Tennessee lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office

Tennessee offers three ways to update your address on your driver's license: through the online portal at Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail using a form, or by visiting a Driver Services office in person. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. Mail takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office. In-person visits let you handle other license needs at the same time.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the address change is separate and does not extend your license expiration date. Your current license remains valid; only the address on file updates.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee's online address change portal is free and takes minutes, and your updated license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
  • You can mail a completed form to the address listed on the back of your license, but processing takes four to six weeks.
  • Visiting a Driver Services office in person is fastest for when ready confirmation and works if you need to handle other license business.
  • You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and the new address to complete any method.
  • Tennessee sends a new physical license card with your updated address; your old card becomes invalid once the new one arrives.

Changing your address online through Tennessee's portal

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website has an online address change tool. Visit the TDOSHS website, locate the Driver Services section, and look for the address change option. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and your new address. The system verifies your identity using these details and processes the change when ready.

After you submit the form online, Tennessee mails a new license card with the updated address to your new location. This typically takes 10 to 14 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new card arrives. Once the new card reaches you, the old one is no longer valid for identification purposes.

There is no fee for an address change in Tennessee, whether you do it online, by mail, or in person.

Mailing a form to update your address

If you prefer to mail your address change, Tennessee provides a form through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You can read it from the TDOSHS website or request one by phone. Complete the form with your current license number, new address, and signature, then mail it to the address printed on the back of your driver's license.

Processing by mail takes four to six weeks. During this time, your old address remains on file with the state. Once processed, Tennessee mails your new license card to the address you provided. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.

This method works well if you do not have internet access or prefer a paper trail, but it is slower than online or in-person options.

Updating your address in person at a Driver Services office

You can visit any Tennessee Driver Services office to change your address when ready. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. The office staff will update your address on the spot.

In-person visits are useful if you need to handle other license business at the same time, such as renewing your license, obtaining a Real ID, or updating your name. The office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new plastic card is printed and mailed to you.

Tennessee Driver Services offices are located throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the TDOSHS website. No appointment is required at most locations, but some offices accept appointments to reduce wait times.

What proof of address Tennessee accepts

If you change your address in person, you must show proof that you live at the new address. Tennessee accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance documents, and government mail — all dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and new address works in most cases.

If you change your address online or by mail, you do not need to submit proof at that time. Tennessee verifies your identity using your license number and Social Security number instead. However, keep proof of your new address in case the state contacts you later.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

The timeline depends on which method you choose. Online changes process when ready, and your new card arrives in 10 to 14 business days. Mail takes four to six weeks from the date Tennessee receives your form. In-person changes are when ready — you get a temporary paper license the same day, and your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.

During the waiting period, your old license with the old address is still valid for identification. Once your new card arrives, destroy the old one or keep it for your records — it is no longer valid for official use. If you need to verify your address with a government agency or employer before the new card arrives, you can show your temporary paper license or contact the TDOSHS to request a letter confirming your address change.

Changing your address if your license is suspended or expired

You can change your address on a suspended license through any of the three methods — online, mail, or in person. The address change does not affect your suspension status. However, if your license is expired, you will need to renew it at the same time you change your address. An expired license cannot be updated with just an address change; renewal is required.

If your license is suspended and you need to change your address, do so as soon as possible so the state has your correct contact information. Tennessee may mail suspension notices or reinstatement information to your address on file, so keeping it current is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a new license number when I change my address?

No. Your license number stays the same. Only the address on your license and in the state's system changes. The new card you receive will have the same number as your current license.

What if I move again before my new license card arrives?

Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security with your updated address. You can call or visit the website to request a correction. Tennessee will send the card to your most recent address on file. If the card is already in the mail, it may arrive at your old address — contact TDOSHS to arrange redelivery or reissuance.

Can I change my address if I live out of state?

Yes. You can use the online portal or mail method from anywhere. If you move out of state, you should update your address with Tennessee and then obtain a driver's license in your new state if you plan to live there permanently. Tennessee's address change process works for temporary moves or if you maintain a Tennessee license while living elsewhere.

Is there a fee to change my address on my Tennessee license?

No. Address changes are free in Tennessee. You do not pay a fee whether you change it online, by mail, or in person. The new license card is also issued at no cost.

What happens to my old license after I get the new one?

Your old license becomes invalid once the new card arrives. You can destroy it, recycle it, or keep it for your personal records — it cannot be used for identification or official purposes. Some people keep expired or replaced licenses in a safe place, but there is no requirement to do so.