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. The DHSMV will issue you a new license with your updated name, and you can choose to keep or replace your license number.

The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location. You will pay a replacement fee (currently $25 for a standard license, though this may change). Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue if you are under 80 years old.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your current license and legal proof of your name change — no online or mail options exist.
  • Legal proof means a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official document showing your new name.
  • The replacement fee is $25, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can find your nearest DHSMV office and check current wait times on the Florida DHSMV website before you go.

What counts as proof of your legal name change

Florida requires one of these documents to prove your name has legally changed. A marriage certificate (original or certified copy) works if you took your spouse's name. A divorce decree or final judgment showing your new name works if you changed your name as part of a divorce. A court order for name change (the formal document from a judge) works for any other reason you changed your name legally.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate along with whichever document shows your name change. Photocopies are not accepted — the DHSMV needs to see the original or a certified copy. If you do not have the original, contact the court that issued the document or the vital records office in the state or country where the document was created.

Documents to bring to the DHSMV office

Bring your current Florida driver's license and the legal document proving your name change (original or certified copy). You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number — your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov all work.

Bring proof of your Florida residency as well. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days counts. If you recently moved and your license still shows an old address, bring both your old proof of residency and your new proof. Bring your original birth certificate if you were born outside the United States.

How to find and visit a DHSMV office

Go to the Florida DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and use the office locator tool to find the DHSMV office nearest you. The locator shows office hours, phone numbers, and current wait times at many locations. Call ahead if your office does not show wait times online — staff can tell you when the office is least busy.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive during the office's posted hours. You do not need an appointment at most DHSMV offices, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling through the website. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.

What happens after you submit your documents

The DHSMV staff will review your documents, take a new photo for your license, and collect the $25 replacement fee. They will ask you to verify your address and confirm that your new name is spelled correctly. You will sign a form confirming the information on your new license. The entire process usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old license is still valid, you can use it — the name change does not invalidate your current license until the new one is issued.

If your name change was through a court order

If you obtained a legal name change through a court petition (not through marriage or divorce), bring the certified court order from the judge. This document must show the court's seal and the judge's signature. If you lost your copy, contact the clerk's office in the county courthouse where the order was issued and request a certified copy.

Some people change their names through a court order for personal reasons, religious reasons, or to correct a name that was misspelled at birth. The DHSMV treats all court orders the same way — as long as the order is certified and shows your old name and new name, it will be accepted as proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if my court order is from another state?

Yes. Bring the certified court order from the other state along with your current Florida license and the other required documents. Florida recognizes legal name changes from any U.S. state or U.S. territory. The DHSMV will process it the same way.

What if I got married but kept my maiden name?

You do not need to change your license. Your current license remains valid. If you later decide to take your spouse's name, bring your marriage certificate to a DHSMV office and follow the standard name change process.

Do I have to keep the same license number when I change my name?

No. When you submit your documents at the DHSMV office, you can ask to keep your current license number or request a new one. The staff will let you know which option is available at that time. Most people keep their existing number to avoid confusion with other records.

What if my name change document is in a language other than English?

Bring the original document and a certified English translation. You can obtain a certified translation from a court-certified translator or from the government office that issued the document. The DHSMV will not accept an uncertified translation.

Can someone else go to the DHSMV office for me?

No. Florida law requires you to appear in person at the DHSMV office with your current license and documents. You cannot send someone else on your behalf, and the DHSMV cannot process the change by mail or phone.