How To Do a Tennessee DMV Change of Address

If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within the state of Tennessee then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you’ll be required to get your Tennessee DMV Change of Address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable.

It’s good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. And since Tennessee requires that you file your change of address paperwork within just 30 days of establishing residency in the state, there really isn’t much time to waste.

Not sure where you should start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to complete your Tennessee DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read through the information below and then make your way to an Tennessee Driver Services Center to get started.

If You’re Moving to Tennessee from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to Tennessee from another state?

How do you get one?

To get a Tennessee driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to a Tennessee Driver Services Center in person, since unfortunately you can’t do a Tennessee DMV change of address online or over the phone. You are encouraged however to start your application online so you can save time.

Per the rules in most states, expect that Tennessee driver’s licenses for new residents to the state are only available to those who do not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on their out-of-state driver’s license and who have not been previously deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the TN DMV or an outside court.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit the TN DMV:

    • Your current out-of-state license
    • Proof of identity (two forms required)
    • Proof of Tennessee residency (two forms required)
    • Proof of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status, or Temporary Legal Presence documents
    • Proof of social security number
    • Application for a Tennessee Driver’s License

    You can get started with everything here.

    Note that if your name on your proof of identity documents does not match the name on your current driver’s license you will also have to bring along proof of name change, such as your marriage license, divorce decree, or a court order for a legal name change.

    Is there a fee?

    Yes. The fee for a new Tennessee driver’s license is $26, plus a $2 application fee.

    Does a Tennessee DMV change of address require a driving test?

    No, provided you have a current and valid out-of-state driver’s license. You will have to pass a vision test though.

    How long do you have to get a Tennessee driver’s license or ID card?

    You’ll have to get your Tennessee DMV change of address handled within 30 days of establishing residency in that state. So how do you know if you’re officially a resident? Head to the TN DMV if you plan to:

      • Live in Tennessee at least 7 months out of the year
      • Register to vote in Tennessee
      • Work in Tennessee
      • Run a business out of Tennessee

      How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

      Tennessee requires that you register your vehicle in the state withing 30 days of establishing residency.

      How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Tennessee?

      You’ll need to go to your local County Clerk’s office to update your vehicle’s registration. Make sure to bring along the following required documents:

        • Certification of successful emissions testing (get this done first before heading to the County Clerk’s office)
        • Current out-of-state registration document
        • Proof of identity and residency
        • Either the name and address of the lienholder to whom you are making payments OR, in the event of no lienholder, your out-of-state title

        What is the registration fee?

        The fees for registering a standard non-commercial vehicle in Tennessee is $26.50.

        If You’re Moving Within Tennessee

        You have just 10 days after your move to update your Tennessee driver’s license with your new address when moving within the state (and no, changing your address with the post office doesn’t cut it).

        You have three primary options for updating your address on your Tennessee driver’s license:

        1. Fill out a Tennessee DMV change of address form online. You can do so here. Be sure to have your current Tennessee driver’s license number handy, as well as the last four digits of your social security number.

        2. Go to a Tennessee Driver Services Center in person. Find a Tennessee driver’s license office near you and fill out a Tennessee DMV change of address form in person.

        3. Snail mail. Want to do a Tennessee DMV change of address by mail? Send a letter with your full name, birthday, driver’s license number, social security number, and former and current home address (including county) to TN Dept of Safety and Homeland Security, ATTN: Records, 1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243.

        How much does a Tennessee change of address cost?

        An update to your Tennessee address with the DMV is free, but you’ll need to pay $15 if you want a replacement driver’s license with your new address.

        What information do you need to provide to update your address on your driver’s license?

        To change your address on your Tennessee driver’s license or identification card, you will need to provide:

          • Your driver’s license or identification card number
          • Your date of birth
          • Social security number
          • Former and current address, including county

          What information do you need to provide to update your vehicle registration?

          You will need to provide your completed change of address paperwork to update your vehicle’s registration.

          Services are not available online, so you’ll have to go to a County Clerk’s office. Do keep in mind that you will need to complete this within 10 days of your move, so time is of the essence.

          Will Tennessee issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

          Not unless you want one.

          If You’re Moving From Tennessee to Another State

          Do you need to notify the state of Tennessee if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

          Nope. When you receive a driver’s license in your new state of residency Tennessee will automatically cancel your TN driver’s license.

          Do you need to notify the state of Tennessee if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

          Do you need to return your Tennessee license plates?

          While not required, you can choose to return them if you please.

          Have any questions?

          If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Tennessee, contact the Tennessee Department of Safety at (615) 251-5166. You are encouraged to have your driver’s license number and license plate number (if applicable) ready when you call.

          If you’d rather reach out by email, send a message to [email protected].

          Need to hire movers for your move to, from, or within the state of Tennessee?

          We can help you out with that! Simply provide your moving information, here, to quickly and easily find reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Tennessee move will cost.