The fastest way to change your address on a Tennessee license

You can change your address on a Tennessee driver's license online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail, or in person at a driver services center. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing if you do not need a replacement card. If you change your address online, your current license remains valid; the address update is recorded in the system even though the physical card still shows your old address.

If you need a new card printed with your updated address, you can request one online for a $7 fee, or you can go to a driver services center in person and pay $27 for a replacement license. The in-person option gives you a new card the same day. Mail-in changes take 7 to 10 business days and require a form and proof of your new address.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at Tennessee's driver services website is free and takes 10 minutes, though your physical card will still show your old address.
  • You can request a replacement card with your new address printed on it for $7 online or $27 in person at a driver services center.
  • In-person visits at a driver services center are the only way to get a new card the same day.
  • Mail-in address changes require the DL 44 form, proof of your new address, and take 7 to 10 business days.
  • You must change your address within 7 days of moving to a new residence in Tennessee.

Changing your address online

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security driver services website and log in to your account. If you do not have an online account, you will need to create one with your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once logged in, select "Change Address" and enter your new Tennessee address.

Review the information for accuracy and submit. You will receive a confirmation email. Your address is updated in the state system when ready, and you can use this confirmation as proof of your new address if needed. Your current license card remains valid and legal to use — the address change is recorded in the database even though the physical card shows your old address.

If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can add that request during the online process for $7. The new card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else; the card will be mailed to your new address automatically.

Getting a replacement card in person at a driver services center

Find your nearest driver services center on the Tennessee Department of Safety website. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and payment of $27. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your new address.

Walk in during business hours — most centers operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours. You will be assigned a number and wait your turn. The staff member will verify your information, take a new photo if needed, and process your replacement license. You will receive your new card with your updated address printed on it before you leave.

If you are renewing your license at the same time you change your address, the process is the same: bring your current license, proof of address, and payment. You can handle both transactions in one visit.

Changing your address by mail

read the DL 44 form from the Tennessee Department of Safety website or request one by calling the driver services customer service line. Fill out the form with your current license number, new address, and sign it. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at the address listed on the form. Do not send cash; include a check or money order for $7 if you want a replacement card printed with your new address. If you do not include payment, your address will be updated in the system but you will not receive a new card.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the department receives your mail. A new card, if requested, will be mailed to your new address. If you do not request a replacement card, you will receive a confirmation letter at your new address confirming the address change.

What counts as proof of your new address

Tennessee requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document such as a property tax bill or vehicle registration.

The document must be an original or certified copy — a photograph or photocopy of a utility bill is not accepted. If the document is in a spouse's name or a co-occupant's name, you may need to bring additional proof that you live at that address, such as a lease with both names or a notarized statement. Call your local driver services center if you are unsure whether a document will be accepted.

Timeline and when the change takes effect

Tennessee law requires you to change your address within 7 days of moving. If you change your address online, the update is effective when ready in the state system. If you request a replacement card online or by mail, the new card is mailed to your new address and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old card with the old address is still legal to use.

If you change your address in person at a driver services center, you receive your new card the same day before you leave. You can use it when ready. If you only update your address without requesting a replacement card, the address change takes effect the same day online or within 7 to 10 business days by mail.

Changing your address if you also need to renew

If your license is expiring soon, you can renew and change your address at the same time. Online renewal with an address change costs $7 for a replacement card if you want one printed with your new address, or you can renew without a replacement card for free. In person, a renewal with an address change costs $27 and you receive your new card the same day.

If you are renewing by mail, include both your renewal process and the DL 44 address change form, along with proof of your new address. The cost is $7 if you want a replacement card. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a new card if I change my address?

No. You can update your address in the system for free online or by mail without requesting a replacement card. Your old card remains valid and legal to use. However, if you want a card printed with your new address, you can request one for $7 online or $27 in person.

What if I move out of Tennessee?

If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state. Contact your new state's department of motor vehicles for their requirements. You do not need to formally close your Tennessee license — it will straightforward expire on its renewal date.

Can I change my address online if I have a REAL ID license?

Yes. REAL ID licenses can have their address changed online the same way as standard licenses. If you need a replacement REAL ID card with your new address, you can request one online for $7, but you will need to visit a driver services center in person if you need to renew your REAL ID status at the same time.

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

You can use a document in your spouse's name if you both live at that address. Bring the document along with additional proof that you live there, such as a lease or mortgage with both names, or a notarized statement from your spouse. Call your local driver services center before you visit to confirm what they will accept.

How long does it take to get a replacement card by mail?

The Tennessee Department of Safety processes mail-in requests in 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive your form and payment. Your new card is mailed to your new address. If you need your card faster, visit a driver services center in person to get a replacement the same day.