotely.
  • Bring a document that shows your name and new street address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • The address change is free and takes about 15 minutes, and you receive your updated license when ready.
  • Your license will show the same expiration date it had before — changing your address does not extend or shorten how long your license is valid.
  • If you moved out of state or your license is suspended, you may need to handle your address change differently or wait until your license status changes.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one document that shows both your name and your new street address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. 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, an insurance policy, or a government benefit letter.

You will also need to bring your current Tennessee driver's license or learner's permit. If you have lost it, bring a government-issued photo ID instead — a passport, military ID, or state ID card will work. If you cannot produce any photo ID, you will need to bring two non-photo documents that show your name, such as a Social Security card and a birth certificate.

Do not bring originals of important documents like your Social Security card or birth certificate unless you have no other choice. The Driver Services Center will not keep them, but it is safer to leave them at home. A copy is acceptable if the document is legible.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your nearest Driver Services Center on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Enter your county or city, and the site will show you the address, hours, and phone number. Most centers are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have Saturday hours. A few locations are open on certain evenings — check before you go.

Walk in during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment for an address change. Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to update your address. They will ask you to fill out a short form with your new information, verify your documents, take a new photo if your current license photo is very old, and process the change. The whole visit usually takes 10 to 20 minutes unless the center is very busy.

You will pay nothing for an address change. If the center is crowded, you may wait 30 minutes or longer, so consider going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon when traffic is lighter.

What happens to your license after the change

Your updated license will be printed and handed to you before you leave the Driver Services Center. The new license will show your updated address, your same license number, and the same expiration date your old license had. You can start using it when ready for any purpose — driving, identification, or anything else that requires a valid Tennessee license.

Destroy or dispose of your old license once you have the new one. You do not need to return it to the state. Some people keep the old one as a record, but it is no longer valid for any official purpose.

If you moved to Tennessee from another state and still have an out-of-state license, you cannot straightforward change the address to a Tennessee address. You will need to surrender your out-of-state license and get a new Tennessee license instead. That process is different from an address change and requires a vision test and written knowledge test. Visit a Driver Services Center to find out what documents you need for a new Tennessee license.

Special situations and exceptions

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change the address until your suspension or revocation is lifted. Visit a Driver Services Center or call the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to find out the status of your license and what you need to do to restore it.

If you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder, you must notify the state of an address change within 30 days. The process is the same — visit a Driver Services Center with proof of your new address — but the important date is firm. Failing to report an address change on a CDL can result in fines.

If you are on probation or parole, check with your probation or parole officer before changing your address. Some conditions of release require you to notify your officer before you move, and you may need written permission or documentation from them to present at the Driver Services Center.

If you have moved out of state

If you have moved to another state, your Tennessee license is still valid until it expires, but you should get a license from your new state. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving there. Check the driver's license requirements for your new state to find out what you need to do.

You do not need to formally surrender your Tennessee license to another state. Once you get a license in your new state, your Tennessee license becomes inactive for driving purposes, though you can keep it as an ID if you wish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online or by mail?

No. Tennessee requires you to visit a Driver Services Center in person with proof of your new address. There is no online or mail option for address changes.

How long does it take to get my updated license?

You receive your updated license the same day you visit the Driver Services Center. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes at the counter, though you may wait longer if the center is busy.

Do I have to renew my license when I change my address?

No. Changing your address does not renew your license or change its expiration date. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one.

What if I do not have a document dated within the last 60 days?

You will need to get a document that shows your name and new address and is dated within 60 days. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement are the easiest to obtain quickly. If you cannot get one, ask the Driver Services Center staff what other documents they will accept.

Can I use a PO box as my address on my license?

No. Tennessee requires a physical street address where you live. A PO box cannot be your primary address on your license, though you can list it as a mailing address if the form allows it.