Where to change your address in Tennessee

You can change your address on your Tennessee driver's license at any Driver Services office run by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You do not need to renew your license or get a new photo — the address change is a separate transaction that takes about 10 minutes.

Tennessee has Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is in Nashville, but you can visit any location in the state, not just the one in your county. You can find the full list of office locations and hours on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.

Some counties also offer address changes by mail, though this is slower and requires you to mail in your current license. Calling ahead to confirm your local office accepts mail-in changes is worth doing, since not all locations offer this option.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Tennessee Driver Services office with your current license and proof of your new address — no appointment needed.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • The address change costs nothing and takes about 10 minutes in person.
  • If you mail in your license, include a signed letter explaining the address change and proof of your new address.
  • Your license itself does not change — only the address on file is updated.

What documents you need to bring in person

Bring your current Tennessee driver's license and one document that shows your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card.

The name on your address proof does not have to match your license exactly, but it should be close enough that staff can see it is yours. If you have recently married or changed your name, bring both your license and a document showing the name change, plus the address proof.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate for an address change alone. Those documents are only required if you are renewing your license or changing your name at the same time.

How to change your address by mail

Not all Tennessee Driver Services offices accept mail-in address changes, so call your local office first to confirm. If yours does, you will need to mail your current license, a signed letter requesting the address change, and proof of your new address.

Write the letter on plain paper and sign it by hand. Include your name, your current license number, your old address, and your new address. Keep a copy for your records. Mail everything to the Driver Services office address listed on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks after the office receives your materials. Your license will be mailed back to your new address. During this time you will not have your physical license, so plan ahead if you need to drive or show ID for other purposes.

What happens after you change your address

Your license itself does not change — the card stays the same. Only the address in the Tennessee system is updated. Your new address will appear on your license the next time you renew it, which happens every five or eight years depending on your age.

The address change takes effect when ready in the system. If you are stopped by police or pulled over, they will see your new address on their computer even though your physical card still shows the old one. You do not need to carry any paperwork proving the change.

Your new address is also updated in the voter registration system and the vehicle registration system if you own a car. You do not need to file separate paperwork for those — they pull from the same state database.

Changing your address when you move out of state

If you are moving out of Tennessee, you do not have to change your Tennessee license address before you leave. However, you will need to get a new license in your new state within a certain timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days after you move, depending on the state.

When you explore for a license in your new state, bring proof of your new address and your Tennessee license. Your new state will issue you a license with your new address, and your Tennessee license becomes invalid. You do not need to formally surrender it to Tennessee.

If you are moving temporarily but keeping your Tennessee address as your legal residence, you do not need to change anything. Your Tennessee license remains valid as long as you renew it on time.

Changing your address online or by phone

Tennessee does not offer online address changes for driver's licenses. You must visit a Driver Services office in person or mail in your license and documents.

You cannot change your address by phone. However, you can call your local Driver Services office to confirm their hours, ask whether they accept mail-in changes, or get directions. The main office number is listed on the Tennessee Department of Safety website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to change my address?

No. Tennessee Driver Services offices accept walk-ins for address changes. You can arrive during business hours and be served in the order you arrive. Wait times vary by location and time of day, but most offices handle address changes quickly.

What if my proof of address is in someone else's name?

The document should show your name or a name close enough that staff can see it belongs to you. If the address proof is in a spouse's or family member's name, bring a second document that connects you to that address, such as a lease with both names or a utility bill you can explain. Call your local office first to ask what they will accept.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can change your address on an expired license, but you will also need to renew it. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and proof of identity. The office will renew your license and update the address at the same time. This costs more than an address change alone.

How long does a mailed address change take?

Processing takes two to three weeks after the Driver Services office receives your materials. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan for four to five weeks total from when you mail your documents to when you receive your license back.

Will my vehicle registration address change automatically?

Yes. Your vehicle registration pulls from the same state database as your driver's license. Once you change your license address, your vehicle registration address updates automatically. You do not need to file separate paperwork with the Department of Motor Vehicles.