How to Change Your Address on a Florida Driver's License

Where to report your address change

You can change your address on a Florida driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, online through the DHSMV website, or by mail. The online option is fastest if you only need to update your address — you do not need to renew your license or take a new photo. The in-person route at a local DHSMV office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

If you move out of state, you will need to get a new license from your new state rather than updating your Florida one. Florida will not process an address change to an out-of-state address.

Key Takeaways

You can change your Florida address online without visiting an office, as long as you are not renewing your license or changing your name.
The online process requires your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
If you go in person, bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Address changes are free and do not require a new photo or vision test.
Your updated license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you change your address online.

Changing your address online through DHSMV

Go to the DHSMV website and select the option to change your address. You will need your current Florida driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license, including apartment or unit numbers if applicable.

After you submit the form, the system will confirm that your change was received. You will receive a new license card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. There is no fee for an address-only change.

The online option works only if you are not renewing your license, changing your name, or updating your photograph. If any of those changes are needed, you must visit a DHSMV office in person.

Changing your address in person at a DHSMV office

Bring your current Florida driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and new address.

Tell the DHSMV staff member that you are updating your address only. They will verify your identity using your current license, check your proof of address, and process the change at the counter. You will not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test. The fee is zero.

You will receive your updated license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.

What to do if you do not have proof of your new address

If you cannot produce a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address, DHSMV will not process the change at that visit. You have two options: obtain an acceptable document and return, or wait until you have one.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, the property address, and your move-in date. Some DHSMV offices will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for a utility bill to arrive. Call your local DHSMV office ahead of time to confirm they will accept a landlord letter, since policies can vary slightly by location.

How long the process takes and when your new license arrives

If you change your address online, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you change it in person at a DHSMV office, the timeline is the same — the office does not issue a temporary license for address-only changes, so you will wait for the card to arrive by mail.

During those 7 to 10 days, your current license is still valid for driving and identification. You do not need to carry any confirmation paperwork. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to DHSMV if you prefer.

Updating your address if your license is expired or expiring soon

If your license expires within the next 30 days, you cannot change your address online — you must renew your license instead. Renewing includes an address change and requires an in-person visit, a new photo, and a vision test. The renewal fee is higher than an address-only change.

If your license has already expired, you will need to renew it rather than straightforward update your address. Renewing an expired Florida license requires an in-person visit to a DHSMV office and includes a new photo and vision test. Check your license expiration date before you attempt an online address change, since the system will reject the request if your license is expired or expiring within 30 days.

Changing your address if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL)

If you hold a commercial driver's license, you cannot change your address online. You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your current CDL and proof of your new address. Bring the same documents you would for a regular license — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

The in-person process is the same as for a regular license: no new photo or vision test is required, and there is no fee. Your updated CDL will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address before or after I move?

You can change your address before you move if you have a signed lease or other proof of your new address. You can also change it after you move. There is no penalty for updating your address a few days before or after your move date. However, Florida law requires you to notify DHSMV of a change of address within 10 days of moving, so do not wait longer than that.

What if I moved but do not have a new address yet?

If you are temporarily staying with family or in a hotel and do not have a permanent address, you can use a temporary address for your license. Use the address where you are currently living. Once you have a permanent address, you can change it again online or in person at no cost.

Can I change my address if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Yes. An outstanding ticket or fine does not prevent you from changing your address. However, DHSMV may use your updated address to contact you about unpaid fines, so updating your address is actually important if you have outstanding citations.

Will changing my address affect my car registration?

No. Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address are separate. If you want to update your vehicle registration address, you must do that through a separate process with DHSMV. You can update your registration online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office.

What if the DHSMV website is down or I cannot access it?

If the online system is unavailable, visit a DHSMV office in person. You can also call your local DHSMV office to ask about wait times before you go. The in-person process takes about 30 minutes and requires only your current license and proof of your new address.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.