What you need to do to change your Florida driver's license
You can change your Florida driver's license in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, by mail for certain changes, or online through the DHSMV website for limited updates. The method depends on what you're changing — your address, name, photo, or license class — and whether you need a new physical card or just a record update.
Most changes require you to visit a DHSMV office in your county. You'll need to bring proof of your current Florida license, proof of your new information (such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a utility bill for an address change), and proof of your Social Security number. Some changes, like updating your address, can be done online or by mail without a visit.
Key Takeaways
- Address changes can be completed online through the DHSMV website or by mail without visiting an office, but name and photo changes require an in-person visit.
- You will need your current license, proof of your new information, and proof of your Social Security number when you visit a DHSMV office.
- A name change requires an original or certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — a photocopy is not accepted.
- Renewing your license at the same time you make a change may cost less than making the change alone, depending on how close you are to your expiration date.
- Processing times vary by office and by the type of change, so calling your local DHSMV office before you visit can save you a trip.
Changing your address on your Florida license
An address change is the easiest type of change to make and does not require a new photo or a visit to a DHSMV office. You can update your address online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at any DHSMV office.
To change your address online, go to the DHSMV website, select the address change option, and enter your license number, date of birth, and new address. The change is recorded when ready, though your physical license card will still show your old address until it expires and you renew it. If you prefer to change your address by mail, send a signed letter with your name, license number, old address, and new address to your local DHSMV office.
If you want a new license card with your updated address printed on it, you must visit a DHSMV office in person. Bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. There is a fee for a replacement card with your new address.
Changing your name on your Florida license
A name change requires an in-person visit to a DHSMV office and proof of the legal reason for the change. You must bring an original or certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document that shows your name change. A photocopy is not accepted, even if it is notarized.
When you visit the DHSMV office, bring your current Florida license, the original or certified legal document, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address. The office will issue you a new license with your updated name. Processing usually takes a few minutes if the office is not busy, though you may wait depending on how crowded the office is.
If your name change is recent and you have not yet received your legal document in the mail, call your local DHSMV office to ask whether you can visit with a temporary document or whether you need to wait until the original arrives.
Changing your photo on your Florida license
You can request a new photo on your license without renewing it, though this is less common than other types of changes. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
The office will take a new photo and issue you a new license card with the updated photo. This is useful if your appearance has changed significantly or if you are unhappy with your current photo. There is a fee for a replacement license with a new photo.
Changing your license class or adding endorsements
If you need to change your license class (for example, from a regular Class D license to a commercial Class A license) or add an endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement), you must visit a DHSMV office and pass the required written test, road test, or both. The specific requirements depend on which class or endorsement you are seeking.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and any medical certificates required for your new class. You will need to schedule a road test appointment in advance; call your local DHSMV office or check the website for availability. Processing times for a new license class can take several weeks because of the testing requirement.
Fees and processing times for license changes
Fees vary depending on the type of change and whether you are also renewing your license. An address change online or by mail is free. A replacement license card with a new address, photo, or name costs money; the exact amount depends on how long your current license has been valid and whether you are renewing at the same time.
If your license expires within the next six months, you may save money by renewing your license and making your change at the same time rather than paying for a replacement now and then renewing later. Ask the DHSMV office staff to calculate the cost of each option before you decide.
Processing times depend on the DHSMV office and the type of change. Address changes online are when ready. Changes made in person usually take a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how busy the office is. Changes that require testing, such as a new license class, can take several weeks because of the need to schedule and complete the test.
How to find your local DHSMV office and check wait times
The DHSMV website has a tool to find the office nearest you and see current wait times at many locations. You can also call your local office directly to ask how long the wait is before you visit. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays and more crowded on Fridays and near the end of the month. If you have flexibility in when you visit, choosing an off-peak time can make your visit faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if I just moved out of state?
No. If you have moved out of Florida, you need to get a driver's license from your new state. The DHSMV online address change tool only works for moves within Florida. If you are still a Florida resident but moved to a different county, the online tool will work.
Do I need to bring my old license when I visit the DHSMV office?
Yes. You must bring your current Florida license to any DHSMV office when you make a change. If your license is lost or stolen, call the DHSMV before you visit to report it and ask what documents you should bring instead.
What counts as proof of my Social Security number?
An original Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return with your Social Security number on it all count as proof. A photocopy of your Social Security card is not accepted. If you do not have any of these documents, call your local DHSMV office to ask what other documents they will accept.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail after I visit the office?
The DHSMV office will tell you when you visit. Most replacement licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days, though this can vary. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
Can I change my license information if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, as long as you have a valid Florida driver's license. The requirements for changes are the same for all license holders. If you need to renew your license and your immigration status has changed, you may need to bring additional documents — call your local DHSMV office to ask what you need.