How to change your address on a Tennessee driver's license
You can change your address on a Tennessee driver's license in person at any Driver Services Center, by mail, or online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $7. By mail, you'll need to send your current license, a completed form, and payment; processing takes 7 to 10 business days. In person, you can walk out with an updated license the same day, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on the location.
Tennessee does not require you to change your address within a specific timeframe, but your license must show your current address if you use it as proof of residency for banking, voting, or other purposes. If you move and don't update it, your license remains valid for driving — the address mismatch won't cause a traffic stop — but it won't work as proof that you live where you claim to live.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website costs $7 and takes about 10 minutes, with no waiting in line.
- In-person updates at a Driver Services Center cost $7 and produce a new physical license the same day, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour.
- By mail, you send your current license, the completed form, and $7; your updated license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- Tennessee has no legal important date to update your address, but an outdated address will not work as proof of residency for banks, voting, or other purposes.
Changing your address online
The online method is the fastest route if you have a valid Tennessee driver's license and a computer with internet access. Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, select the address change option, and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and new address. You'll pay $7 by credit or debit card. The system will confirm your update when ready.
Your new physical license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, your old license is still valid for driving, but it shows your old address. If you need proof of your new address before the new license arrives, you can print a confirmation from the online transaction or bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement to a bank or voting location.
Updating your address in person at a Driver Services Center
Walk into any Driver Services Center in Tennessee with your current license and $7. You do not need an appointment. Tell the staff member you want to update your address, and they will hand you a form to fill out with your new address. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes at the counter, and you'll receive your new physical license before you leave.
Driver Services Centers are located in most counties. To find the one nearest you, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and search by county. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some locations have longer hours or Saturday hours. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
Mailing in your address change
If you cannot visit a Driver Services Center or prefer not to use the online system, you can mail your update. Complete the address change form (available on the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website), include your current driver's license, and send both with a check or money order for $7 to the address listed on the form.
Mail your envelope to the Driver Services office in Nashville. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after they receive it, so add time for mail delivery both ways — typically 2 to 3 weeks total from the time you drop it in the mailbox. Your updated license will be mailed back to your new address. Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt in case you need to track the status.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | What you need | Cost | Time to receive new license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Valid Tennessee driver's license number, date of birth, new address, credit or debit card | $7 | 7–10 business days by mail |
| In person | Current driver's license, $7 cash or card | $7 | Same day |
| By mail | Current driver's license, completed form, check or money order for $7 | $7 | 7–10 business days after receipt, plus mail time |
When you need to update your address right away
If you're moving for a job, relocating out of state, or need proof of your new address for banking or housing purposes, the in-person method is your best option. You'll have an updated license in your hand the same day. If you're moving within Tennessee and can wait 7 to 10 days, the online method is simpler and requires no trip to an office.
If you've already moved and your license still shows your old address, you can update it at any time. There is no penalty for an outdated address on your license, and you can still drive legally. However, if you need to use your license as proof of residency — for opening a bank account, registering to vote, or explore for housing — you'll need the updated address. In those cases, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement as a backup form of proof while you wait for your new license to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to change my address at a Driver Services Center?
No. You can walk in during business hours without scheduling ahead. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means a shorter wait than late morning or Friday afternoons.
What if I'm moving out of Tennessee?
If you're moving to another state, you'll need to get a driver's license from that state. Tennessee will not renew or update a license for someone who no longer lives in the state. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles for their requirements and process.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No. You must have a valid, unexpired Tennessee driver's license to update your address through any method. If your license is expired, you'll need to renew it first, which requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services Center and may require additional documents depending on how long it has been expired.
Will my old license still work for driving while I wait for the new one?
Yes. Your current license remains valid for driving even after you update your address. It will continue to work until it expires, even though it shows your old address. The new license will straightforward replace it with your updated information.
What if I never received my new license in the mail?
Contact the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security with your confirmation number from your online transaction or your mailing receipt. They can track your license and reissue it if it was lost in transit. There may be a small fee for a replacement.