What you need to do to change your Florida driver's license
You can change your Florida driver's license in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, by mail for certain changes, or online through the DHSMV website for limited updates. The method depends on what you're changing — your address, name, or other information — and whether you need a new photo or just a record update. Most changes require you to visit an office in person, but address changes can often be handled online or by mail.
The DHSMV processes changes at county tax collector offices and DHSMV service centers across the state. You'll need your current license, proof of the change (such as a marriage certificate or utility bill), and a valid form of identification. Processing times vary: in-person changes are usually completed the same day, while mail requests take two to four weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Address changes can be made online through the DHSMV website or by mail without visiting an office, but name changes and photo updates require an in-person visit.
- You will need your current license, proof of the change (marriage certificate, utility bill, court order), and a valid ID when you visit in person.
- In-person visits at a county tax collector office or DHSMV service center are processed the same day, while mail requests take two to four weeks.
- The DHSMV charges a fee for a replacement license; address-only changes may have a lower fee or no fee depending on your situation.
Changing your address online or by mail
An address change is the simplest update to make. You can change your address through the DHSMV website without visiting an office. Go to the DHSMV website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to update your mailing address. This method is free and takes a few minutes.
If you prefer to mail your change, send a written request with your current license number, new address, and signature to your county tax collector's office. Include a copy of a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your new address. Mail processing takes two to four weeks, and you will receive a new license by mail.
Changing your name in person
A name change requires an in-person visit to a county tax collector office or DHSMV service center. Bring your current license, a court order showing the name change (if you changed your name through the court system), or an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate if you changed your name due to marriage. You will also need a valid form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
The office will take a new photo and issue a replacement license on the spot. You will pay a replacement fee, which varies by county but is typically between $20 and $30. If you changed your name due to marriage and have a certified marriage certificate, some offices may waive the photo requirement for a limited time, but this varies — call your local office to confirm.
Updating your photo or other information
You can request a new photo without changing any other information by visiting a county tax collector office or DHSMV service center in person. Bring your current license and a valid form of identification. The office will take a new photo and issue a replacement license the same day. You will pay the replacement fee.
Other changes — such as correcting your date of birth, sex designation, or organ donor status — also require an in-person visit. Bring your current license, proof of the correction (such as a birth certificate or court order), and a valid ID. Processing is completed the same day.
Finding your nearest office and what to bring
Use the DHSMV office locator on the official DHSMV website to find the county tax collector office or service center nearest you. Most county tax collector offices handle license changes and are open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday. Some larger offices have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can also call your local office to ask about wait times before you visit.
Bring your current driver's license, the proof document for your change (marriage certificate, utility bill, court order, or birth certificate), and a valid form of identification. If you are changing your name, bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order — photocopies are usually not accepted. Have your Social Security number ready as well.
Fees and processing times
A replacement license typically costs between $20 and $30, depending on your county. Address-only changes made online are free. Mail-in requests for address changes may have a small fee or be free depending on your county. Name changes, photo updates, and corrections to other information all require a replacement fee.
In-person visits are processed the same day, and you will receive your new license before you leave the office. Mail requests take two to four weeks from the date the office receives your request. If you need your license urgently, an in-person visit is your fastest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if I just moved?
Yes. Go to the DHSMV website, log in with your license number and date of birth, and update your address. The change is free and takes a few minutes. You do not need to visit an office or provide proof of your new address for an online change.
What if I lost my marriage certificate and need to change my name?
Contact the county clerk's office where you were married to request a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25. Once you have it, bring it to a tax collector office or DHSMV service center along with your current license and a valid ID.
Do I need an appointment to change my license in person?
Most county tax collector offices accept walk-ins, but some larger offices now use appointment systems. Call your local office or check the DHSMV website to see if appointments are required or recommended in your area. Appointments often have shorter wait times than walk-ins.
How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?
Mail-in requests take two to four weeks from the date your local office receives your request. The time depends on mail delivery and office processing volume. If you need your license sooner, visit an office in person for same-day processing.
What if my name change was through the court system, not marriage?
Bring the original or certified copy of your court order showing the name change to a tax collector office or DHSMV service center. Bring your current license and a valid form of identification as well. The office will process the change the same day and issue a new license.