How to change your name on your Florida driver's license

You can change the name on your Florida driver's license by visiting a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you'll receive a new license with your updated name the same day. You cannot change your name by mail or online — Florida requires you to appear in person.

The key requirement is proof that your name change is legal. This means you need either a court order from a name change case, a certified marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree, or a certified death certificate (if you're reverting to a former name after widowhood). Without one of these documents, the DHSMV will not process the change.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your current license and a certified document proving your legal name change.
  • Acceptable proof includes a court order, certified marriage certificate, certified divorce decree, or certified death certificate.
  • The fee for a name change on your license is the same as a standard license renewal — currently $48 for an eight-year license.
  • Your new license is issued the same day you explore, though you may request a temporary paper license if you need to drive before the physical card arrives by mail.
  • If you're changing your name through a court case, you must have the final court order in hand before you visit the DHSMV.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current Florida driver's license and the original or certified copy of the document that proves your name change. If you're changing your name through marriage, bring the certified marriage certificate from the county clerk's office where you were married — a photocopy or uncertified version will not work. If you're changing your name through divorce, bring the certified divorce decree. If you obtained a legal name change through the court, bring the final court order.

You also need to bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a bank statement with your name and number on it. Bring your original proof of Florida residency as well — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. The document must show your current address.

If you're explore for a REAL ID-compliant license (the kind with a gold star), you'll need additional documents: proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and two forms of proof of residency if your first one doesn't clearly show your address. Most people in Florida now have REAL ID licenses, so ask the DHSMV office whether you need to upgrade when you arrive.

Finding a DHSMV office and making an appointment

Visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and use the office locator tool to find the nearest driver's license office. You can search by city or ZIP code. Most counties have multiple offices, and wait times vary — some offices have shorter lines in the early morning or mid-week.

You can make an appointment online through the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-33-FLHSMV (1-844-335-4786). Appointments are free and typically available within a few days. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you may wait longer. If you make an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents ready.

What happens when you arrive at the office

Check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you're changing your name on your license. They'll verify that you have all required documents and direct you to the appropriate counter. A DHSMV examiner will review your documents, confirm your identity, and ask you to sign a new process form. They'll take a new photo for your license unless you request to use your current photo (this option is available but not common).

The examiner will process your process and collect the $48 fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your physical license is printed and mailed to your address on file. The physical license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods. If you need to drive before the card arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for all purposes.

If you're changing your name through a court case

If you're obtaining a legal name change through the Florida court system, you must wait until you have the final court order in hand before visiting the DHSMV. The order must be signed by the judge and stamped by the court clerk. If your case is still pending, you cannot change your license yet.

Once you have the final order, take it to the county clerk's office and request a certified copy if you don't already have one. The clerk will charge a small fee (usually $1 to $2 per page). Bring this certified copy to the DHSMV along with your current license and proof of residency. The process at the DHSMV is identical to a name change through marriage or divorce.

Updating other documents after your license changes

Your new driver's license is your primary proof of identity in Florida, but you'll also want to update your name with your bank, employer, insurance company, and the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration requires you to explore in person at a local Social Security office with your new license and the original document that proves your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Keep your old license in a safe place for at least a few months after the change, in case you need to prove the connection between your old and new names for any reason. Some organizations ask to see both documents to confirm the change is legitimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if my court case is still pending?

No. You must have a final, signed court order from the judge before the DHSMV will process the change. If your case is still in progress, wait until the judge issues the final order and the court clerk stamps it.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You can still change your name, but you'll need to replace your lost license at the same time. Bring the certified document proving your name change, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency. The DHSMV will issue a new license with your updated name. The fee is $48.

Do I need to change my name with the Social Security Administration before I change my license?

No. You can change your license first, then update Social Security. Many people do it in this order because the new license makes it easier to prove your identity at the Social Security office. However, you can do either one first.

Will my license number change when I update my name?

No. Your driver's license number stays the same. Only your name and photo are updated on the new card.

What if the DHSMV office says my marriage certificate isn't certified?

Go back to the county clerk's office where you were married and request a certified copy. A certified copy has the clerk's official seal and signature. Photocopies and uncertified versions are not accepted. The clerk can usually issue a certified copy the same day for a small fee.