Where to change your address and what you need

You can change your address on your Florida driver license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or through a licensed tax collector's office in your county. The fastest route is online if you have a valid email address and your current license number — the change takes effect when ready and you do not need to visit an office or pay a fee.

If you choose to go in person, bring your current driver license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to renew your license photo or pay any fee unless you are also renewing your license itself.

By mail, send a signed letter with your current license number, new address, and a copy of your proof of address to the DHSMV address listed on their website. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. If you use a tax collector's office, call ahead to confirm they offer address changes and their current hours, as not all locations provide this service.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DHSMV website is free and takes effect when ready, and requires only your license number and a valid email address.
  • In-person changes at a DHSMV office or tax collector require your current license and proof of address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Mail-in changes take two to three weeks and require a signed letter with your license number, new address, and a copy of your proof of address.
  • You do not pay a fee for an address change unless you are also renewing your license or requesting a replacement card.

Online address changes through the DHSMV website

The DHSMV online system allows you to change your address without visiting an office. Go to the DHSMV website, select the address change option, and enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will need a valid email address to receive confirmation.

After you submit your information, the system will verify your identity and display your current address on file. You then enter your new address, review it for accuracy, and submit. The change is recorded when ready and your license remains valid at your new address without any need for a replacement card.

This method works only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license status is not current, you will need to resolve that issue before changing your address online, or use the in-person or mail method instead.

In-person address changes at DHSMV offices

Every county in Florida has at least one DHSMV office where you can change your address in person. Bring your current driver license and one document showing your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, insurance policy, bank statement, or official government mail.

Walk-in service is available at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check the DHSMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go. The address change is processed on the spot and takes about five to ten minutes.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate for an address change alone. If you are also renewing your license or requesting a new photo, you will need additional documents, but a straightforward address change requires only what is listed above.

Address changes through your county tax collector

Many Florida counties allow you to change your address at the local tax collector's office instead of the DHSMV. Not all tax collector offices offer this service, so call your county tax collector before you visit. You will need the same documents as you would at an DHSMV office: your current license and proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days.

Tax collector offices often have shorter wait times than DHSMV offices in busy areas. The address change is processed when ready and costs nothing. You can find your county tax collector's phone number and office locations on the DHSMV website or by searching your county name plus "tax collector."

Mailing in your address change

To change your address by mail, write a signed letter that includes your current driver license number, your full name, your new address, and your date of birth. Attach a copy of your proof of address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original license.

Mail your letter and proof to the DHSMV address listed on their website. Include a return envelope if you want confirmation of the change. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your letter. Your address will be updated in the system even though your physical license card still shows your old address until you renew.

What counts as proof of address

The DHSMV accepts any document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. This includes utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowners or renters insurance policies, bank or credit card statements, and government mail such as tax documents or voter registration cards.

The document must be an original or certified copy — a photo of a document or a screenshot is not accepted in person, though the DHSMV may accept a copy by mail. If your name on the document does not match your name on your license exactly, bring a second document showing both names, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new address, you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, dated within the last 60 days, stating that you live at the new address. Some DHSMV offices also accept a utility bill showing a pending service start date at your new address.

Timeline and what happens next

Online changes take effect when ready and require no further action. In-person changes are recorded on the spot. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. Your address is updated in the DHSMV system regardless of which method you use, and law enforcement and other agencies can see the new address right away.

Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew your license or request a replacement card. You do not need to do either of these things just to update your address in the system. However, if you want your card to reflect your new address, you can request a replacement card at any DHSMV office for a fee, or wait until your license renewal date.

If you are registering a vehicle or renewing your vehicle registration, the DHSMV will use your current address on file. If you are explore for a concealed weapons permit or other state document, the address on file will be used. You do not need to carry a card showing your new address for these transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move to a new home in Florida?

Florida law does not require you to change your address on your license, but it is recommended. If you do not update your address, traffic tickets, vehicle registration renewal notices, and other official mail will go to your old address. Changing your address ensures you receive important documents at your current home.

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

You can change your address by mail or in person even if your license is suspended or expired. Online changes require your license to be valid and not suspended. If your license is suspended, use the mail or in-person method, or resolve the suspension first and then change your address online.

How long does my old address stay on file if I do not change it?

Your old address stays on file indefinitely until you change it. The DHSMV does not automatically update addresses based on mail forwarding or other sources. You must submit the change yourself through one of the methods described above.

What if my proof of address document is older than 60 days?

The DHSMV requires proof of address dated within the last 60 days. If your document is older, obtain a new one such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. If you cannot get a current document, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your current address.

Can I change my address online if I do not have an email address?

No, the online method requires a valid email address to receive confirmation. Use the in-person method at an DHSMV office or tax collector, or mail in your request instead. Both methods work without an email address.