What You Need to Do to Update Your Florida License

You can update 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 address-only updates. The method depends on what information you are changing — a name change requires in-person verification, while an address change can often be handled online or by mail. Processing times vary: in-person updates are usually completed the same day, mail requests take 7 to 10 business days, and online address changes take 1 to 3 business days.

Florida does not require you to renew your license early just to update information. You can make changes at any time before your renewal date, and your updated license will be mailed to you or issued on the spot depending on the type of change and how you submit it.

Key Takeaways

  • Address changes can be completed online through the DHSMV website or by mail without visiting an office, but name changes and corrections to other personal details require an in-person appointment.
  • You will need to bring your current Florida license, proof of your new information (such as a marriage certificate for a name change), and proof of your current address if updating that detail.
  • In-person updates at a DHSMV office are processed when ready, while mail and online requests take 1 to 10 business days depending on the method.
  • Florida charges no fee for address updates, but name changes and corrections to other information may have a small fee — check the DHSMV website for the current amount.

Updating Your Address Online or by Mail

The fastest way to change your address is through the DHSMV online system at flhsmv.gov. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and submit. Your updated license will be mailed to the new address within 1 to 3 business days. This method works only if your address is the only thing changing and your license is not suspended or expired.

If you prefer to mail the change, send a completed Form HSMV 82101 (process for Florida Identification Card or Driver License) along with your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) to the DHSMV address listed on the form. Mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to include a fee for address-only updates.

Do not use the mail method if your license is expired or suspended — you must visit an office in person to renew or resolve the suspension before updating your address.

Changing Your Name In Person

Name changes must be done at a DHSMV office. You will need to bring your current Florida license, a document proving your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified name change document), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Bring the original or a certified copy of the name-change document — a photocopy is not accepted.

Schedule an appointment online at flhsmv.gov or call 1-844-435-7352 to find the nearest office and book a time. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but appointment holders are served first. The update is completed on the spot, and you will receive your new license when ready or it will be mailed to you depending on the office location.

The fee for a name change is typically $20 to $25, though this may vary. Confirm the current fee when you schedule your appointment or check the DHSMV website.

Correcting Errors on Your License

If your license contains an error — such as a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect eye color — you must visit a DHSMV office in person. Bring your current license and documents that prove the correct information. For a birth date error, bring your birth certificate or passport. For a name spelling error, bring a document showing the correct spelling, such as a Social Security card or birth certificate.

Corrections are usually processed when ready. There is typically no fee for correcting DHSMV errors, but you may be charged a small fee if the error was caused by information you provided. Ask the office staff whether a fee applies before the correction is made.

Updating Other Information (Gender Marker, Organ Donor Status)

You can change your gender marker or organ donor status in person at any DHSMV office or by mail. For in-person updates, bring your current license and any supporting documents your state requires (Florida does not require a medical letter or court order for gender marker changes as of 2024, but confirm current policy on the DHSMV website). The change is processed when ready.

To update by mail, complete Form HSMV 82101, include your current license, and mail it to the DHSMV address. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for these updates.

What Happens After You Submit Your Update

If you updated your address online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Check your mail within 10 business days. If you do not receive it, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-435-7352 to confirm it was processed.

If you made the change in person, you will either walk out with your new license the same day or receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. The office staff will tell you which applies when you complete your transaction.

Your old license remains valid until it expires or is replaced. You do not need to destroy it or return it to the DHSMV unless you are renewing your license at the same time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not submit a photocopy of a name-change document — the DHSMV requires an original or certified copy. Do not attempt to change your name by mail; it must be done in person. Do not wait until your license expires to update your information if you are making a name change, because you will have to renew at the same time, which costs more and takes longer.

If you are moving out of state, update your address before you leave Florida if possible. Once you move, you will need to obtain a license in your new state, and having an updated Florida address on file can prevent confusion with your old state records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

No. If your license is expired, you must renew it in person before you can update your address. You cannot use the online or mail method for address changes on an expired license. Contact the DHSMV to schedule a renewal appointment.

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

Online address changes take 1 to 3 business days. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days. In-person updates are completed the same day, though some offices mail the license instead of issuing it on the spot — the staff will tell you which applies when you finish your transaction.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Address-only updates are free. Name changes and corrections to other information may have a small fee, typically $20 to $25. Check the DHSMV website or call 1-844-435-7352 to confirm the current fee before you visit an office.

What if I lost my current license and need to update my information?

You will need to replace your license first. Contact the DHSMV to report it lost and schedule a replacement appointment. Once you have your replacement license, you can update your information using the method that fits your change (online for address, in person for name or other details).

Can I change my name by mail?

No. Name changes must be done in person at a DHSMV office. You must bring your current license and an original or certified copy of your name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Mail the form only if you are updating your address or organ donor status.