How to Change Your Name on a Florida Driver's License

What you need to do to change your name on your Florida license

To change the name on your Florida driver's license, you need a court order showing the name change, or a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers. You then take that document to a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, fill out form HSMV 82014, and pay a fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though getting the court order beforehand can take weeks.

You cannot change your name by mail or online. Florida requires you to appear in person with your original or certified document and your current license. If you are changing your name through the court system rather than marriage or divorce, you will need to complete that court process first — that is separate from the license change and happens in your county circuit court.

Key Takeaways

You must have a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers before you can change your name on your license.
You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your document, current license, and form HSMV 82014.
The fee for a name change on your license varies depending on whether you also need a new photo or just a replacement card.
If you are changing your name through the court system, that process happens in your county circuit court and is separate from the license change.

Documents you need to bring to the DHSMV office

Bring your current Florida driver's license, your original or certified copy of the document that proves your name change, and a completed form HSMV 82014. The certified document must be an official copy from the court, vital records office, or issuing agency — a photocopy will not work. If you do not have your current license with you, bring a valid form of identification instead.

If you are changing your name because of marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate. If you are changing it because of divorce, bring your certified divorce decree. If you are changing it because of adoption, bring your certified adoption papers. If you are changing your name through a court order, bring the certified court order from your county circuit court.

How to get form HSMV 82014

You can read form HSMV 82014 from the Florida DHSMV website before you go to the office, or you can fill it out at the office itself. The form asks for your current name, your new name, your date of birth, and your driver's license number. It takes about five minutes to complete.

If you print the form at home, bring it filled out and signed. If you fill it out at the office, a staff member can help you if you have questions about any section. Either way, you will need to sign the form in front of the DHSMV employee.

Finding a DHSMV office near you and what to expect

Use the DHSMV office locator on the Florida DHSMV website to find the office closest to you and check its hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment for a name change — you walk in, take a number, and wait your turn.

Bring all your documents and the completed form. The staff member will check your documents, take a new photo if you want one, and process your name change. If you choose a new photo, there is an additional fee. If you keep your current photo, the fee is lower. You will leave with a temporary license and receive your new card in the mail within one to two weeks.

Fees for changing your name on your license

The fee depends on whether you get a new photo. A replacement license with your current photo costs one amount; a replacement license with a new photo costs more. The exact fee changes periodically, so call your local DHSMV office or check the website for the current price before you go.

You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices. Some offices accept credit cards. Ask when you call or check online what payment methods your local office takes.

If you are changing your name through the court system

If you are changing your name for reasons other than marriage, divorce, or adoption — for example, to drop a middle name, reverse a previous name change, or change to a completely different name — you need a court order from your county circuit court. This process is separate from the license change and must happen first.

You will file a petition in your county circuit court, pay a filing fee, and attend a hearing. The judge will review your petition and decide whether to grant the name change. Once you have the court order, you can then take it to the DHSMV office to change your license. The court process typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on your county and how busy the court is.

What happens after you submit your documents at the DHSMV office

The DHSMV employee will scan your documents, take your new photo if you requested one, and process your name change on the spot. You will receive a temporary license that is valid when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent one while you wait.

If there is a problem with your documents — for example, if the court order is not certified or if there is a mismatch between the name on your document and the name you are requesting — the staff member will tell you right away. You can then fix the problem and come back, or ask what steps you need to take next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order or marriage certificate yet?

No. Florida requires proof of the name change before the DHSMV will process it. If you are getting married, wait until you have your certified marriage certificate. If you are going through the court system, complete that process first and get the certified court order before you go to the DHSMV office.

What if my marriage certificate or court order is not certified?

The DHSMV will not accept it. You need a certified copy, which means it has an official seal and signature from the issuing agency. Contact the vital records office in the county where you were married, or the circuit court that issued your name change order, and request a certified copy. There is usually a small fee for this.

Do I have to get a new photo when I change my name?

No. You can keep your current photo on your license if you want to. The fee is lower if you do not get a new photo. However, if your current photo is very old or you straightforward want a new one, you can request it and pay the higher fee.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

The DHSMV typically mails your new license within one to two weeks of your office visit. You will have a temporary license to use in the meantime. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received it, contact the DHSMV office where you applied.

Can I change my name on my license if I have an out-of-state license?

No. You must have a valid Florida driver's license to change the name on a Florida license. If you have an out-of-state license, you will need to get a Florida license first, then change the name on it using the process described here.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.