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 your current license number or receive a new one.

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 vary). Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

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 for a standard driver's license, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can keep your current license number or request a new one when you explore.

What counts as proof of your legal name change

Florida requires an official document that shows both your old name and your new name. The most common documents are a court order from a name change proceeding, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or an amended birth certificate. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the marriage certificate or final divorce decree. If you legally changed your name through the court, bring the certified court order.

The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy or screenshot will not be accepted. If your document is from outside Florida, it must be certified by the issuing state or country. Bring your current Florida driver's license as well; the DHSMV staff will verify it matches your identity.

How to find and visit a DHSMV office near you

Use the DHSMV office locator on the official Florida DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) to find the nearest office and its hours. Enter your county or city, and the tool will show you all nearby locations, their addresses, phone numbers, and current hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm the office is open or to ask about current wait times.

You do not need an appointment at most DHSMV offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the DHSMV website. If your local office offers appointments, booking one can reduce your wait time. Bring your documents and current license, and plan to spend 15 to 20 minutes at the office.

What happens at the DHSMV office

When you arrive, tell the staff member you are changing your name on your license. They will ask to see your current license and your proof of name change. They will verify that the name on your proof document matches the name you want on your new license. You will sign a form confirming the change, and the staff member will take a new photo for your license (unless you request to use your current photo, which is an option in Florida).

You will pay the $25 replacement fee at this time. The staff member will tell you that your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. They will give you a receipt showing your transaction. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification during that time.

What to do if you have a REAL ID compliant license

If your current Florida license has a gold star in the upper right corner, it is REAL ID compliant and meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. When you change your name, you can request that your new license also be REAL ID compliant. There is no extra fee for this, but you may need to bring additional documents to verify your identity and residency.

The DHSMV staff will tell you at the office whether you need to bring extra documents for REAL ID compliance. In most cases, if your current license is already REAL ID compliant, your new license will be too. If you are unsure whether your current license is REAL ID compliant, look for the gold star or call the DHSMV office before you visit.

If you need your new license before it arrives by mail

Florida does not issue temporary licenses for name changes. Your current license remains valid for identification purposes until your new one arrives. If you need proof of your name change before your new license arrives, ask the DHSMV staff for a printed receipt of your transaction — some offices will provide this, though it is not an official ID document.

If you need an official document showing your new name before your new license arrives, you may need to obtain a certified copy of your court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree from the issuing office. This is a separate process and may take additional time and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I changed it through marriage but do not have the marriage certificate with me?

No. You must bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate to the DHSMV office. If you do not have it, contact the county clerk's office where you were married and request a certified copy before you visit the DHSMV.

Do I have to get a new photo when I change my name?

A new photo is standard, but you can request to keep your current photo on your new license. Tell the DHSMV staff member before they take your photo if you want to use your existing one.

What if my proof of name change document is from another state or country?

It must be certified by the issuing state or country. A certified copy means an official copy with a seal or stamp from the government office that issued it. Bring the certified copy to the DHSMV office.

Will my license number stay the same when I change my name?

You can keep your current license number or request a new one. Tell the DHSMV staff which you prefer when you explore. Most people keep their current number to avoid updating records elsewhere.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

The DHSMV mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid during this time. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV office where you applied.