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 which documents you bring and how much it costs. A name change, address change, and correcting information on an existing license all follow the same basic process but may require different supporting paperwork.
Most driver's license offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the DHSMV website.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Florida driver's license office in person with your current license, proof of residency, and any documents supporting the change you are making.
- A name change requires a certified copy of a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — a photocopy will not be accepted.
- An address change requires a document dated within the last 60 days showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
- The fee for a replacement license is typically around $20 to $25, though the exact amount may vary by transaction type.
- Processing usually takes a few minutes at the office, and you receive your new license the same day if all documents are in order.
Changing your name on your Florida license
If you have legally changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you need to bring a certified original document proving the change. The DHSMV will not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images — the document must be an official certified copy with a seal or embossed stamp from the issuing court or agency.
For a marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate. For a divorce, bring your certified divorce decree. For a name change through the courts, bring your certified court order. You also need your current Florida driver's license and proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return.
Bring your current license and the certified document to any Florida driver's license office. The staff will verify the document, process the change, and issue you a new license with your updated name on the same day. The fee is typically $20 to $25.
Changing your address on your Florida license
To update your address without renewing your license, you need proof that you live at the new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail.
Bring your current Florida driver's license and one of these documents to any driver's license office. The staff will verify the address, update your record, and issue you a new license with the updated address. This transaction typically costs $20 to $25.
If you do not have a document dated within the last 60 days, you can bring two documents that together show your name and address, even if they are older. For example, a utility bill from three months ago plus a recent lease agreement would work.
Correcting errors on your existing license
If your license contains an error — such as a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect eye color — you can request a correction at any driver's license office. Bring your current license and any documents that support the correction, such as your birth certificate for a date-of-birth error or a recent photo ID for a physical description error.
The documents you need depend on what is wrong. For a name misspelling, bring a certified document showing the correct spelling, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate. For a date-of-birth error, bring your birth certificate or passport. For a physical description error, the staff may straightforward verify the information with you in person.
Corrections are usually processed the same day, and you receive a new license with the corrected information. The fee is typically $20 to $25, though some corrections may be free if the error was made by the DHSMV.
What to bring to the driver's license office
Bring your current Florida driver's license to every transaction. You also need to prove your identity and Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or government-issued ID from another state.
To prove your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a document from your employer or bank that shows your Social Security number.
Bring the specific supporting documents for your transaction: a certified name-change document if you are changing your name, a recent proof-of-address document if you are changing your address, or a document supporting any correction you are requesting. Photocopies and digital images are not accepted for certified documents.
Fees and processing time
The fee for a replacement driver's license in Florida is typically $20 to $25, depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or correcting your license. Payment is usually made by cash, check, or card at the driver's license office. Some offices may have different payment methods, so check with your local office before you go.
Processing time at the office is usually a few minutes if all your documents are in order. You receive your new license the same day you explore. If documents are missing or incomplete, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back, and you will have to return to complete the transaction.
If you need your license urgently and cannot visit an office, you can order a replacement online through the DHSMV website in some cases, though this option is limited and may take longer than an in-person visit.
Finding your nearest driver's license office
The DHSMV website has a tool to find driver's license offices by county or city. You can search for offices near you, see their hours, and check whether they require an appointment or accept walk-ins. Some offices are busier than others, so visiting during off-peak hours — early morning or mid-week — may mean shorter wait times.
Many offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the DHSMV website. Scheduling an appointment can reduce your wait time, though walk-ins are usually still accepted. If you schedule an appointment, arrive a few minutes early with all your documents ready.
If you cannot visit an office in person, you may be able to use a third-party service that handles driver's license transactions on behalf of the DHSMV. These services charge an additional fee but can save you a trip. Check the DHSMV website to see whether this option is available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online or by mail?
No. Florida requires you to visit a driver's license office in person to change your address. You cannot make this change online, by mail, or by phone. However, you can schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time at the office.
What if I lost my certified marriage certificate?
Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes a few days to a week. Some county clerks offer expedited service for an additional fee. You will need the certified copy to change your name at the driver's license office.
Do I need an appointment to visit a driver's license office?
Appointments are not required, but they are recommended. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website, which can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but you may wait longer during busy hours.
What happens if I bring incomplete documents?
The staff will tell you which documents are missing or incomplete and what you need to bring back. You will not be able to complete your transaction that day, and you will have to return to the office with the correct documents. Bring everything listed on the DHSMV checklist for your specific transaction to avoid a second trip.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I order it online?
Online orders typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. In-person transactions at a driver's license office are faster — you receive your new license the same day. If you need your license urgently, visiting an office in person is the quickest option.