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. You will need a court order showing your new name, or a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document that establishes your new name. The DHSMV will issue you a new license with your updated name, usually on the same day.

The process is straightforward but requires you to have the right documents before you go. If you arrive without proof of your legal name change, the office will turn you away and you will need to return another time. This is why knowing exactly what documents the DHSMV accepts matters before you make the trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your current license and a court order or certified legal document proving your name change.
  • Acceptable documents include a court order for name change, certified marriage certificate, certified divorce decree, or certified court judgment.
  • The DHSMV issues your new license the same day in most cases, though you may wait several hours during busy times.
  • You will pay a fee for the new license, which varies depending on whether you are renewing early or straightforward updating your name.

Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office

Your proof of legal name change is the most important document. If you changed your name through a court order, bring the certified copy of that order — a photocopy will not work. If you changed your name through marriage, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree showing your new name. If you changed your name through a court judgment for any other reason, bring the certified copy of that judgment.

You also need your current Florida driver's license. Bring it even if it is expired, as long as it is not more than a few years old. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number — your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work. Bring proof of your current Florida address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a certified copy of your legal document, you can request one from the court that issued it or from the vital records office in the county where the document was filed. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $5 and $25 depending on the county.

What happens when you arrive at the DHSMV office

Go to any DHSMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the DHSMV website. Arrive early if you can — DHSMV offices are often busiest in the late morning and early afternoon, and you may wait 30 minutes to two hours during peak times.

When you check in, tell the staff member that you are updating your name. They will review your documents to make sure they are certified and show your new name clearly. If everything is in order, they will take a new photo, update your record in the system, and print your new license. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, though the wait to reach the counter is what takes most of the time.

You will receive your new license with your updated name the same day. Keep your old license until you have the new one in hand, in case there is a problem with the new one.

The fee for a name change on your license

The cost depends on whether your license is still valid or has expired. If your license is still valid and you are only changing your name, the fee is $20 for a standard license or $25 for a REAL ID-compliant license. If your license has expired and you are renewing it at the same time you change your name, you will pay the renewal fee instead, which is $48 for a standard license or $53 for a REAL ID license.

The DHSMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices may have different payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm. If you cannot afford the fee, contact your local DHSMV office to ask about fee waivers — some offices have programs for people with financial hardship, though these are not may provide.

If you changed your name outside of Florida

If you changed your name in another state or country, you can still update your Florida license. Bring your certified legal document proving the name change, along with your current Florida license and proof of your Social Security number and address. The process is the same as if you changed your name in Florida — you visit an office in person and receive your new license the same day.

If your legal document is in another language, bring the original and a certified English translation. The DHSMV will not accept an uncertified translation. You can request a certified translation from a court interpreter or a professional translation service.

What to do if you do not have a certified copy of your legal document

Contact the court or vital records office that issued your document and request a certified copy. If you changed your name through marriage, contact the vital records office in the county where you were married. If you changed your name through divorce, contact the court clerk in the county where your divorce was finalized. If you changed your name through a court order, contact the court clerk in the county where the order was issued.

You can usually request a certified copy by phone, mail, or in person. Most offices charge between $5 and $25 per copy and take one to two weeks to send it. Some offices offer rush service for an additional fee. Once you have the certified copy, you can go to any DHSMV office to update your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have another certified legal document showing your new name. A certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court judgment all work. You do not need a separate court order for a name change if one of these documents already shows your new name.

How long does it take to get a new license after I change my name?

You receive your new license the same day you visit the DHSMV office, as long as your documents are in order. The wait time at the office usually ranges from 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is that day.

What if my certified document is old or damaged?

The DHSMV will still accept it as long as it is certified and clearly shows your new name. If it is so damaged that the information is hard to read, contact the issuing office and request a new certified copy.

Do I need to change my name on other documents before I change my license?

No. You can change your license first. However, you will eventually need to update your Social Security card, passport, and other government documents. Many people find it easier to update their license first, then use it as proof of their new name when updating other documents.

What if I lost my old license?

You can still change your name on your license. Bring your certified legal document, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The DHSMV will issue you a new license with your updated name. You may pay a small additional fee for a replacement license, but this varies by office.