Tennessee lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center
The fastest way is online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH) website if you have a valid Tennessee license and a recent address. You can also mail in a form or visit a Driver Services Center in person. The online method takes minutes and costs nothing. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits are same-day but require a trip to your nearest center.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address — this is a separate transaction. Your license stays valid with the old address until you update it, but you should make the change as soon as you move because your legal address on file affects mail from the state, insurance records, and voter registration.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee's online address change tool is free and takes about five minutes if you have your current license number and can verify your identity.
- If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DL 43 to the TDSH address with a copy of your license and proof of your new address.
- In-person changes at any Driver Services Center require your current license and one document proving your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Changing your address does not affect your license expiration date or require you to pay a renewal fee.
- Your address change is recorded when ready online or within one to two weeks by mail; in person it is when ready.
Changing your address online through TDSH
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the address change option under driver license services. You will need your current Tennessee driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your identity and enter your new address.
After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your address change takes effect when ready in the state system. You do not receive a new physical card in the mail — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but your record in the state database shows your new address. This matters for official purposes like vehicle registration and insurance.
The online system works best if your information matches exactly what the state has on file. If you have changed your name since you got your license, or if the system cannot verify your identity, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing in your address change with Form DL 43
read or request Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate Driver License) from the TDSH website or any Driver Services Center. Fill in your new address in the appropriate section. Include a photocopy of your current Tennessee driver's license (front and back) and one document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Mail the form and documents to the address listed on the form — this is the TDSH office in Nashville. Include a check or money order for the address change fee if one applies; as of now, address changes are free, but confirm the current fee on the TDSH website before you mail. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the office receives your envelope.
Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If you want to track your request, call the TDSH customer service line and provide your license number and the date you mailed the form.
Changing your address in person at a Driver Services Center
Find your nearest Driver Services Center using the TDSH location finder on their website. Bring your current Tennessee driver's license and one document proving your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days all work. You do not need an appointment at most centers, but some locations accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis while others require you to book a time slot online.
Tell the staff member you need an address change, not a renewal. The change is recorded on the spot and your record updates when ready. You leave with your current license, which still shows the old address, but your file in the state system reflects your new address right away. There is no fee for an address change.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early mornings and weekday afternoons are usually less busy than lunch hours or late afternoons. If you are changing your address at the same time you renew your license, that is a separate transaction and may cost more.
What documents prove your new address
Tennessee accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, insurance statements, bank statements, and government mail from federal or state agencies. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photo or screenshot usually does not work.
If you do not have any of these documents yet because you just moved, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Some will provide this for free. If you are staying with family or friends and do not have a lease, a notarized letter from the homeowner stating your address and move-in date can work, though you should call the Driver Services Center ahead of time to confirm they will accept it.
Address changes and your license expiration date
Changing your address does not change when your license expires. Your expiration date stays the same whether you update your address online, by mail, or in person. You will still need to renew your license on the date printed on it, and that is a separate process from the address change.
If your license is expiring soon and you are moving, you can change your address and renew your license at the same time. Do this in person at a Driver Services Center or through the mail, because the online address-change tool does not handle renewals. Renewing and changing your address together costs more than doing them separately, so check the TDSH fee schedule before you decide.
What happens if you do not update your address
Your license remains valid even if the address on the card is outdated. However, the state's record of your address affects where official mail is sent, including renewal notices, vehicle registration documents, and court summons. If you move and do not update your address, you might miss important notices because they go to your old address.
Your insurance company and vehicle registration are separate from your driver's license address, so you need to notify them directly as well. Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your car insurance or vehicle registration — contact those organizations separately using their own change-of-address process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new license card when I change my address?
No. You keep your current card, which still shows your old address. Your record in the state system updates to show your new address, but the physical card does not change. If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you would need to renew your license, which is a separate process and costs a renewal fee.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online process takes about five to ten minutes to complete. Your address change is recorded when ready in the state system. You receive a confirmation number right away, and you can use that number if you need to follow up with TDSH.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No. You must have a valid, unexpired Tennessee driver's license to change your address online or in person. If your license is expired, you need to renew it first. You can renew and change your address at the same time by visiting a Driver Services Center or mailing in the renewal process with your new address.
What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Tennessee address?
If you have moved out of Tennessee permanently, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of updating your Tennessee address. However, if you are keeping your Tennessee license as a second ID or plan to move back, you can update your address to your out-of-state address. Call TDSH customer service to confirm whether your new state's address is acceptable.
Does changing my driver's license address update my vehicle registration?
No. Your vehicle registration is a separate document from your driver's license. You must notify the Tennessee Department of Revenue separately to update your vehicle registration address. You can do this online through their website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services Center.