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

To change the name on your Florida driver's 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. Florida does not process name changes by mail or online. The DHSMV will issue you a new license with your updated name, and you can choose to keep or replace your license number.

The process itself is straightforward once you have the right documents, but the order matters: you must have a court-ordered name change document or other legal proof before you walk into the office. This is not something the DHSMV can help you obtain — that happens through a separate legal process in your county court.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your current license and a certified copy of your legal name change document.
  • A court order is the most common proof of name change, but marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and adoption papers also work.
  • Bring your Social Security card or other document showing your name, because the DHSMV will verify it matches your legal name change proof.
  • The new license is issued on the spot in most cases, though you may wait 30 to 45 minutes depending on office traffic.
  • You will pay a replacement fee (currently $20 for a standard license), which is separate from any court fees you paid to change your name legally.

What documents prove your legal name change

Florida law recognizes several documents as proof of a legal name change. A court order from your county circuit court is the most common and strongest proof. If you changed your name through marriage, a certified marriage certificate showing your new name works. If you changed your name through divorce, a certified divorce decree that shows your new name is acceptable. If you were adopted, a certified adoption decree serves the same purpose.

The word "certified" matters here — it means an official copy with a court seal or clerk's stamp, not a photocopy you made yourself. You can obtain a certified copy from the clerk's office in the county where the court order, marriage, or divorce was finalized. If you do not have a certified copy, contact that county clerk before you go to the DHSMV office; getting one usually takes a few days and costs $5 to $15.

If you changed your name through a court order in Florida, the clerk's office will have mailed you a certified copy when the order was finalized. Check your records first — you may already have it. If you lost it, call the clerk's office in the county where you filed and request a duplicate certified copy.

Documents to bring to the DHSMV office

Bring your current Florida driver's license and your certified name change document. You will also need to bring one additional document that shows your name and helps verify your identity. Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, a passport, a birth certificate, or a military ID. The DHSMV staff will check that the name on this document matches the name on your legal name change proof.

If you do not have your current license with you, bring an expired Florida license or another form of ID. If you have moved since your license was issued, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

Do not bring originals of documents like your birth certificate or passport unless you are comfortable leaving them with the DHSMV temporarily. Bring certified copies instead, or ask the office staff whether they need to see the original or a copy.

Where to go and how long it takes

Find your nearest DHSMV office on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. You can search by county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check the office's page on the DHSMV website to confirm hours, because they vary by location.

You do not need an appointment at most DHSMV offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's page to see whether you can reserve a time slot. If you can, doing so usually cuts your wait time in half. Walk-ins are still accepted at most offices, but you may wait 30 to 45 minutes during busy times.

The actual transaction — handing over your documents, having your photo taken, and receiving your new license — usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive your new license the same day in most cases. If the DHSMV needs to verify something with another agency, they may mail it to you within a week, but this is rare.

What happens if your name change was outside Florida

If you obtained your legal name change in another state or country, you can still update your Florida license. Bring your certified name change document from that state or country, along with your current Florida license and proof of identity. The DHSMV will accept a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption decree from any U.S. state or most countries.

If your name change document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. You can obtain a certified translation from a professional translator or through your county clerk's office in some cases. The DHSMV will not accept an uncertified translation.

Choosing your new license number

When you update your name, the DHSMV will ask whether you want to keep your current license number or receive a new one. Most people keep their existing number because it is already linked to their driving record, insurance, and other records. Keeping the same number means fewer updates elsewhere.

If you request a new number, the DHSMV will assign one randomly. This is rarely necessary, but some people choose a new number for personal reasons. Keep in mind that if you get a new number, you will need to update it with your insurance company, employer, and any other organization that has your license number on file.

The fee and what to expect after

A name change on your Florida license costs $20 for a standard license (the current fee as of 2024, though this may change). This is the replacement fee for a new license. You pay this at the DHSMV office when you submit your documents. Some offices accept cash, card, or check; confirm payment methods when you call or check the office website.

Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue (or until age 80 if you are older). Once you receive it, update your name with your insurance company, employer, bank, and any other organization that has your license number on file. You do not need to notify the DHSMV of these changes — that is between you and those organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, Florida requires proof of a legal name change. A court order is the most common proof, but a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption decree also work. If you have not gone through a legal name change process yet, you will need to do that first through your county circuit court before the DHSMV can update your license.

What if I lost my certified name change document?

Contact the clerk's office in the county where the court order, marriage, or divorce was finalized and request a duplicate certified copy. This usually takes a few days and costs $5 to $15. Once you have it, you can go to the DHSMV office to update your license.

Do I need an appointment at the DHSMV office?

Most DHSMV offices accept walk-ins, but some now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's page on the DHSMV website to see whether appointments are available or required. Reserving a time slot usually reduces your wait time.

Will my insurance be affected if I change my name on my license?

Your insurance will not be affected, but you should notify your insurance company of your name change so your policy matches your license. This is a straightforward update and usually takes one phone call or online form. Keeping your information current helps prevent problems if you need to file a claim.

How long does it take to get my new license?

You receive your new license the same day in most cases. The transaction itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, though you may wait 30 to 45 minutes at the office depending on how busy it is. In rare cases where the DHSMV needs to verify something, they may mail your license within a week.