Where to start: the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
To change your name on a Florida driver's license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Florida does not allow name changes by mail or online. You cannot change your name on your license until you have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the new name — whichever applies to your situation.
The DHSMV operates driver license offices across all 67 Florida counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DHSMV website by entering your county or ZIP code. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though some offices accept appointments through the online scheduling system. Appointment availability varies by location and time of year.
Bring your current Florida driver's license, the legal document proving your name change, and a valid form of identification if your current license does not match the name on your legal document. If you have recently moved or your address has changed, bring proof of your current residence as well.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your current license and a legal document showing your new name — court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
- Florida does not process name changes by mail, phone, or online; you cannot change your name on your license without appearing in person.
- The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a standard license renewal, which varies depending on the type of license and how many years remain on your current one.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days after your visit; you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
What legal documents the DHSMV will accept
The document you bring must show your old name and your new name clearly. A marriage certificate is the most common proof and is accepted without additional paperwork. The certificate must be an official certified copy issued by the county clerk or vital records office where the marriage took place.
A divorce decree or final judgment of dissolution of marriage showing your new name is also accepted. The document must be certified and show the court case number and the date the judgment became final. If your divorce decree does not show your new name, you will need a separate court order authorizing the name change.
A court order for name change is required if you are changing your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce. This order must come from a Florida circuit court and must be certified. The order must show the old name, the new name, and the date the order was entered. Some counties require you to publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper before the court will issue the order; check with your county circuit court clerk for the specific process.
If your legal document is from outside Florida — for example, a marriage certificate from another state or country — it must be certified and in English or accompanied by an official English translation. The DHSMV may ask for additional documentation if the document is unclear or does not clearly show both names.
Fees and what to expect during your visit
The cost of a name change on your Florida driver's license is the same as the cost of a standard license renewal. The fee depends on the type of license you hold and how many years remain on your current license. A standard eight-year license costs less than a commercial license, and a license with fewer years remaining costs less than a full-term renewal. The DHSMV website lists current fees by license type.
When you arrive at the DHSMV office, you will check in and wait to be called. The staff member will review your current license and your legal name-change document. They will verify that the names match and that the document is valid. If everything is in order, they will take a new photo for your license (unless your current license photo is recent enough to reuse, which varies by office policy). You will then pay the fee and receive a receipt.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your old license for driving and identification until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address at the same time, tell the staff member before they process your name change, as this may affect the mailing address for your new license.
If your name change is recent or from out of state
If you were married or divorced very recently, your legal document may not yet be in your possession. A marriage certificate typically arrives by mail from the county clerk within two to four weeks after the marriage is recorded. A divorce decree is issued by the court on the day the judgment is entered, but you may need to request a certified copy from the clerk's office if you do not have one. Contact the clerk's office in the county where the marriage or divorce took place to request a certified copy.
If your name change occurred in another state or country, you will need a certified copy of the legal document that shows the name change. The document must be certified by the issuing authority — the county clerk for a marriage certificate, the court for a divorce decree or name-change order. Some foreign documents may require an apostille, which is an official certification that the document is genuine. Check with the DHSMV office in your county if you are unsure whether your out-of-state or foreign document will be accepted.
If you have already changed your name on other documents — such as your Social Security card or bank accounts — but do not yet have the legal document to show the DHSMV, you cannot change your driver's license name. The DHSMV requires the original legal document, not copies of other identification or accounts showing the new name.
What happens if your legal document does not match your current license
If your current driver's license shows a name that does not match the name on your legal document, the DHSMV will ask for proof that you are the same person. This can happen if you have already changed your name legally but have not yet updated your license, or if there is a discrepancy in how your name was recorded.
Bring a second form of identification that shows your current legal name, such as a passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate. The DHSMV staff will compare all documents to verify your identity. If the documents are inconsistent or unclear, the staff member may ask you to return with additional proof or may refer you to the DHSMV's administrative office for further review.
Updating your address at the same time
If you have moved since your current license was issued, you can update your address during the same visit when you change your name. Tell the staff member that you need both a name change and an address change. You will need to bring proof of your current residence, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your new address. The proof must be dated within the last 60 days.
The fee for updating your address alone is lower than the fee for a license renewal, but if you are changing both your name and address, you will pay the full renewal fee. Your new license will reflect both the new name and the new address and will be mailed to your new residence.
If you cannot visit an office in person
Florida law requires you to appear in person at a DHSMV office to change your name on your driver's license. There is no exception for people who are out of state, homebound, or unable to travel. If you are temporarily out of Florida, you can visit a DHSMV office when you return. If you are permanently relocating to another state, you will need to obtain a driver's license in that state and follow that state's process for a name change.
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office, contact the DHSMV directly to ask about possible accommodations. Some offices may be able to arrange a visit at a different time or location, but this is not may provide and must be requested in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my legal document yet?
No. The DHSMV requires an original certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot use a photocopy, a document from an online service, or a document that is not certified by the issuing authority. Contact the county clerk or court where the document was issued to request a certified copy.
How long does it take to get my new license after I visit the office?
Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license for driving and identification during this time. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the DHSMV office where you applied.
Do I need to change my name on my vehicle registration at the same time?
No, your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate. You can change your name on your license without changing your registration. However, if your vehicle is registered in your old name, you should update the registration as well. You can do this at a DHSMV office or by mail; check the DHSMV website for the current process and required documents.
What if I lost my current driver's license?
You can still change your name on your license, but you will need to report it lost and request a replacement at the same time. Bring your legal name-change document and a second form of identification. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I change my name on my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, as long as you have a valid legal name-change document and a current Florida driver's license. The DHSMV does not require citizenship to change your name on your license. Bring your current license, your legal name-change document, and a valid form of identification.