How to change your name on a Florida driver license

To change the name on your Florida driver license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. The DHSMV does not process name changes by mail or online. You will need a court order showing your new name, or a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers — whichever document created your legal name change. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary license on the spot while your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

The fee for a name change on your license is $25 if you are renewing at the same time, or $6.25 if you are only changing the name on a valid license. If your license has already expired, you will pay the full renewal fee plus the name-change fee. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, as the DHSMV will verify it during the transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change — the DHSMV does not accept mail or online requests.
  • Acceptable proof includes a court order, certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers showing your new legal name.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, as the DHSMV will verify it before issuing your new license.
  • A name-change fee of $6.25 applies if your license is still valid; if it has expired, you will pay the renewal fee plus the name-change fee.
  • You will receive a temporary license when ready and your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents you need to bring

Gather these documents before you go to the DHSMV office. You will need your current Florida driver license, your proof of legal name change, and proof of your Social Security number. The proof of name change must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring your certified divorce decree showing your new name. If you changed your name through court order (a legal name change petition), bring the certified court order. If you changed your name through adoption, bring your certified adoption papers. You can obtain certified copies from the county clerk's office where the document was issued, or from the vital records office if it is a marriage or divorce certificate.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a bank statement with your Social Security number on it. A driver license from another state also works. The DHSMV will not accept a birth certificate as proof of Social Security number.

Finding and visiting a DHSMV office

Use the DHSMV office locator on the official Florida DHSMV website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, though some have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment for a name change — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning or mid-week.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive with enough time before the office closes, as staff will not begin processing new customers within 30 minutes of closing time. If the office is very crowded when you arrive, ask the staff how long the wait is expected to be — some offices display this information at the entrance.

What happens at the DHSMV office

When you reach the counter, tell the staff member you are changing your name on your license. Hand over your current license, your proof of name change, and your proof of Social Security number. The staff member will review your documents, verify your Social Security number in the DHSMV system, and ask you to confirm your new name and address.

You will be asked to sign a new process form and may be asked to sit for a new photo. The staff member will then collect the $6.25 name-change fee (or the full renewal fee if your license is expired). You will receive a temporary license printed on the spot — this is valid when ready and you can use it as your driver license while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail. Keep the temporary license in a safe place until your new license arrives.

Timeline and what to expect after you leave

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file at the DHSMV within 7 to 10 business days. If you moved recently and updated your address at the office, your new license will be mailed to your new address. If you did not update your address, it will go to the address currently on your old license.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV customer service line at 850-617-2000 to report it. Have your temporary license number ready. The DHSMV can check the status of your new license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. Do not discard your temporary license until your new license arrives — you may need it as proof of your legal name change for other purposes, such as updating your vehicle registration or insurance.

Updating other documents after your license changes

Once you receive your new driver license, you will need to update your name with other agencies and organizations. Your vehicle registration must be updated with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles — you can do this by mail or at a DHSMV office. Your auto insurance company should be notified so your policy reflects your new name. Your employer's payroll and HR systems need your new name for tax withholding and W-2 reporting.

If you have a passport, Social Security card, or bank accounts, each of these will need to be updated separately. The Social Security Administration accepts name-change requests by mail or in person at a local Social Security office. Your bank will update your accounts once you show them your new driver license. Keep copies of your new license and your proof of name change (the court order, marriage certificate, or other document) in a safe place — you may need them to update other records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order?

Yes, if your name change was due to marriage, divorce, or adoption. A certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers are accepted as proof. Only a legal name change through the court system requires a court order. If you changed your name through a court petition, you must bring the certified court order.

What if my proof of name change is not certified?

The DHSMV requires certified or original copies only. Photocopies are not accepted. Contact the county clerk's office or vital records office where the document was issued and request a certified copy. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days and costs $5 to $15 depending on the county.

Do I have to renew my license at the same time I change my name?

No. If your license is still valid, you can change only the name for a $6.25 fee. You do not have to renew it. However, if your license has already expired, you must renew it at the same time, and you will pay both the renewal fee and the name-change fee.

Can someone else go to the DHSMV office for me?

No. You must appear in person with your current license. The DHSMV requires you to sign the process and may ask you to sit for a new photo. A representative cannot complete this transaction on your behalf.

What if I lose my temporary license before my new license arrives?

Contact the DHSMV customer service line at 850-617-2000 and report it. You can request a replacement temporary license or ask about the status of your new license. If your new license has already been mailed, the DHSMV may be able to reissue it. If it has not been mailed yet, you may need to return to a DHSMV office to receive another temporary license.