How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Tennessee

Moving within Tennessee means updating your address with the state so your driver license, ID, and vehicle records stay accurate. This guide explains how the Tennessee DMV change of address process works, what to expect, and how to avoid common problems.

State Verification: Who Handles Address Changes in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, this is typically handled by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (TDOSHS), often referred to as the Driver Services division. This agency manages:

  • Driver licenses and state IDs
  • Address changes for driver licenses and IDs
  • Many online driver services

Vehicle registration and titles, however, are largely handled through your local county clerk’s office.

That means:

  • Driver license / ID address change:
    Usually done with Tennessee Driver Services (state level).
  • Vehicle registration / title address change:
    Often done through the county clerk where your vehicle is registered.

Depending on your county in Tennessee, you may have:

  • A state Driver Services Center for licensing matters
  • One or more county clerk offices that manage license plates, registration renewals, and sometimes title services

Because services are split, you may need to update your address in two places:

  1. With Tennessee Driver Services (for your license or ID), and
  2. With your county clerk (for your plate, registration, and in some cases your title).

To avoid going to the wrong office, check:

  • The official Tennessee Driver Services website for license/ID address change options
  • Your county clerk’s official site or office for registration and plate questions

Why Updating Your Address in Tennessee Matters

Many drivers in Tennessee find that they only think about their address when it’s time to renew a license or registration. But keeping your address current affects several important areas:

  • Driver license and state ID
    Law enforcement and state agencies use the address on your license or ID. An outdated address can cause confusion during traffic stops or identity verification.

  • Vehicle registration and titles
    In Tennessee, renewal notices, plate replacement mailings, and some title correspondence are sent to the address on record with your county clerk or TDOSHS. If you don’t update your address, you may miss:

    • Registration renewal reminders
    • Emissions-related notices (in counties that require them)
    • Title or lienholder correspondence

  • Official state notices
    The state may mail:

    • License suspension or reinstatement notices
    • Medical or testing requirements
    • Court-related or administrative letters tied to your driving record

    If these go to your old address, you might not know about a deadline until it’s too late.

  • Moving between Tennessee counties
    When you move from one county in Tennessee to another (for example, from Shelby County to Knox County), local requirements may change. Some counties have different procedures or local taxes related to registration, so keeping the address current helps align your records with your new county.

Keeping your address updated helps ensure you get critical mail, your records match your actual residence, and you stay in good standing with Tennessee agencies.

What You’ll Need to Change Your Address

The exact requirements to complete a DMV change of address Tennessee request can vary by method (online, mail, in person) and by county for registration. In general, you should be prepared with:

  • Your current Tennessee driver license or ID number
  • Full legal name (as shown on your license or ID)
  • Date of birth
  • Last four digits of your Social Security number (sometimes required for identity verification)
  • Old (previous) Tennessee address
  • New Tennessee residential address
  • Mailing address if different from your physical address
  • Contact information (phone and/or email) for confirmations or follow-up
  • Proof of new address, if required for the method you choose (for example, a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement)

Depending on your county in Tennessee, you may also need vehicle information if you are updating your registration or title at the same time:

  • License plate number
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Year, make, and model of your vehicle

Why Tennessee Address Change Requests Get Rejected

In Tennessee, this is typically handled by automated systems that verify your identity and address. Address change requests can be rejected for reasons such as:

  • Name mismatch between your license and the information you enter
  • Incorrect license/ID number or date of birth
  • Non-residential or invalid address, such as:
    • Incomplete street address
    • Undeliverable mailing address
  • Out-of-state address when a Tennessee residential address is required
  • Missing supporting documents when you apply in person or by mail
  • Trying to change other information (like your name or license class) in a way that requires an in-person visit

To reduce problems, make sure:

  • The address is spelled and formatted exactly as shown on your mail or utility bill
  • You separate residential and mailing addresses correctly
  • You use your name exactly as it appears on your Tennessee driver license or ID

Step-by-Step Options to Change Your Address in Tennessee

The steps below outline how a Tennessee DMV change of address typically works for licenses and registrations. Keep in mind that driver license/ID updates and vehicle registration updates are often separate processes in Tennessee.

1. Online Tennessee Address Change (If Eligible)

Many drivers in Tennessee find that the online option is the fastest way to update a driver license or ID address, when available.

