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, divorce decree, or other vital record that documents the change. You'll also need to bring your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number. The DHSMV will not process a name change based on a verbal request or a photocopy — the document must be an original or certified copy.

The process itself is straightforward once you have the right paperwork: you go to your local DHSMV office, submit your documents, pay the fee (currently $48 for a standard renewal with a name change), and take a new photo. You'll receive your updated license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the license sooner, you can request an expedited service at some offices, though this costs extra.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with an original or certified copy of a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other vital record proving your name change.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and a valid form of identification.
  • The name change fee is $48 and includes a new photo and updated license mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You cannot change your name by mail, phone, or online — the DHSMV requires you to appear in person at an office location.

What documents prove a legal name change

The DHSMV accepts several types of documents as proof of a name change. A court order from a Florida court is the most common — this is the document you receive if you went through a formal name change petition in circuit court. A certified marriage certificate showing your new married name works if you changed your name through marriage. A divorce decree or dissolution of marriage judgment that shows your name reverting to a former name is also accepted. If you were born outside the United States, a naturalization certificate or passport showing a different name can serve as proof.

The key word is certified. A photocopy, even if it looks official, will not be accepted. You need either the original document or a certified copy issued by the court, vital records office, or government agency that created it. If you don't have the original, you can request a certified copy from the issuing office — for a marriage certificate, that's your county clerk's office; for a court order, it's the circuit court clerk where the case was filed.

How to find your nearest DHSMV office and make an appointment

You can locate a DHSMV office near you by visiting the official Florida DHSMV website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). Many offices now operate by appointment only, especially after the pandemic, so you should schedule ahead rather than walk in. You can book an appointment online through the DHSMV website or by phone.

When you call or book online, tell them you need a name change on your driver's license. Some offices have shorter wait times than others, so if your local office has a long wait, you may be able to travel to a less busy one. Bring all your documents in a folder so nothing gets lost or left behind — offices process many people each day and it's straightforward for a document to slip out of a stack.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring these items to your DHSMV office visit:

  • Your current Florida driver's license
  • The original or certified copy of your court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other vital record showing your name change
  • Proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2, or a 1099 form)
  • A valid form of identification if your driver's license is expired (a passport, military ID, or state ID card)
  • Payment for the $48 fee (cash, check, or debit/credit card — policies vary by office)

If you have changed your address at the same time as your name, bring proof of your current address as well — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. The DHSMV will take a new photo at your appointment, so you don't need to bring one.

What happens after you submit your documents

Once you hand over your documents and pay the fee, the DHSMV staff will review everything to make sure it's complete. They will take a new photo of you for your updated license. You will then receive a temporary paper license that you can use when ready while your new plastic license is printed and mailed to you. The plastic license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though mail delays can extend this.

If the DHSMV finds a problem with your documents — for example, if a copy is not certified or if information doesn't match — they will tell you at the office and you'll need to go home, fix the issue, and return. This is why it's worth double-checking your documents before you go: call the office ahead of time if you're unsure whether what you have will work.

If you need your license faster than 7 to 10 days

Some DHSMV offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. You can ask about this when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the office. Expedited service may reduce the mailing time, though it depends on the office and current processing volume. If you absolutely need a license on the same day, ask whether your office can issue a temporary license that's valid for 30 days — this is not the same as the paper temporary license you receive with a standard renewal, and not all offices offer it.

If you're traveling out of state soon and can't wait for your new license to arrive, you can use your temporary paper license as proof of identity in most situations. However, some businesses and agencies may not accept it, so check with whoever needs to see your license before you rely on the temporary version.

Name changes through marriage, divorce, or court order

If you changed your name through marriage, your certified marriage certificate is your proof. You don't need a separate court order. The same applies if you changed your name back through divorce — your divorce decree or judgment of dissolution of marriage is sufficient. If you went through a formal legal name change in Florida circuit court (not related to marriage or divorce), you'll have a court order from the judge, and that's what you bring.

If your name change happened in another state, you can still update your Florida license, but you'll need the certified document from that state. For example, if you were divorced in Georgia, bring your certified Georgia divorce decree. The DHSMV accepts name change documents from any U.S. state or territory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if my court order is from another state?

Yes. The DHSMV accepts court orders and vital records from any U.S. state or territory. Bring the original or certified copy, and the process is the same as if the document came from Florida.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You can still change your name, but you'll need to bring a valid form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. You'll also need to report the lost license to the DHSMV, which may involve a small additional fee.

Do I have to change my name on my license if I got married?

No, changing your name on your license is optional. You can keep your maiden name on your license even if you legally changed your name through marriage. However, if you want to change it later, you'll need your certified marriage certificate.

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

Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your process at the DHSMV office. Mail delivery times can vary, so allow up to two weeks to be safe. You can use your temporary paper license during this time.

What if my documents don't match the name on my Social Security card?

Contact the Social Security Administration to update your name with them first, then return to the DHSMV with your updated Social Security card or a letter from Social Security confirming the change. The DHSMV needs your current legal name to match across documents.