How to Change Your Address on Your Florida Car Registration

You can change your address on your Florida car registration by mail, in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or online through the Florida DHSMV website if you have a valid Florida driver's license. The fastest route is usually online if you're may be able to access — it takes minutes and costs nothing. By mail or in person, the process takes longer but works the same way: you submit a form, pay a small fee, and receive an updated registration card.

Florida requires you to notify DHSMV of an address change within 10 days of moving. Driving with an outdated registration address can result in a citation, though enforcement varies. The good news is that the process itself is straightforward and inexpensive.

Key Takeaways

You have 10 days from your move to update your registration address with Florida DHSMV, though the process can be done anytime after that.
Online address changes through the Florida DHSMV website are free and take a few minutes if you have a valid Florida driver's license.
By mail, you submit Form HSMV 82053 with your registration card and payment; processing typically takes two to three weeks.
In-person visits to a DHSMV office are the fastest option for when ready confirmation, though you may wait in line.
You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration card, and proof of your new address.

Changing Your Address Online

The online method is available through the Florida DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. You will need your current Florida driver's license, vehicle registration card, and VIN. The system will ask you to verify your identity using information from your driver's license, then enter your new address. Once submitted, your new registration card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for this transaction.

Not all vehicles are may be able to access for online address changes. If your vehicle is registered under a business name, a lien is held against it, or the registration is in someone else's name, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. The website will tell you when ready whether your vehicle qualifies.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, read or print Form HSMV 82053 from the Florida DHSMV website. Fill in your new address, sign the form, and mail it along with your current registration card and a check or money order. The fee is $7.50 for a standard registration card replacement. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — typically the DHSMV office that issued your registration.

Include a copy of proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the time DHSMV receives your packet. You will receive your new registration card by mail at your updated address. Keep a copy of the form and proof of mailing in case you need to follow up.

Changing Your Address In Person at a DHSMV Office

Visit any Florida DHSMV office with your current registration card, driver's license, VIN, and proof of your new address. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted for proof of address. The staff will process your change on the spot, and you will receive a temporary registration card when ready. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The fee is $7.50, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on the office. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many offices are less crowded on weekday mornings. You can find your nearest DHSMV office and current hours on the Florida DHSMV website.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

Florida DHSMV accepts several documents as proof of your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most common. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy also works. The document must show your name and your new address clearly.

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and utilities are not yet in your name — you can use a notarized affidavit of residency. Some DHSMV offices will also accept a letter from your landlord or a recent bank statement showing your new address. Call your local DHSMV office before you visit to confirm what they will accept in your specific situation.

What Happens If You Miss the 10-Day Window

Florida law requires the address change within 10 days, but you can still update it after that important date. There is no penalty for updating late, and the process is identical. However, driving with an outdated registration address is technically a violation and can result in a citation if you are stopped. The citation is usually a minor infraction, but it is better to update your address as soon as you can to avoid the risk.

If you have already received a citation for an outdated address, you can still update your registration. The citation and the address change are separate matters, so updating your address will not dismiss the ticket, but it will prevent future citations for the same reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my registration if I move within Florida?

Yes. Any change of address within Florida requires you to notify DHSMV within 10 days. This includes moving to a different county or even a different street in the same city. The process is the same regardless of distance.

What if I move out of Florida?

If you move out of Florida permanently, you should update your address with DHSMV before you leave, or do so by mail from your new state. You will also need to register your vehicle in your new state within the timeframe that state requires. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for those requirements.

Can someone else change the address for me?

For online changes, only the person whose name is on the registration can make the change. For in-person or mail changes, someone else can submit the paperwork on your behalf if they bring a notarized power of attorney or a signed letter from you authorizing them to act. Call your local DHSMV office to confirm what documentation they need.

How much does it cost to change my address?

Online address changes are free. By mail or in person, the fee is $7.50 for a replacement registration card. This is the only cost; there are no additional processing fees.

Will my registration card expire sooner if I change my address?

No. Your registration expiration date does not change when you update your address. Your new card will have the same expiration date as your old one.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.