Online services may allow you to:

  • Update the address on your Tennessee driver license or photo ID
  • Request a replacement card with your new address (if supported)

To use the online service:

  1. Go to the official Tennessee Driver Services online portal

    • From a search engine, look for the official state site (for example, search “Tennessee driver services online” or “Tennessee change of address driver license”).
    • Make sure the site is a .gov site belonging to the State of Tennessee.

  2. Locate the address change or duplicate license/ID service

    • Look for options mentioning:
      • Change of address
      • Duplicate license/ID
      • Update driver license information

  3. Enter your identifying information
    You may need to provide:

    • License or ID number
    • Date of birth
    • Last four digits of your SSN
    • Current residential and mailing addresses

  4. Submit the Tennessee DMV change of address request

    • Review all details for accuracy before confirming.
    • If a replacement card is available and you choose to order one, follow prompts for any applicable payment.

  5. Save or print confirmation

    • Keep a copy of any confirmation page or email until your new address shows up in the system or on your new card.

Depending on your county in Tennessee, updating your license address online may not automatically update your vehicle registration. Check your county clerk’s site or call their office to confirm whether you must also update your registration separately.

2. In-Person Address Change at a Tennessee Driver Services Center

In Tennessee, this is typically handled by Driver Services Centers for driver licenses and IDs. You may need to appear in person if:

  • You are not eligible for online services
  • You are doing a name change and address change at the same time
  • You have a Commercial Driver License (CDL)
  • You prefer to update your license and take a new photo in person

General steps:

  1. Find a Driver Services Center

    • Visit the official Tennessee Driver Services website and use the location/office finder.
    • Confirm the office handles driver license services and verify its hours.

    One commonly used starting point for locations and services is:
    https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/locations.html

  2. Gather your documents
    While requirements can vary, be prepared with:

    • Your current Tennessee driver license or ID
    • Proof of your new Tennessee residential address (such as a lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill)
    • Any additional identity documents if you are changing other personal information

  3. Check whether an appointment is required
    Some locations in Tennessee may strongly encourage or require appointments for faster service. The office listing usually indicates whether appointments are offered.

  4. Go to the office and request an address change

    • Tell the clerk you need to update your address on your driver license or ID.
    • Complete any required Tennessee DMV change of address form or application they provide.
    • Present your documents when asked.

  5. Confirm whether a new license/ID card will be issued

    • Driver Services staff can tell you whether you’ll receive a new physical card with your updated address or only a system update.
    • If a replacement card is issued, you may be given a receipt or temporary documentation until it arrives.

Remember that in-person address changes for your license or ID do not necessarily update your vehicle registration. If you own a vehicle, ask whether your county clerk also needs to be notified to update your plate and registration address.

3. Mail-In Address Change (If Offered)

Depending on your county in Tennessee, a mail-in option may be available, particularly for vehicle registration or certain types of address corrections. For driver license/ID address changes, Tennessee increasingly encourages online or in-person methods, but you can:

  • Check the official Tennessee Driver Services site to see if a mail form is still accepted for address change or duplicate licenses.
  • Contact your county clerk’s office directly to see if they allow registration address updates by mail.

If mail is available, the steps typically look like this:

  1. Obtain the correct form

    • Look for an official Tennessee DMV change of address form or registration update form on the state or county website.
    • Make sure it is current and clearly intended for address updates.

  2. Carefully complete the form

    • Print clearly or type your information.
    • Include:
      • Full legal name
      • License/ID number or plate number
      • Old and new addresses
      • Contact information

  3. Include required copies of documents

    • Some Tennessee offices may require photocopies of:
      • Your current license or ID
      • Proof of the new address

  4. Mail to the correct address

    • Use the mailing address specified on the form or on the official site.
    • Do not guess at the address; if unsure, call the office to confirm.

  5. Allow time for processing

    • Watch your mail and, if possible, periodically check your record online or by phone to see if the address has been updated.

Because mail services vary by county, check your specific county clerk and the TDOSHS site to confirm that mail-in address changes are still accepted and which records they affect.

4. License vs. Registration: Updated Together or Separately?

In Tennessee, this is typically handled in two separate systems:

  • Driver license / ID address
    – Maintained by the state Driver Services division
  • Vehicle registration / title address
    – Maintained by your county clerk (with some coordination at the state level)

This usually means:

  • Updating your driver license address does not automatically change your vehicle registration address.
  • Updating your registration address with the county may not automatically change your license address.

