You can change your address on your Tennessee driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office
Tennessee offers three routes to update your address: the fastest is online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website if you have a valid email address and your current license number. By mail, you send a completed form and your license to the address listed on the form — processing takes 7 to 10 business days. In person, you visit any Driver Services office with proof of your new address and your current license, and the change is when ready.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The address change is a separate transaction that keeps your current license valid. However, if your license is expiring within the next 30 days, you may want to renew at the same time to avoid two separate trips or transactions.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the TDOSHS website take 1 to 3 business days and cost nothing.
- By mail, you send Form DL 43 (Address Change) with your license to the address on the form; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person changes at any Driver Services office are processed when ready and require only proof of your new address and your current license.
- You must update your address within 30 days of moving under Tennessee law, though the change itself is free.
Online address change through the Tennessee Department of Safety website
Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website (tdoshs.tn.gov) and select the Driver Services section. Look for the "Change Address Online" option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will send a confirmation link to that email; click the link to complete the change.
Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency document — mail, utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The system will not accept a P.O. Box as a residential address. Once you submit, your new license will be mailed to that address within 1 to 3 business days. Your current license remains valid during this time.
This route has no fee. If you do not receive your new license within 5 business days, contact Driver Services at 615-251-8590 to confirm the change was processed.
Mailing your address change to Driver Services
read or request Form DL 43 (Address Change) from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or pick one up at any Driver Services office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Do not use a P.O. Box — Tennessee requires a street address.
Mail your completed form along with your current driver's license to the address printed on the form itself. Include a copy of your proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent mail from a government agency showing your new address). Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date Driver Services receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided.
There is no fee for this change. Keep track of when you mail the form; if you do not receive your new license within 12 business days, call Driver Services at 615-251-8590 to verify receipt.
In-person address change at a Driver Services office
Visit any Driver Services office in Tennessee with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or recent mail from a government agency (bank statement, insurance bill, or court document). The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.
Tell the clerk you need an address change, not a renewal. Hand over your license and proof of address. The clerk will update your record on the spot. Your license is returned to you when ready with the new address printed on it. There is no fee.
Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. Find the office nearest you and check its hours on the TDOSHS website before you go. Bring your current license and proof of address — you do not need an appointment.
What counts as proof of your new address
Tennessee accepts the following documents as proof of residency for an address change: a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name; a lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord; a mortgage statement or property tax bill; a bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days; insurance documents (auto, home, or renter's); or official mail from a government agency (court notice, tax document, or voter registration card).
The document must show your full name and your new street address. A P.O. Box will not be accepted as your residential address. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a signed lease agreement or a notarized letter from your landlord stating your occupancy and move-in date may work — call Driver Services at 615-251-8590 to confirm before you visit an office.
Timeline and fees for address changes
| Method | Processing Time | Fee | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 1 to 3 business days | Free | License number, last 4 SSN digits, email address |
| By mail | 7 to 10 business days | Free | Form DL 43, current license, proof of address |
| In person | when ready | Free | Current license, proof of address |
All three methods are free. You do not pay a fee to change your address. If you are also renewing your license at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee (which varies by license type and age), but the address change itself has no cost.
The in-person method is fastest if you need the change when ready — you walk out with your updated license the same day. The online method is convenient if you prefer not to visit an office and can wait a few business days. The mail method works if you do not have email access or prefer to handle everything by post.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not use a P.O. Box as your residential address — Tennessee Driver Services will reject it. Your proof of address document must match the street address you enter exactly, including apartment or unit numbers. If you move to an apartment and your lease says "123 Main Street, Apt. 4B," enter it that way.
If you are mailing your form, do not forget to include your current license with the envelope. Without it, Driver Services cannot process your request and will return the form. Keep a copy of your proof of address for your records in case there is a delay. Do not wait until your license expires to change your address — Tennessee law requires the change within 30 days of moving, and updating early prevents complications if you are stopped by law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address within a certain time after moving?
Yes. Tennessee law requires you to notify the Department of Safety of your address change within 30 days of moving. The change itself is free, but failing to update your address can result in fines or complications if you are stopped by law enforcement. Start the process as soon as you have proof of your new address.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot change your address on a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the appropriate court or Driver Services office. Once your license is reinstated, you can then update your address through any of the three methods.
What if I move before my new license arrives in the mail?
Contact Driver Services when ready at 615-251-8590 with your license number and new address. They can reissue your license to your updated address. Do not ignore mail from Driver Services — if your new license is sent to your old address, the person living there may open it.
Can I change my address online if I do not have an email address?
No. The online method requires a valid email address to receive the confirmation link. Use the by-mail method or visit a Driver Services office in person instead. Both are free and do not require an email address.
Will changing my address affect my license expiration date?
No. Changing your address does not change when your license expires. Your expiration date stays the same. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time you change your address, but the two are separate transactions.