How to Change Your Address on a Tennessee Driver’s License and Car Registration

Moving in Tennessee is a two-step process. Unlike many other states, updating your driver’s license does notautomatically update your vehicle registration. You have to deal with two different government bodies:

1. Driver Services (State): Handles your License/ID.
2. County Clerk (Local): Handles your Vehicle Plates/Registration.

The “10-Day Rule”: Tennessee law requires you to notify the Department of Safety of your new address within 10 daysof moving.

This guide explains how to update your license online for free, how to get a new card if you want one, and why you must visit a totally different office to fix your car tags.

Method 1: Change Your Tennessee Driver’s License Address Online (Free Update vs Duplicate Card)

Best For: Current Tennessee residents moving within the state.

You do not need to visit a DMV to update your address. You can do it instantly on the e-Services Portal.

Step 1: Visit the Tennessee Driver Services Online portal. Step 2: Log in using your Last Name, Date of Birth, Driver License Number, and SSN. Step 3: Select “Change Your Address” from the dashboard. Step 4: Enter your new residential address (and mailing address, if different).

The “Plastic Card” Choice:

• Option A (Free): You can update your record in the database for $0. You keep your old license with the old address printed on it. This is legal, but it might cause minor delays when buying alcohol or voting.
• Option B (Paid): If you want a new card with the new address, you must select “Duplicate License” and pay the replacement fee (typically $8.00 – $16.00, depending on your license class).

Note: If you lost your card during the move, do not just change the address. You must follow the full replace Tennessee drivers license process to ensure the old card is deactivated.

Method 2: Use Tennessee Self-Service Kiosks for a New License Card with Your Updated Address

Best For: People who want a new card but hate lines.

Tennessee has installed self-service kiosks in many Driver Service Centers and even some public libraries.

1. Scan your current license or enter your info.
2. Follow the prompts to update your address.
3. Pay the fee (Credit/Debit only).
4. The kiosk takes your photo and prints a receipt. Your new card arrives in the mail within 15–20 days.

Method 3: Change Your Address by Mail in Tennessee (Why You Should Never Email Your SSN)

Best For: Drivers without internet access.

The original advice to “email your SSN” is dangerous and incorrect. The state requires a signed form for mail-in changes.

1. Write a letter including your Full Name, Date of Birth, License Number, SSN, Old Address, and New Address.
2. Mail it to:TN Dept of Safety and Homeland Security ATTN: Records 1150 Foster Avenue Nashville, TN 37243

Note: This updates your record but does not generate a new card.

New Tennessee Residents: 30-Day Rule for Transferring an Out-of-State Driver’s License

If you just moved here from another state (e.g., California or Texas), you cannot use the online system.

The “30-Day Rule”: New residents must transfer their out-of-state license to a Tennessee license within 30 days of establishing residency.

How to do it:

1. Visit in Person: You must go to a Driver Services Center. We strongly recommend making a DMV Tennessee appointment to verify your documents and skip the wait.
2. Bring Documents:
   • Current Out-of-State License.
   • Proof of Citizenship/Legal Presence (Passport/Birth Certificate).
   • Proof of SSN.
   • Two (2) Proofs of Tennessee Residency (Lease, Utility Bill, Bank Statement).

Pro-Tip: If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended, you cannot transfer it. You must clear your record first. Use our reinstate a suspended license in TN guide if you have old Tennessee holds blocking you.

Step 2: Update Your Tennessee Vehicle Registration Address with the County Clerk

Changing your license address does NOT update your car’s registration.

• Who handles this? Your local County Clerk. (Not the state Driver Services center).
• When? You must update this immediately to receive your renewal notices.

How to do it:

1. Google “County Clerk [Your New County]” (e.g., “Shelby County Clerk”).
2. Visit their office with your new Driver’s License and current Vehicle Registration.
3. Pay the transfer fee (varies by county).

• New Residents: If you are registering a car in TN for the first time, you will need your Title and proof of address. If you need to drive the car while waiting for the title to clear, you might need a printable Tennessee temporary tag.

Frequently Asked Questions