Where to start: the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

To change your Florida driver's license, you work with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), which is the state agency that issues and manages all driver's licenses. You cannot change your license through the mail or online — you must visit a driver's license office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee.

The type of change you need determines what documents you bring and which office you visit. A name change, address change, and license renewal each follow slightly different paths, though all start at the same agency.

Key Takeaways

  • All driver's license changes require an in-person visit to a Florida DHSMV office; you cannot complete them by mail or online.
  • A name change requires a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — a document that proves the name change is legal.
  • An address change requires proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • You can renew your license up to 18 months before it expires, and renewal requires your current license plus proof of residency.
  • DHSMV offices vary by county; you can search for the nearest one and check wait times on the official DHSMV website.

Changing your name on your Florida license

A name change requires legal proof that your name has changed. Florida accepts a court order from a name-change proceeding, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an adoption decree. You cannot change your name based on a document you create yourself or a name you straightforward prefer to use.

Bring your current driver's license, the legal document proving the name change, and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). You will also need to provide your Social Security number. The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a renewal fee, which varies depending on whether you are renewing at the same time.

If you changed your name through a court order in Florida, you can obtain a certified copy of that order from the courthouse in the county where the order was issued. If you changed your name in another state, bring the legal document from that state — Florida recognizes name changes from other states.

Changing your address on your Florida license

An address change does not require a new photo or a new license number. You can change your address at any DHSMV office by bringing your current license and proof that you live at the new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail addressed to you at the new address — the document must be dated within the last 60 days.

There is no fee to change your address alone. However, if you also renew your license at the same time, you pay the renewal fee. An address-only change takes a few minutes and you receive an updated license in the mail within one to two weeks.

Renewing your Florida driver's license

You can renew your license up to 18 months before it expires. A standard renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to take a vision test and provide additional documents — contact your local DHSMV office to confirm what you need.

Florida offers both in-person and mail renewal for some drivers. Mail renewal is available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. If you are unsure whether you may have access to for mail renewal, the DHSMV website has a tool to check your may be able to access, or you can call your local office.

The renewal fee depends on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. A standard eight-year renewal costs less than a four-year renewal. If you renew in person, you receive your new license when ready. If you renew by mail, your new license arrives within one to two weeks.

Finding your nearest DHSMV office and what to bring

Florida has driver's license offices in every county. You can search for the nearest office, check current wait times, and schedule an appointment on the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Some offices allow walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only — the website shows which offices in your area accept appointments and which do not.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (if changing your address or renewing), your Social Security number, and any legal documents that support your change (such as a marriage certificate for a name change). Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you wear glasses or contacts while driving, wear them to your appointment so your new photo is accurate.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in urban areas tend to have longer waits during midday and early afternoon. Scheduling an appointment online reduces your wait time significantly and is available at most locations.

Fees and what happens after your visit

The fee for a driver's license change depends on what you are changing and how long you are renewing for. A name change or address change combined with renewal costs the same as a renewal. A name change or address change without renewal may have a smaller fee or no fee — check with your local office for the exact amount. Florida accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices.

After your visit, if you received a new license in person, you can use it when ready. If your license is being mailed to you, it typically arrives within one to two weeks. If your license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DHSMV office where you applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my driver's license online or by mail?

You cannot change your name or address online or by mail. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. However, you may be able to renew your license by mail if you meet certain conditions — the DHSMV website has a tool to check if you may have access to.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You can request a replacement license at any DHSMV office. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. There is a fee for a replacement license. You will receive your new license in the mail within one to two weeks.

Do I need an appointment to visit a DHSMV office?

Some offices require appointments and others accept walk-ins. Check the DHSMV website for your local office to see which option is available. Scheduling an appointment online usually reduces your wait time.

How long does it take to change my driver's license?

An in-person visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. If you receive your license in person, you can use it when ready. If your license is mailed to you, it arrives within one to two weeks.

What if I changed my name in another state?

Bring the legal document from that state (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree) to your Florida DHSMV office. Florida recognizes name changes from other states. You will also need proof of residency in Florida and your current license or ID.