What You Need to Do to Change Your Address 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 and your current license. Tennessee does not allow address changes by mail, phone, or online. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you will receive an updated license with your new address printed on it. There is no fee for an address change.

You do not need to renew your license early to change your address. The address change is a separate transaction from renewal, and your license expiration date stays the same. If your license is already expired, however, you will need to renew it at the same time you change the address.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Driver Services Center in person; Tennessee does not process address changes by mail, phone, or online.
  • Bring your current Tennessee driver's license and one document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
  • The address change does not cost money and does not change your license expiration date.
  • Your updated license with the new address will be issued the same day you visit, though some centers may mail it to you instead.
  • If your license is expired, you must renew it at the same time; an address change alone cannot be processed on an expired license.

Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Center

Bring your current Tennessee driver's license and one document that proves your new address. The document must show your name and your new street address. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document with your new address on it.

The address proof document does not have to be recent, but it must be current enough to show you actually live at that address. A utility bill from three months ago is acceptable; one from a year ago is not. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, along with a copy of your lease.

Do not bring original documents you cannot afford to lose. Driver Services will not return them to you. Make a copy of your proof of address and bring the copy instead, or bring the original and ask the clerk to make a copy before they process your request.

Finding a Driver Services Center Near You

Tennessee operates Driver Services Centers across the state. You can find the location nearest you, hours, and current wait times on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Enter your county or city name to see all centers in your area. Some centers are busier than others; checking the website before you go can help you choose a time with shorter waits.

Most Driver Services Centers are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours one or two evenings per week. A few centers are open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead if you are unsure about a specific location's schedule, or check the website for the most current information.

What Happens When You Arrive at the Center

When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine or check in at the front desk. You will wait for your number to be called. When you reach the counter, tell the clerk you are changing your address. Hand over your current license and your proof of address. The clerk will enter your new address into the system and print a new license on the spot.

Some Driver Services Centers issue your new license when ready and hand it to you before you leave. Other centers print your license at the center but mail it to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the clerk which process that location uses before you leave. If your license is mailed, you can still use your old license with the new address written on it as proof of identity until the new one arrives, though this is not ideal for official purposes.

If Your License Is Expired or Expiring Soon

If your Tennessee driver's license is already expired, you cannot change the address alone. You must renew your license at the same time. Bring the same documents you would for an address change, plus proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return) and proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate or passport). The renewal fee is $27 for a four-year license or $54 for an eight-year license.

If your license expires within 30 days, you can change the address without renewing, but you may want to renew at the same time to avoid a second trip to the Driver Services Center. The choice is yours. If you are unsure whether your license is expired, check the expiration date printed on the front of your card.

Address Changes for Commercial Driver's Licenses

If you hold a Tennessee commercial driver's license (CDL), the process is the same: you must visit a Driver Services Center in person with your current CDL and proof of your new address. There is no fee. However, CDL address changes are processed at the same counter as regular licenses, so wait times may be longer during busy hours.

If your CDL is expired, you must renew it to change the address. CDL renewals require additional documents beyond those needed for a regular license renewal, including a medical certificate and proof of your current employment. Plan for a longer appointment if you need to renew a CDL at the same time you change your address.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume you can change your address online or by mail. Tennessee requires an in-person visit. Do not bring an original document you cannot afford to lose; bring a copy or ask the clerk to photocopy it. Do not forget to bring proof of your new address; you cannot complete the transaction without it. Do not wait until your license expires to change your address; the sooner you update it, the sooner you have an official document with your correct information.

Do not assume your old license is invalid once you request an address change. If the new license is mailed to you, your old license is still valid for identification purposes until the new one arrives. However, it is not a good idea to use an old license with a different address for official transactions like banking or voting; update your address with those institutions separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I do not have a Tennessee driver's license yet?

No. An address change is only for people who already hold a valid Tennessee driver's license. If you are explore for your first license, you will provide your address as part of the process process at the Driver Services Center.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Tennessee license?

You can change your address to an out-of-state address at any Tennessee Driver Services Center. Bring your current license and proof of your new address, just as you would for an in-state move. However, if you now live in another state, you should consider obtaining a driver's license from that state instead, as most states require you to get a license within 30 to 60 days of moving there.

How long does it take to receive my new license if it is mailed?

Most mailed licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received your license, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.

Do I need to change my address with the DMV if I already changed it with my insurance company?

Yes. Your insurance company's records and your driver's license are separate. Changing your address with your insurance does not change it on your license. You must visit a Driver Services Center to update your license address.

What if the clerk enters my address wrong?

If you notice an error before you leave the Driver Services Center, tell the clerk when ready. They can correct it and reprint your license. If you do not notice the error until after you leave, return to the Driver Services Center with your license and proof of your correct address, and ask them to issue a corrected license at no charge.