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

To change your name on your Florida driver's license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person with a court order showing your legal name change, or with a certified marriage certificate if you're changing your name due to marriage. Florida does not allow name changes by mail or online. You'll fill out an process form, pay a fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The specific documents you bring depend on why your name is changing. A court-ordered name change requires a certified copy of the final judgment from the court. A marriage requires the certified marriage certificate. A divorce requires a certified copy of the final divorce decree if you're reverting to a former name. Without the correct document, the DHSMV office will not process your request that day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with either a court order for a name change, a certified marriage certificate, or a certified divorce decree.
  • Bring your current driver's license, the document proving your name change, and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
  • You will pay a fee to replace your license; the amount depends on how many years remain on your current license.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office

Bring your current Florida driver's license, even if it's expired. Bring the document that proves your name change: a certified copy of the court order (for a legal name change), the certified marriage certificate (for a marriage), or the certified divorce decree (for a divorce). "Certified" means the document has an official seal and signature from the court or vital records office—a photocopy or a document you printed yourself will not work.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. The DHSMV accepts a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate or passport instead, though the office may ask you to return with a Social Security document. Bring your proof of Florida residency as well: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with your name and current address on it.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with a photo ID. If you cannot go in person, a parent or legal guardian can go on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney form, though this is uncommon and the office may require additional steps.

Finding a DHSMV office and scheduling an appointment

Visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and use the office locator tool to find the nearest DHSMV office to you. Most counties have multiple offices. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary widely—some offices have waits of 30 minutes, others an hour or more during peak times. To avoid a long wait, call the office directly (the phone number is listed on the locator) and ask when they are least busy, or check whether they offer online appointment scheduling.

Some DHSMV offices use an online appointment system. Go to flhsmv.gov, select your county, and book a time slot. If your office does not offer online appointments, you can call ahead to ask whether they hold time slots by phone. Appointments typically fill up 2 to 3 weeks in advance during busy seasons.

The fee for replacing your license

The replacement fee depends on how many years remain on your current license. If your license expires within the next 4 years, the fee is $25. If it expires in 5 or more years, the fee is $48. If your license is already expired, you pay the full renewal fee, which is $48 for an 8-year license. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the office.

Some counties charge an additional county surcharge of $1 to $2, so the total may be slightly higher than the state fee alone. Ask the DHSMV office what the exact total will be when you call or arrive.

What happens at the DHSMV office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify that your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree is certified and matches your current license. They will ask you to confirm your new legal name and your address. You will then fill out Form HSMV 82053 (process for Florida Driving Privilege), which takes about 5 minutes.

Next, you will have your photo taken for the new license. Wear something you're comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for up to 8 years. You will pay the fee, and the office will give you a receipt. Your old license is returned to you, and you can use it until your new license arrives.

After you leave the office

Your new license is mailed to the address you provided at the office within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner—for example, if you need to fly or open a bank account—you can request an expedited license at the office for an additional fee of $10. Expedited licenses arrive within 3 to 5 business days.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, call the DHSMV at 1-844-5-DHSMV (1-844-534-7368) with your receipt number. Keep your old license in a safe place until the new one arrives. If your new license arrives with an error—a misspelled name or wrong address—return to the DHSMV office with the incorrect license and your receipt, and they will reissue it at no additional charge.

Name changes due to marriage versus court order

If you are changing your name because you were married, bring your certified marriage certificate. You do not need a court order. The DHSMV will process this as a name change due to marriage, and the fee is the same as any other license replacement.

If you are changing your name through a court order (for any reason other than marriage or divorce), you must bring the certified final judgment from the court. This is different from a marriage certificate. Some people confuse a marriage certificate with a court order; they are not the same. If you have a marriage certificate, do not bring a court order as well—bring only the marriage certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I don't have a court order or marriage certificate yet?

No. The DHSMV will not process a name change without a certified document proving the change. If your court order or marriage certificate has not arrived, wait until you have it in hand before visiting the DHSMV office. You can call the court or vital records office to ask how long certified copies take to arrive.

What if I changed my name years ago but never updated my license?

You still need the original certified court order or marriage certificate from when you changed your name. If you no longer have it, contact the court that issued the order (or the vital records office for a marriage certificate) and request a certified copy. This can take 2 to 4 weeks depending on the office.

Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change my driver's license?

No, but it's a good idea to do both. You can change your name at the DHSMV and with Social Security in either order. If you change your Social Security name first, bring your Social Security card showing the new name to the DHSMV office. If you change your driver's license first, update Social Security afterward.

What if I'm changing my name and also renewing my license at the same time?

Treat it as a name change, not a renewal. Bring your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree along with your proof of residency and Social Security number. The fee is the replacement fee (based on how much time is left on your current license), not the renewal fee. The process is the same as a name change alone.

Can someone else go to the DHSMV office and change my name for me?

Only if you are under 18 and a parent or legal guardian goes with a photo ID, or if you provide a notarized power of attorney. For adults, the DHSMV requires you to be present in person. Call your local DHSMV office if you have questions about your specific situation.