For that reason:

  • If you only drive but don’t own a vehicle in Tennessee, you may only need to update your license/ID address.
  • If you own or lease a vehicle registered in Tennessee, plan to handle both:
    • Tennessee Driver Services (license/ID)
    • Your county clerk (registration/title)

What Happens After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you submit your Tennessee DMV change of address request—whether online, in person, or by mail—here’s what typically follows:

  • System update
    Your new address is entered into the Tennessee Driver Services or county registration system. In some counties, this update appears relatively quickly; in others, it may take longer to show on all related screens.

  • Confirmation

    • Online systems may provide a confirmation page or number.
    • In-person offices usually issue a receipt or updated temporary document.
    • Mail-in requests may be confirmed by mail or may only be verifiable by calling or checking online after processing.

  • New card, sticker, or documentation
    Depending on what you updated:

    • Driver license or ID: You may receive a replacement card with your updated address, or your address may be updated in the record without a new card if you choose not to order one (verify what your specific transaction includes).
    • Vehicle registration: Your county may:
      • Update your registration in its system
      • Issue a new registration certificate
      • In some cases, send a new decal or plate if another change (like a plate type) occurred at the same time

  • Timing
    Tennessee does not guarantee uniform delivery times across all counties or services. Mail delivery, printing schedules, and local processing volumes can all affect when you receive your updated documents.

If you need to show proof of address change quickly—for example, for insurance or employment purposes—ask the office whether your receipt or email confirmation can serve as temporary proof of your new address on file.

Special Situations for Tennessee Address Changes

Certain groups and circumstances in Tennessee face additional rules or options when changing addresses.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) Holders

In Tennessee, CDL address changes may have stricter rules due to federal regulations:

  • You may be required to update your address in person at a Driver Services Center.
  • Additional identity checks or documentation may be necessary, especially if your new address affects your CDL restrictions or endorsements.
  • Many CDL holders in Tennessee find it helpful to call the Driver Services Center in advance to confirm exactly what to bring.

Always check for CDL-specific instructions on the official Tennessee Driver Services website.

Active-Duty Military and Families

If you are active-duty military with a Tennessee license:

  • Your physical residence may change frequently, but Tennessee often allows certain residency and licensing flexibilities for service members.
  • If your legal residence remains Tennessee, you might still need to update your address so that official mailings and notices reach you or your designated mailing address.

Because military situations vary, it’s often best to:

  • Review the military and veteran sections of the Tennessee Driver Services site, and
  • Call or visit a Driver Services Center to clarify how to keep your address and mailing info accurate given your duty station.

College Students

Many college students in Tennessee attend school away from their family home, such as moving from a small town to a university city:

  • You may choose to keep your permanent address (for example, your parents’ Tennessee address) on your license while using your campus address as your mailing address.
  • In some cases, if you truly reside most of the year at your school address and intend for it to be your main residence, you may choose to update your license address accordingly.

If you’re unsure how your situation fits Tennessee’s residency expectations, you can ask at a Driver Services Center which address is most appropriate to list.

New Residents to Tennessee

If you recently moved from another state to Tennessee:

  • You typically need to apply for a Tennessee driver license rather than just update the address on your old out-of-state license.
  • You will also need to title and register your vehicle in Tennessee, usually through:
    • A Driver Services Center for licensing, and
    • Your county clerk’s office for tags, titles, and registration.

Search the official Tennessee state website for “new resident driver license Tennessee” to find current requirements and documents.

PO Boxes and Rural Routes

In many rural parts of Tennessee, mailing addresses may be P.O. boxes or rural routes instead of city-style street addresses.

  • Physical (residential) address: Tennessee often requires a physical address for your residence, even if you receive mail at a P.O. box.
  • Mailing address: You can usually list your P.O. box or rural route as your mailing address, so long as you also provide a physical residence address.

Depending on your county in Tennessee, the office may ask for:

  • A utility bill or other document that lists your physical residence
  • A separate indication of where you receive mail (P.O. box, rural route, etc.)

