What You Need to Do to Update Your Address in Tennessee
You can change your Tennessee driver's license address without renewing your license. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security handles address changes through three routes: in person at a Driver Services Center, by mail, or online through the REAL ID portal if your license is REAL ID-compliant. The fastest method is in person, which takes about 15 minutes. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your request. Online changes process in 1 to 3 business days if your license already carries the REAL ID designation.
You do not need to pay a fee for an address change alone. However, if you request a replacement card with your new address printed on it, Tennessee charges $16.50. If you do not request a replacement card, your current license remains valid at your old address until it expires, and the DMV records show your new address in their system.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee offers three ways to change your address: in person at any Driver Services Center, by mail to the Nashville office, or online if your license is REAL ID-compliant.
- An address change itself costs nothing, but a replacement card with your new address printed on it costs $16.50.
- You will need proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and your current driver's license or ID card.
- In-person changes take 15 minutes; mail takes 7 to 10 business days; online takes 1 to 3 business days for REAL ID holders.
- If you do not request a replacement card, your license remains valid with your old address printed on it, but the DMV's records will reflect your new address.
Changing Your Address In Person at a Driver Services Center
Walk into any Tennessee Driver Services Center with your current driver's license or ID card and proof of residency. Proof of residency must be a document dated within 60 days of your visit and must show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail (such as a tax notice or court document). A cell phone bill does not count.
Tell the clerk you want to change your address. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you will pay $16.50 at this time. If you do not want a replacement card, the address change is free. The clerk will update your record in the system when ready. If you paid for a replacement card, it will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you did not pay for a replacement, your current card remains valid and your DMV record shows the new address, but the old address stays printed on the card itself.
Driver Services Centers are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment. Find the location nearest you on the Tennessee Department of Safety website under "Driver Services Locations."
Changing Your Address by Mail
Print and complete the process for Duplicate Driver License or ID Card (form DL 44), available on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. On the form, mark the box for "Address Change" and write your new address clearly in the designated field. Attach a copy of your proof of residency (dated within 60 days) and a copy of both sides of your current driver's license or ID card.
Mail the completed form and copies to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services Division, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210. Do not send original documents; send copies only. Include a check or money order for $16.50 if you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it. If you do not include payment, only your address record will be updated and no replacement card will be sent.
The office processes mail requests in the order received. Expect 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive your envelope. If you included payment for a replacement card, it will arrive separately by mail. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Changing Your Address Online (REAL ID Holders Only)
If your Tennessee driver's license or ID card displays a gold star in the upper right corner, it is REAL ID-compliant and you can change your address online. Log into the Tennessee REAL ID portal at the Department of Safety website using your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history.
Once logged in, select "Update Address" and enter your new address. Upload a photo of your proof of residency (dated within 60 days). The system will process your request in 1 to 3 business days. Your DMV record will update when ready, but you will not receive a replacement card unless you pay $16.50 through the portal. If you do not pay for a replacement, your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it.
If your license does not have a gold star, you cannot use the online portal. Use the in-person or mail method instead.
Documents You Must Bring or Send
Every address change in Tennessee requires two things: your current driver's license or ID card and proof of residency. Proof of residency must be an original document (if in person) or a copy (if by mail or online) dated within 60 days before you submit your request.
| Accepted Proof of Residency | Not Accepted |
|---|---|
| Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) | Cell phone bill |
| Lease agreement or rental contract | Expired documents |
| Mortgage statement or property tax bill | Documents without your name |
| Bank or credit card statement | Documents without your new address |
| Government mail (tax notice, court document, voter registration) | Screenshots or digital copies (originals required in person) |
If you are changing your address by mail, send copies of your license and proof of residency, not originals. If you are changing your address in person, bring the originals so the clerk can see them. If you are changing your address online, upload a photo or scan of your proof of residency.
What Happens If You Do Not Request a Replacement Card
If you change your address without paying for a replacement card, your current license remains valid and legal to use. The address printed on the card will still show your old address, but the Tennessee DMV's internal record will show your new address. Law enforcement and other officials can see the updated address in the system when they scan your license.
Your old license will continue to work for all purposes—voting, banking, air travel, age verification—until the expiration date printed on the card. You do not need to carry proof of your address change. However, if you want your physical card to reflect your current address, you must pay $16.50 for a replacement card at the time of your address change request.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not send original documents by mail. The DMV does not return originals, and you may need them for other purposes. Send copies only and keep the originals for yourself. If you are changing your address in person, bring originals so the clerk can verify them, but do not leave them with the office.
Do not use a proof of residency document older than 60 days. The DMV will reject it. If your utility bill or bank statement is dated more than 60 days ago, wait for a new one or use a different document. Do not assume a cell phone bill counts as proof—it does not, even if it shows your address.
Do not confuse an address change with a license renewal. An address change updates only your address in the system. Your license expiration date does not change. If your license is expiring soon, you will need to renew it separately, and you can do both the address change and renewal at the same time if you visit in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if my license is not REAL ID?
No. The online portal is only for REAL ID-compliant licenses, which have a gold star in the upper right corner. If your license does not have a gold star, you must change your address in person at a Driver Services Center or by mail. You can check whether your license is REAL ID-compliant by looking at the card itself or by calling the Department of Safety at 615-251-5000.
How long does it take to receive a replacement card after I pay for one?
A replacement card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail after the DMV processes your request. If you changed your address in person and paid for a replacement, the card is mailed from the office. If you changed your address by mail or online, the card is mailed separately. Do not expect it to arrive with your address-change confirmation.
What if my proof of residency does not have my full name on it?
The document must show your name and your new address. If a utility bill or bank statement shows only a first initial and last name, or a nickname, it may not be accepted. Bring a second document if possible, or contact the Driver Services Center before you visit to ask whether the document will work.
Do I have to change my address if I move?
No, it is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Your DMV record should match where you actually live so you receive official mail and voting materials at the correct address. Keeping an outdated address on file can cause problems with vehicle registration renewal notices and other correspondence.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. An address change is separate from the status of your license. You can update your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. However, you cannot renew a suspended or revoked license until you resolve the underlying issue with the court or DMV.