Where to report your address change in Tennessee

In Tennessee, you report an address change to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, which runs the driver's license program. You can do this in person at any Driver Services office, by mail, or online through the Tennessee DL.Online portal.

The fastest route is online if you have a computer and a valid email address. The in-person route takes one visit and a few minutes. The mail route takes longer but works if you cannot get to an office or prefer not to go in person.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. Tennessee does not charge for address-only changes, and you keep your current license number and expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online through Tennessee DL.Online, in person at any Driver Services office, or by mail to the address on the back of your license.
  • Address-only changes are free and do not require a new photo, new license number, or a new expiration date.
  • Online changes usually process within a few business days; mail changes take two to three weeks.
  • You must report your new address within a reasonable time after moving, or you risk a citation if stopped by law enforcement.

Changing your address online through DL.Online

The Tennessee DL.Online portal is the fastest way to change your address without leaving home. Go to the website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to update your address. You will need a valid email address to receive confirmation.

The system accepts the change when ready and sends you a confirmation email. Your new address appears in the state's system right away, though a physical updated license with the new address printed on it may take a few business days to arrive in the mail. Until then, your old license is still valid.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online system, the other two routes are available.

Changing your address in person at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Driver Services office in Tennessee with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official mail showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address only. They will update your information on the spot, and you will walk out with your address changed in the system. A new license card with your new address printed on it will be mailed to you within a few business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours; check the office locator on the Tennessee Department of Safety website to find the one nearest you and confirm its hours.

Changing your address by mail

If you prefer to mail in your change, write a letter that includes your full name, current driver's license number, old address, new address, and date of birth. Sign the letter and mail it to the address printed on the back of your driver's license.

Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or official mail showing your name and address dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original license; you do not need to.

Mail processing takes two to three weeks. Your new address will be updated in the state system, and a new license card will be mailed to your new address. Your old license stays valid during this time.

What counts as proof of your new address

Tennessee accepts several documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or official government mail addressed to you at your new address all work as well.

The document must show your name and your new address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address, or bring a signed lease agreement.

How long the address change takes

Online changes process within a few business days. The address updates in the state system right away, and your new license card arrives in the mail within three to five business days.

In-person changes also update when ready, with your new card arriving in three to five business days.

Mail-in changes take the longest: two to three weeks for the state to receive and process your letter, plus another few days for your new card to be printed and mailed.

During all of this time, your old license is still valid. You do not need to carry proof that you have moved.

Why you should change your address promptly

Tennessee law does not set a specific important date for reporting an address change, but you are expected to do so within a reasonable time after moving. If a police officer stops you and your license shows an old address that is clearly outdated, you could receive a citation for failure to report a change of address.

Keeping your address current also matters for other reasons: your vehicle registration, insurance, and voter registration should all match your actual address. If you are stopped and your license, registration, and insurance all show different addresses, it raises questions and can complicate the stop.

Changing your address as soon as you move — ideally within a week or two — keeps everything aligned and avoids potential problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your license number stays the same. Only your address changes on the card. The new card will have the same number, same photo, and same expiration date as your old one.

What if I moved out of state?

If you have moved to another state, you will need to get a driver's license in that state instead. Tennessee will not update a license for someone who no longer lives in Tennessee. Contact the DMV or driver's license agency in your new state to learn how to get a license there.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can report an address change, but you cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is expired. You will need to go in person to a Driver Services office to renew it at the same time you change your address. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and proof of identity.

How do I know if my address change went through?

If you changed your address online, you will receive a confirmation email. If you changed it in person, the clerk will confirm it on the spot. If you mailed it in, you can call the Driver Services customer service line to confirm the change was received and processed, or wait for your new card to arrive.

What if I move again before my new card arrives?

You can change your address again using any of the three methods. If you change it online or in person, the new address updates right away. If you are changing it by mail a second time, include a note explaining that you have moved again since your last change, and provide your most recent address.