Name and Address Change at the Same Time

If you changed your name (for example, due to marriage or court order) and also moved:

  • Tennessee generally requires a name change to be processed in person, with legal proof of the new name.
  • You can often change both your name and address in the same visit, but you should:
    • Bring legal name change documents (marriage certificate, court order, etc.)
    • Bring proof of your new Tennessee address

Because multiple changes are involved, in Tennessee this is typically handled best with an in-person visit where staff can review all documents in one session.

Troubleshooting: If Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

If your Tennessee DMV change of address hits a snag, here’s how to approach the most common issues.

1. Online Address Change Rejection

If the online system rejects your request:

  • Double-check your personal data

    • Make sure your license number, date of birth, and SSN digits match exactly.
    • Use your name exactly as printed on your license.

  • Confirm your address format

    • Use the same format the U.S. Postal Service uses for your address.
    • Remove extra punctuation or apartment labels that might confuse the system.

  • Check eligibility
    Some Tennessee drivers may not be eligible for online address changes if:

    • Your license is expired or very close to expiring
    • You have certain license restrictions or endorsements
    • You are changing more than just your address

If you continue to receive errors, note any error codes and:

  • Call the phone number listed on the official Tennessee Driver Services site for help; or
  • Visit a Driver Services Center in person with your current documents.

2. Submitted but Not Updated

If you believe you submitted your address change but your records don’t reflect it:

  • Wait a reasonable period
    Systems can take time to update. Allow at least a few business days, and consider longer if you used mail.

  • Check for confirmation

    • Review email or printed confirmations you received.
    • Confirm the transaction number or date you submitted.

  • Contact the appropriate office

    • For driver license/ID changes, contact Tennessee Driver Services.
    • For registration/title address changes, contact your county clerk.

Provide them with:

  • Your full name
  • License/ID or plate number
  • The date and method of your address change request

3. Rejected Request Due to Documentation

If an in-person or mail request is rejected:

  • Ask the clerk exactly what was missing or incorrect:
    • Was your address proof too old?
    • Did it not show your full name or current address?
    • Was it an unsupported document type (e.g., handwritten letter instead of a formal bill)?

In Tennessee, this is typically handled by requiring clear, recent, and official proof of address, such as:

  • Utility bill
  • Lease or mortgage document
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Official government correspondence

Bring or send a replacement document that meets their guidelines and resubmit the request.

4. License Updated but Registration Didn’t (or Vice Versa)

Because Tennessee splits responsibilities between Driver Services and county clerks:

  • It’s common to see your license address updated while your vehicle registration still shows the old address.
  • Or, you may have updated your registration at your county clerk’s office while your license still lists the former address.

To fix this:

  • Identify which record is still wrong:

    • Look at your physical driver license or ID.
    • Look at your current registration card or recent renewal notice.

  • Contact the correct office:

    • License/ID address errors: Tennessee Driver Services or Driver Services Center
    • Registration/title address errors: Your county clerk

Tell them:

  • You successfully updated the address in the other system, but this record still shows the old address.
  • Provide proof of your current address if needed.

5. Moved Out of Tennessee

If you moved out of Tennessee:

  • Typically, you will need to:
    • Obtain a driver license in your new state of residence, and
    • Register and title your vehicle in that state according to their laws.

Tennessee may not require you to formally submit a Tennessee DMV change of address once you are permanently living out of state, but:

  • You may wish to contact Tennessee Driver Services or your former Tennessee county clerk to:
    • Confirm that your Tennessee records are closed or updated, and
    • Avoid unexpected mail or renewal notices at an old address.

Check your new state’s official website for their specific requirements on transferring licenses and titles from Tennessee (TN).

Taking Your Next Steps

For most people in Tennessee, the next steps are:

  1. Decide which records you must update

    • Driver license and/or state ID
    • Vehicle registration and title
    • Both, if you own a vehicle and drive

  2. Use the online tools where possible

    • Start with the official Tennessee Driver Services online portal for license/ID changes and information.
    • Use the Driver Services Center locator for in-person options:
      https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/locations.html

  3. Contact your county clerk

    • Check your county’s official site or call their office to ask how to update your registration and title address.

  4. Gather clear proof of your new Tennessee address

    • Choose documents that show your name and new address and are recent and legible.

By updating your address promptly—both with Tennessee Driver Services and your county clerk—you help ensure your license, registration, and important state notices follow you to your new home in Tennessee.