Where to change your Florida driver's license address

You can change your address with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in three ways: online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The online method is fastest and requires no documents — you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and the change takes effect when ready. By mail, you send a completed form with proof of your new address to the DHSMV office in Tallahassee, which takes about two weeks. In person, you visit any driver license office with proof of your new address and pay a $25 fee.

The online option works only if your license is valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must go to a driver license office in person. The office visit also applies if you need to update your address and renew your license at the same time, since renewals cannot be done online.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the DHSMV website take effect when ready and require no documents, but only work if your license is currently valid.
  • In-person changes at a driver license office require proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) and cost $25.
  • Mail-in changes require form HSMV 82051 and proof of address, and take about two weeks to process.
  • Your new address appears on your physical license card only when you renew; the change is active in the system right away.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DHSMV accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a current lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance policy all work. The document must show your name and the new address, and it cannot be more than 60 days old. A bank statement, credit card statement, or government mail also counts if it meets the same requirements.

Documents that do not work include a piece of mail addressed to you at the new address but not from a utility company or government agency, a screenshot or photo of a bill, or a letter from your landlord without an official lease. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease with your name and move-in date is your strongest option. If you are staying with family or friends and have no lease, ask whether you can get a utility bill in your name, even a temporary one.

Changing your address online through the DHSMV website

Go to the DHSMV website and select "Change Address" under the driver license section. You will need your Florida driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new address exactly as it should appear, including apartment or unit number if you have one. Review the information for accuracy before you submit, because you cannot undo the change online.

After you submit, the system confirms the change when ready and displays a confirmation number. Write down or screenshot this number for your records. The address change is active in the DHSMV system right away, which means your driving record and any traffic stops will show the new address. Your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew your license, which happens every six years in Florida.

Changing your address in person at a driver license office

Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of your new address, and $25 in cash or card. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but you can reserve a time slot on the DHSMV website to avoid waiting. Walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will scan your license, verify your proof of address, collect the $25 fee, and print a temporary paper license on the spot that shows your new address.

The temporary license is valid for 30 days and serves as proof of your new address if you need it for banking, insurance, or other purposes. Your permanent card with the new address will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) with your confirmation number from the office visit.

Changing your address by mail

read form HSMV 82051 (Address Change) from the DHSMV website or request it by phone. Fill in your driver's license number, name, date of birth, and new address. Include a copy of your proof of address — do not send the original document. Mail the form and proof to the DHSMV office in Tallahassee at the address listed on the form. Do not include payment; address changes by mail are free.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your mail. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail unless there is a problem. To check whether your change went through, log into your DHSMV account online or call 1-844-DL-RENEW. Keep a copy of what you mailed for your records, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

When you need to change your address and renew at the same time

If your license is expired or expiring within the next six months, you cannot change your address online. You must go to a driver license office in person. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your new address, and $25 for the address change. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $75 for a six-year license. The office will issue a temporary paper license on the spot and mail your new permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DHSMV to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to restore it. Once it is restored, you can change your address online or in person.

What happens after you change your address

Your new address takes effect when ready in the DHSMV system, regardless of which method you use. This means traffic citations, insurance records, and vehicle registration will all show your new address. Your voter registration does not change automatically — you must register to vote at your new address through your county supervisor of elections office or online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the same address change process applies. If you have a learner's permit, you can change your address online or in person using the same methods. Your insurance company should be notified of your address change separately; the DHSMV does not share this information with insurers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address online?

The change takes effect when ready when you submit it on the DHSMV website. You will see a confirmation number right away. Your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew, but the new address is active in all DHSMV records.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

No. You can only change your address online if your license is valid and not suspended. If your license is suspended, you must visit a driver license office in person. However, you cannot renew a suspended license until the suspension is lifted — contact the DHSMV first to restore your driving privileges.

Do I need to pay a fee to change my address online?

No. Online address changes are free. In-person changes cost $25. Mail-in changes are also free. If you are changing your address and renewing your license at the same time in person, you pay $25 for the address change plus $75 for the renewal.

Will my insurance company know about my address change?

No. The DHSMV does not notify your insurance company when you change your address. You must contact your insurance company directly and provide your new address. Failing to update your insurance may affect your coverage or claims.

What if I moved out of state?

If you no longer live in Florida, you should not change your address on your Florida license. Instead, you should get a driver's license in your new state. Keep your Florida license only if you plan to return or maintain residency in Florida.