Where to change your address and what you'll need

You can change your address on your Florida driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or online through the Florida DHSMV website if you're only updating your address and not changing your photo or other information. The online option is faster — it takes a few minutes and costs nothing — but you'll need your current driver's license number and a valid email address to start.

If you go in person, bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You don't need to bring anything else unless you're also renewing your license or changing your photo.

The in-person visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You won't need to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless your license is expiring soon or you're renewing it at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online through the Florida DHSMV website in a few minutes at no cost, or in person at any DHSMV office.
  • For an online change, you need your driver's license number and a valid email address.
  • For an in-person change, bring your current license and proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • An address-only change does not require a new photo or vision test and takes 15 to 30 minutes in person.

How to change your address online

Go to the Florida DHSMV website and look for the option to update your driver's license information. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Then you'll enter your new address and confirm your email address where the confirmation will be sent.

After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation email. Your updated license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You don't pay a fee for an address-only change, and your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

How to change your address in person at a DHSMV office

Find the DHSMV office closest to you on the Florida DHSMV website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. You can walk in without an appointment, but calling ahead to check wait times is a good idea, especially during lunch hours or late afternoon.

When you arrive, take a number at the front desk and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you're updating your address. Hand over your current license and your proof of address. The clerk will scan your documents, update your record in the system, and print a temporary address confirmation for you on the spot. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What counts as proof of your new address

Florida accepts several types of documents as proof of address. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail from a federal, state, or local agency all work. Some people use a recent bank statement or insurance policy if they show the new address.

If you don't have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and your utilities haven't been transferred — you can ask the DHSMV clerk what other documents they can accept. Some offices will work with you on a case-by-case basis, though it's best to call ahead rather than show up without proof.

When your new license arrives and what to do if it doesn't

Your updated license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your change, whether you did it online or in person. Mail delivery times can vary, so if you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.

If your license is lost in the mail or doesn't arrive, the DHSMV can issue a replacement. You'll need to go to a DHSMV office in person and bring your proof of address again. There is a fee for a replacement license, which varies but is typically under $30.

Changing your address if your license is expiring soon

If your license expires within the next few months, you have two choices: change your address now and renew your license later when it's due, or renew and change your address at the same time. Renewing at the same time means you'll go through the process once instead of twice, but it costs more because you're paying for a renewal.

If you choose to renew and change your address together, you'll need to do it in person at a DHSMV office. You'll bring your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). You'll also need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken. The renewal fee and address change are combined into one transaction.

Changing your address if you've moved out of state

If you've moved to another state, you no longer need to update your Florida license. You should get a driver's license in your new state instead. Florida will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in Florida, so your Florida license will eventually expire and you won't be able to renew it.

When you get your new state's license, you can surrender your Florida license to the new state's DMV, or you can keep it as an ID. Some people keep their Florida license as a backup form of identification. There's no penalty for letting it expire if you have a valid license from your new state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my license if I move?

Florida law requires you to notify the DHSMV of your new address within 30 days of moving. However, there is no penalty for not doing so, and your license remains valid even if the address is outdated. That said, it's a good idea to update it so that official mail and traffic citations go to the right place.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes, you can still update your address. The address change is separate from the status of your license. Go to a DHSMV office in person with your proof of address, and the clerk will update your record even if your license is suspended or revoked.

What if I don't have a utility bill or lease to prove my address?

Call the DHSMV office you plan to visit and ask what other documents they accept. Some offices will accept a letter from your landlord, a recent bank statement, or a government check. It's better to ask before you go than to show up without acceptable proof.

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

Your updated license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary depending on where you live and the time of year. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the DHSMV with your license number to check the status.

Can I use my old license while I wait for the new one?

Yes, your current license is valid until your new one arrives. You don't need to stop driving or carrying your old license. Once the new license arrives, you can throw away the old one or keep it as a backup.