Whether you’re relocating to retire in Tennessee, moving for work, or simply changing homes within the state, updating your address is an important step. A full-service moving company in Chattanooga can handle packing, transportation, and unloading so you can focus on address changes, utility transfers, and other time-sensitive paperwork.
From updating your Tennessee driver’s license to ensuring your vehicle registration reflects your new address, the Tennessee DMV change of address process can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.
For anyone managing part of the relocation themselves, load and unload help for your move can take care of the heavy lifting, while you focus on getting settled and completing your license and registration updates.
If you’re wondering how to handle your TN drivers license address change or need to complete an address change on a TN drivers license before breaking a lease in Tennessee, this guide will walk you through everything. We’ll cover how to complete your TN drivers license address change, including the timeline for making updates and what documents you’ll need.
Tennessee DMV Change of Address
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When looking up how to change address on TN drivers license, the first thing to do is to get in touch with the Tennessee DMV. In Tennessee, the DMV is also known as the Tennessee Department of Safety. Once you get your new address, you can complete a Tennessee DMV change of address online in some cases. Oftentimes, however, you’ll need to complete your TN DMV change of address in person or by mail.
Depending on whether you are a new resident or an existing Tennessee resident, the steps for completing your Tennessee DMV change of address vary. Here’s how to undergo a TN drivers license address change for both Tennessee residents and non-Tennessee residents.
TN Change of Address | Tennessee Residents
If you’re simply moving to a new Tennessee city, then your Tennessee DMV change of address process will be fairly straightforward. There are several ways to get your new driver’s license as a current resident. You are required to notify the Department of Safety and Homeland Security of your TN drivers license address change within 10 days. Once receiving your new license, you’ll be required to surrender your out of state license.
Fill Out a Change of Address Form
If you’d like to complete a TN drivers license address change online, then you’ll need to fill out a change of address form. This form can be found on the website of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Visit a Tennessee Driver Services Center
If you’d rather get your TN drivers license address change done in person, then locate a Tennessee Driver Services center near you and fill out the change of address form in person.
By Mail
Do you want to complete your TN drivers license address change by mail? Just send a letter with your full name, birthday, current driver’s license number, social security number, and former and new address to the TN Dept of Safety and Homeland Security, ATTN: Driver License Records, PO Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202. Your driving record will then be updated within approximately 15 business days.
Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll need the following:
- Your current driver license
- Your date of birth
- Your social security number
- Your former and current address, including the county
Curious about the cost of your TN drivers license address change? Updating your address is free, but if you need a replacement driver’s license with your new address, then you’ll be charged a fee of $15. It’s important to know that you are not required to purchase a new license with your updated address as long as you have notified the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security of your address change.
Tennessee DMV Change of Address | Non-Tennessee Residents
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If you are becoming a Tennessee resident for the first time, then the process for a Tennessee DMV change of address is slightly different. You are not able to complete your Tennessee drivers license address change online. As a new resident, you will need to visit a Tennessee Driver Services Center in person. However, you can start the process online by filling out the necessary forms online to bring to the Driver Services Center.
By law, you need to start your TN drivers license address change within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. This includes if you:
- Live in Tennessee for at least 7 months out of the year
- Are registered to vote in Tennessee
- Work in Tennessee
- Run a business in Tennessee
To complete a TN drivers license address change, you must not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on your out-of-state driver’s license.
To start your Tennessee driver’s license address change, you’ll need to make sure you bring these documents with you:
- Your current out-of-state license
- Proof of identity (two forms)
- Driver’s license number
- Proof of Tennessee residency (two forms)
- 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
It’s also important to ensure your proof of identity documents match the name on your current driver’s license. If they do not, then you’ll need to also have your proof of name change (marriage license, divorce decree, court order for legal name change, etc.).
As long as you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, you won’t need to take a driving test or road skills test. However, you will be required to pass a vision test.
The fee for a TN drivers license address change for new residents is $26 plus a $2 application fee.
TN Change of Address | Leaving Tennessee
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How does a Tennessee DMV change of address work if you are leaving the state? If you are leaving the state, then you do not have to do anything to complete your TN drivers license address change. When you get your new driver’s license, Tennessee will automatically cancel your Tennessee driver’s license. You can return your Tennessee license plates, but you are not required to.
Change of Address Tennessee DMV for Vehicle Registration
Once you’ve tackled the job of changing an address on a TN drivers license, there’s still more to do. Even with a new Tennessee driver’s license, you’ll need to complete your vehicle registration.
The state of Tennessee requires you to complete your vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. If you are moving within the state, then you have 10 days to complete this task. In order to update your vehicle registration records, you’ll need to visit your local County Clerk’s office. Just check out the TN Department of Revenue’s website to find the County Clerk’s office closest to you.
