What You Need to Do

To change the address on your Tennessee driver 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, costs $7, and you will receive your updated license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address — this is a separate transaction. Your license expiration date stays the same. If your license is expired or will expire within 30 days, the DMV will require you to renew it at the same time, which costs an additional $27 for a standard license.

Key Takeaways

  • Address changes must be done in person at a Tennessee Driver Services Center; there is no online or mail option.
  • You will need your current driver license and one document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The fee is $7 for an address change only; renewal costs $27 more if your license expires within 30 days.
  • Your updated license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your old license until the new one arrives.
  • If you move out of state, you must obtain a license in your new state within 30 days of establishing residency there.

Documents You Must Bring

Bring your current Tennessee driver license and one document that proves your new address. The document must show your name and your new street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax bill all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a document in your name at your new address yet, you can bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your name, the property address, and your move-in date. Some Driver Services Centers accept this, but call ahead to confirm, because acceptance varies by location.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if your name has changed since you got your current license. You do not need it for a straightforward address change.

Where to Go and What to Expect

Find your nearest Driver Services Center on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. Enter your county or zip code to locate the office closest to you. Most centers are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours, because they vary by location.

Walk in without an appointment — Tennessee does not use a reservation system for address changes. Bring your documents, pay the $7 fee in cash or card, and the clerk will take a new photo and process your change on the spot. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You will receive a receipt showing your new address; keep it in case you need proof of the change before your new license arrives.

Timeline and What Happens Next

Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. The Tennessee DMV does not send licenses to a different address, so make sure the address you provide is where you can receive mail. If you move again before your license arrives, contact the Driver Services Center where you made the change and provide your new address; they may be able to redirect it.

If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, call the Driver Services Center where you made the change. Have your receipt ready. Do not visit in person a second time unless the center tells you to — they can look up your transaction and reissue the license if it was lost in the mail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume your address will update automatically when you register your vehicle or change your address with the post office. The DMV and the Department of Revenue maintain separate records. You must visit a Driver Services Center to update your license specifically.

Do not bring a document older than 60 days. The DMV will reject it and you will have to return with a current one. If you just moved and do not have a recent utility bill, ask your landlord for a signed letter or bring a lease agreement instead.

Do not try to change your address if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than 30 days. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first, or renew your license. A clerk at the Driver Services Center can tell you the status of your license before you wait in line.

If You Have Moved Out of State

If you have moved to another state and established residency there, you must obtain a driver license in that state within 30 days. Driving on a Tennessee license after you become a resident of another state is illegal, even if your Tennessee license is still valid. Contact the DMV in your new state to learn their requirements and timeline.

You do not need to formally surrender your Tennessee license. Once you obtain a license in your new state, your Tennessee license becomes invalid. If you move back to Tennessee later, you can renew your old license or obtain a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online or by mail?

No. Tennessee requires all address changes to be done in person at a Driver Services Center. You cannot change your address through the mail, by phone, or on the Tennessee DMV website. You must visit a center with your current license and proof of your new address.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?

Ask your landlord or property manager to write a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, the property address, and your move-in date. Some Driver Services Centers accept this in place of a utility bill. Call the center near you first to confirm they will take it, because policies vary by location.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Your updated license arrives within 7 to 10 business days at your new address. Your old license stays valid until the new one arrives. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, call the Driver Services Center where you made the change with your receipt.

Do I have to renew my license when I change my address?

No, unless your license expires within 30 days. If it does, the DMV will require you to renew it at the same time. Renewal costs $27 in addition to the $7 address change fee. If your license is not expiring soon, you only pay $7.

What if my license is suspended or expired?

You cannot change your address if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than 30 days. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first, or renew your license. A clerk can check your license status before you wait in line.