What you need to do to change your name on your Florida license
To change the name on your Florida driver 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 allow name changes by mail or online. The process itself is straightforward — you fill out an process, provide documents, pay a fee, and get a new license on the spot or by mail depending on which office you visit.
The key requirement is having legal proof that your name has changed. This means a court order (from a name change case, marriage, or divorce), a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree. Without one of these documents, the DHSMV cannot process your request, no matter how long you have been using a different name.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your current license and a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your legal name change.
- Florida does not process name changes by mail, phone, or online — an in-person visit is required.
- The fee for a name change on your license varies depending on whether you also renew your license at the same time.
- Some DHSMV offices issue your new license when ready; others mail it within 7 to 10 business days, so check your local office before you go.
- If you have a commercial driver license (CDL), the process is the same, but you may need to retake the CDL knowledge test depending on your state of residence.
Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office
Bring your current Florida driver license and one of the following legal documents proving your name change: a certified court order from a name change case, an original or certified marriage certificate, or an original or certified divorce decree. The document must show your old name and new name clearly.
You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.
Bring one form of identification in addition to your driver license — a passport, military ID, or state ID card works. If your name change document is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.
The process form and what it costs
At the DHSMV office, you will complete Form HSMV 82101, the process for Florida Identification Card, Driver License, or Renewal. You do not need to fill this out ahead of time; staff can help you at the office. The form asks for your old name, new name, address, and other standard license information.
The fee depends on whether you are only changing your name or also renewing your license. A name change alone costs $25. If your license is expiring within the next six months, you may want to renew it at the same time; a combined name change and renewal costs $48. If your license is not expiring soon, you can change the name only and keep your current expiration date.
The DHSMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some smaller offices may accept cash only, so call ahead if you want to be certain.
When you get your new license
Some DHSMV offices issue your new license when ready while you wait. Others mail it to your address within 7 to 10 business days. Which option applies depends on your local office and whether you chose to renew your license at the same time. Call your nearest DHSMV office or check the DHSMV website to find out what your office does before you visit.
If your license is mailed to you, you can still drive legally on your old license until the new one arrives. Once the new license comes, destroy your old one or return it to any DHSMV office.
Name changes for commercial driver license holders
If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), the name change process is the same — you visit a DHSMV office with your documents and pay the same fee. However, Florida law requires you to retake the CDL knowledge test if you have changed your name since you last obtained your CDL. This applies even if your license is not expiring.
You will need to schedule the knowledge test at the same DHSMV office or at a third-party testing location. The test covers the same material as your original CDL test. Once you pass, your new CDL with your updated name will be issued.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
Florida law requires an in-person visit for all name changes on a driver license. There is no exception for people who are out of state, disabled, or unable to travel. If you are temporarily out of Florida, you must wait until you return to visit an office.
If you have a disability that makes it difficult to visit an office, contact your local DHSMV office directly to ask about accommodations. Some offices may be able to help you in ways not listed on their website. The DHSMV also operates mobile units that visit certain counties on a schedule; check the DHSMV website to see if a mobile unit serves your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my license if I have not legally changed my name yet?
No. Florida requires a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree as proof of a legal name change. Using a different name informally or changing it on other documents does not count. You must complete the legal name change process first — either through a court case, marriage, or divorce — before the DHSMV can update your license.
Do I need to change my name on my license if I got married?
No, it is not required, but most people do. Bring your marriage certificate to a DHSMV office if you want to update your license to reflect your married name. You can keep your maiden name on your license if you prefer.
What if my name change document is from another state?
Florida accepts court orders, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees from any U.S. state or territory. Bring the original or a certified copy. If the document is not in English, bring a certified English translation as well.
How long does it take to get my new license if the office mails it?
Most DHSMV offices mail new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. You can continue to drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received it, contact the DHSMV office where you applied.
Can I change my address at the same time I change my name?
Yes. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — along with your name change documents. The DHSMV will update both your name and address on your new license for no additional fee.