Before heading to the office to complete your vehicle registration, you’ll want to ensure you have the following documents:
- Your out-of-state title
- Out-of-state registration
- Emissions test paperwork
- Name and address of the vehicle’s lien holder
- Proof of identification (Tennessee driver’s license, military ID, birth certificate)
- Money for fees
- Old license plate number (if applicable)
Emissions Inspection
A few counties in Tennessee require drivers to have an emissions inspection performed before registering the vehicle. The counties that require this test include Summer County, Wilson County, Williamson County, Davidson County, Hamilton County, and Rutherford County. This emissions test is $9 and must be made in cash.
Cost Breakdown
Here’s an overview of the vehicle registration fees for private passenger vehicles in Tennessee.
| Item | Fee |
| Metro Vehicle Regulatory Fee (Wheel Tax) | $55.00 |
| Registration | $29.00 |
| Postage and Handling (Decal Only) | $2.00 |
| Postage and Handling (New Plate and Decal) | $5.00 |
| Total | $86.00 or $89.00 |
Tennessee USPS Change of Address
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Before or after completing your TN drivers license address change, it’s important to update your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to ensure you continue receiving important mail at your new address.
You can change your address with the USPS in two ways:
- Online: Visit the USPS Change of Address website and fill out the form. You’ll have to pay a small verification fee.
- In-person: Go to your local post office and request a Change of Address form (PS Form 3575). Fill it out and submit it at the counter or drop it in the mail.
Once submitted, USPS will forward your snail mail to your new residence for up to 12 months, giving you time to update your address with banks, insurance providers, and other important services. Subscriptions will only be forwarded for 60 days.
Tax Agencies Change of Address TN | IRS Change of Address
After moving to a new Tennessee city, it’s important to update your address with both federal and state tax agencies to ensure you receive important documents, refunds, correspondence, and more.
Changing Your Address With the IRS
To update your address with the IRS, you have several options.
- Online: If you recently filed a tax return, you can notify the IRS of your new address when submitting your next return.
- By mail: Complete Form 8822, Change of Address, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
- By phone: Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and provide your full name, Social Security Number, previous address, and new address.
- Tax return: If you haven’t already updated your address, the IRS will update its records when you file your next tax return with your new address.
Changing Your Address With the Tennessee Department of Revenue
Tennessee does not have a state income tax, but residents still need to update their addresses for business taxes and sales taxes. To update your address with the Tennessee Department of Revenue, follow these steps.
- Online: Log in to the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) and update your address under your account.
- By mail or fax: Submit a written request with your previous and new address details to the department’s main office.
- In-person: Visit a Tennessee Driver Services Center if you need to update your address for tax-related vehicle registrations.
Tennessee Voter Registration Address Change
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If you’ve recently moved, updating your voter registration is essential to ensure you can vote in the correct district. In Tennessee, you have several options to update your address. If you’re moving within the same county, you can complete the process online through the Tennessee Online Voter Registration System.
Alternatively, you can update your information by mailing a completed Tennessee Voter Registration Form to your local election commission or by visiting your county election office in person.
While updating your address change drivers license TN is an important step, it does not automatically update your voter registration. To ensure you’re eligible to vote in your new district, you’ll want to make sure your voter information is verified and updated.
Tennessee Change of Address for Utilities
It’s important to update your utilities ahead of your move to ensure a stress-free experience. Ideally, you should schedule utility transfers or new service activation at least one to two weeks before your move-in date. This allows enough time to avoid service interruptions and ensures your electricity, water, gas, and internet are ready when you arrive.
For electricity, Tennessee has several major providers depending on your location. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) supplies power to many areas through local distributors like Nashville Electric Service (NES), Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), and Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB). If your home uses natural gas, you may need to contact Piedmont Natural Gas or another local provider. Water and sewer services are typically managed by city or county utilities, so check with your local government to set up or transfer service.
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For internet and cable, major providers in Tennessee include Xfinity, AT&T, Spectrum, and Google Fiber.
Other Ways to Complete Your Tennessee Address Change
These are a few other things to consider when completing a TN drivers license address change.
- Insurance: Ensure your homeowners, auto, renters, and umbrella policies are all updated in order to avoid denied claims.
- Bank and credit card companies: Make sure all of your financial institutions have your new address on hand.
- Social Security: If you receive Social Security benefits, ensure your address is updated through Social Security. You can do this on the company’s website.
- Passport: Your passport will be valid with your old address as long as it’s not expired.
- Subscriptions: Ensure all of your subscriptions are forwarded to your new home. The USPS will forward regular mail for 12 months, magazine subscriptions for 60 days, and packages are not forwarded at all.
Let All Out Moving Assist You With Your Move
Are you ready to complete your TN drivers license address change? With the right tools and knowledge, the Tennessee DMV change of address process can be smooth and stress-free. If you’re planning a move to Tennessee in the near future, then let the experts at All Out Moving & Storage help you.
We will take care of everything, getting you settled into your new home in no time. Give our team a call today at (423) 716-3025 to discuss your move and get started with a free estimate.
