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 first have a legal name change document from a Florida court, then bring that document to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) along with your current license and proof of your new name. You cannot change your name through the DHSMV itself — the court order must come first. The DHSMV will then issue a new license with your updated name at no extra charge if your license is not yet expired.
The process splits into two parts: getting the court order (which takes weeks and costs a filing fee), and then updating your license at an DHSMV office (which takes minutes). Most people complete the court part first, then visit a license office within a few weeks.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain a legal name change order from a Florida circuit court before the DHSMV will change your license — the DHSMV cannot process a name change without it.
- The court filing fee for a name change petition ranges from roughly $200 to $400 depending on your county, and the process typically takes four to eight weeks.
- Once you have the court order, bring it to any DHSMV office with your current license and the court document to receive a new license with your updated name at no charge.
- If your license is expired, you will pay the standard renewal fee when you update your name, not an extra name-change fee.
Getting a court order for your name change in Florida
The first step is filing a petition for name change with the circuit court in the county where you live. You can file the petition yourself (called "pro se") or hire an attorney. The petition form is available on your county court's website, and most counties post instructions for filing without a lawyer.
After you file the petition and pay the filing fee, the court will schedule a hearing. You must attend this hearing, where a judge will review your petition. The judge will ask why you want to change your name and whether you have any outstanding debts or criminal history that would prevent the change. Most routine name changes are approved at the hearing. Once approved, the judge signs an order, and the court clerk gives you certified copies of that order.
The entire court process usually takes four to eight weeks from filing to receiving your signed order. Some counties are faster; others slower. You will need at least one certified copy of the order for the DHSMV, and it is wise to request two or three extra copies because you may need them for other documents like Social Security, bank accounts, or employment records.
What documents to bring to the DHSMV office
Bring your current Florida driver's license, at least one certified copy of your court order for name change, and one form of identification that shows your new name. If you do not yet have an ID with your new name, bring a document that proves the name change — the court order itself usually counts, but call your local DHSMV office to confirm what they accept.
Some people bring additional documents like a marriage certificate (if the name change is due to marriage), a divorce decree (if taking back a former name), or a certified birth certificate. These are not required if you have the court order, but they can speed up the process if the DHSMV staff have questions.
Processing your name change at the DHSMV
Visit any DHSMV office in Florida with your documents. You can make an appointment online through the DHSMV website or walk in during business hours. Tell the staff member you are updating your name on your license due to a court order. They will review your court document, take a new photo, and process your new license on the spot.
If your license is not expired, there is no charge for the name change. If your license has expired or is expiring soon, you will pay the standard renewal fee (currently $48 for an eight-year license for drivers 80 and under). The new license is printed at the office and you receive it when ready, or it is mailed to you within a few days depending on the office's equipment.
Name changes due to marriage or divorce
If you changed your name through marriage, you have two options. You can file a formal petition with the court (the process described above), or you can use your marriage certificate as proof of the name change at the DHSMV office. Many DHSMV offices will update your license based on a certified marriage certificate alone, without requiring a court order. Call your local DHSMV office first to confirm they accept marriage certificates, because policies vary slightly by location.
If you changed your name through divorce and are taking back a former name, you must have a court order. A divorce decree alone is not enough — you need a separate name change order from the court, or a divorce decree that specifically states your new name. Check your divorce papers to see if the judge already ordered a name change; if not, you will need to file a separate petition.
Costs and timeline
The court filing fee for a name change petition ranges from approximately $200 to $400 depending on your county. Some counties charge less; a few charge more. Contact your county circuit court clerk's office to learn the exact fee before you file. If you hire an attorney, legal fees typically range from $300 to $800 on top of the court fee, though some attorneys charge less for straightforward name changes.
The DHSMV charges nothing to update your name on an unexpired license. If your license is expired, you pay the renewal fee. The total timeline from filing your court petition to holding a new license is usually six to twelve weeks: four to eight weeks for the court process, then a few days to a week to visit the DHSMV office and receive your new license.
What happens if you change your name but do not update your license
Your old license remains valid for its original expiration date even if your legal name has changed. However, the name on your license will no longer match your legal name, which can cause problems. Police may question why your ID does not match your legal documents. Banks, employers, and government agencies may refuse to accept your license as proof of identity. You may have difficulty renewing vehicle registration or obtaining other documents that require a current ID.
It is not illegal to drive with a license that does not match your current legal name, but it creates unnecessary friction. Most people update their license within a few weeks of their court order, before the mismatch causes problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name at the DHSMV without a court order?
No. The DHSMV requires a court order or, in some cases, a certified marriage certificate or divorce decree. You cannot change your name through the DHSMV alone. If you do not have a court order and your name change is not due to marriage or divorce, you must file a petition with the circuit court first.
How long does the court name change process take?
Most name change petitions are processed within four to eight weeks from filing to receiving your signed court order. The timeline depends on your county court's caseload and how quickly you can attend your hearing. Some counties are faster; a few take longer. Call your county clerk's office for an estimate specific to your location.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name in court?
No. You can file a name change petition yourself without a lawyer. Your county court website usually has the petition form and instructions for filing pro se. However, if you have concerns about your case — such as outstanding debts or a criminal history — an attorney can advise you on whether the court will approve your petition.
What if I lost my certified copy of the court order?
Contact the circuit court clerk's office in the county where you filed your petition and request a replacement certified copy. There is usually a small fee (typically $5 to $15 per copy). You can request copies by mail, in person, or sometimes online through your county court's website. Allow a few days to a week for processing.
Can I update my name on my license if it is expired?
Yes. Bring your expired license, your court order, and proof of your new name to the DHSMV. You will pay the standard renewal fee along with the name update. Your new license will reflect both the renewal and the name change.