The fastest way to update your Florida driver's license

You can update your Florida driver's license online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website if you are only changing your address, name, or organ donor status. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $7.50. If you need to change your photo, add a Real ID designation, or update information that requires proof documents, you must visit a driver's license office in person.

The method you choose depends on what information you are changing. A straightforward address change stays online. A name change or photo update requires an office visit. Knowing which route applies to you saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Address, name, and organ donor changes can be done online at the DHSMV website for $7.50, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Photo updates, Real ID upgrades, and changes requiring proof documents require an in-person visit to a driver's license office.
  • You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start an online update.
  • If you are changing your name, bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to your office visit.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost an additional $15 and require proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency.

Updating your address online

To change your address online, go to the DHSMV website and select "Change Address" under the driver's license services. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new Florida address, review the information for accuracy, and pay the $7.50 fee with a debit or credit card.

Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you move out of state, you cannot use the online process — you must visit an office in person to surrender your Florida license or convert it to a non-driver ID.

Changing your name in person

Name changes require a visit to a driver's license office because you must show proof of the legal name change. Bring your current Florida driver's license, your marriage certificate (if you married), divorce decree (if you divorced), or court order (if you changed your name through the court). You will also need proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form.

The office will take a new photo and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The fee for a name change is $7.50 if you are only updating the name on your current license type, or $20 if you are renewing your license at the same time.

Getting a Real ID-compliant license

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. You must visit a driver's license office in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or foreign national ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two proofs of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

The Real ID upgrade costs $15 if you are not renewing your license, or $20 if your license is expiring within 60 days and you are renewing at the same time. The office will take a new photo. Your Real ID license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Updating your photo

You cannot update only your photo online. You must visit a driver's license office and request a new photo. Bring your current license and pay a $7.50 fee. The office will take your new photo when ready and issue a temporary license. Your permanent license with the new photo arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You may want to update your photo if it no longer looks like you, if you have changed your appearance significantly, or if your current photo is damaged. There is no legal requirement to update your photo on a schedule — you can do it whenever you choose.

Finding a driver's license office near you

The DHSMV website has a location finder where you can search by county or city. Enter your location and the site shows all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Many offices now require appointments, especially in urban areas, so check before you go. You can book an appointment online through the same location finder.

Office hours vary by location. Most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours. If you cannot reach an office by phone, the online appointment system will show you available times. Bring all required documents — offices will turn you away if you are missing proof, and you will have to return another day.

What happens after you submit your update

For online updates, you will receive a confirmation email when ready. Your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. For in-person visits, you receive a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV to check the status.

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You do not need to return the old license unless you are surrendering it because you moved out of state. If your new license arrives damaged or with errors, return to the office with both licenses and request a replacement at no additional charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my address if I just moved to Florida?

Yes, if you already have a Florida driver's license. If you are new to Florida and have a license from another state, you must visit an office in person to exchange it for a Florida license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Florida residency.

How long does an online address change take?

The online process itself takes about 10 minutes. Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license stays valid until the new one arrives, so you can use it when ready after you submit the change online.

Do I need an appointment to visit a driver's license office?

Many offices require appointments, but some still accept walk-ins. Check the DHSMV location finder for your nearest office to see whether appointments are required. If they are, you can book one online through the same tool.

What if I lost my driver's license?

You cannot report a lost license online. Visit a driver's license office with your proof of identity and Social Security number. You will pay a $7.50 replacement fee and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I update my information if my license is expired?

Yes. You can update your address online even if your license is expired. For other changes like name or photo, visit an office in person. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to renew it instead of just updating it — ask the office staff when you call or book your appointment.