What You Need to Do to Update Your Florida License

To update your Florida driver's license, you visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, bring the documents that match your change, and pay a fee. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter. You leave with a temporary paper license and receive your new plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What counts as an update depends on what changed. A name change, address change, or correction to your vision or medical information all follow the same basic path: document, visit, pay, done. A change to your photo or signature requires a new photo at the office. Some updates cost nothing; others cost $20 to $25.

You do not need to renew your license to make these changes. An update keeps your current expiration date. If your license is also expiring soon, you can renew at the same visit and pay both fees together.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person to update your license; you cannot do this by mail or online.
  • Bring the document that proves your change — a marriage certificate for a name change, a utility bill for an address change, or a medical form for health updates.
  • Updates cost $0 to $25 depending on what changed, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new card by mail in about a week.
  • Your license expiration date does not change when you update; only a renewal changes the expiration.

Name Changes: Marriage, Divorce, or Court Order

If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name, bring the document that proves it. For marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree. For a court-ordered name change, bring the certified court order.

The DHSMV office will check the document, take a new photo, and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your new card arrives by mail. There is no fee for a name change update.

If your marriage certificate or divorce decree is not certified, ask the county clerk's office that issued it for a certified copy. A certified copy has an official seal and signature. The DHSMV will not accept a photocopy or an uncertified version.

Address Changes: Moving to a New Home

To update your address, bring one document that shows your new address and your name together. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

An address change does not require a new photo. The DHSMV updates your record, prints a temporary license with your new address, and mails your new card. There is no fee for an address change.

If you do not have a recent document with both your name and address, a piece of mail from a government agency (tax bill, voter registration card, court document) also counts. Ask the DHSMV clerk which documents they accept if you are unsure.

Vision or Medical Changes: Reporting New Conditions

If your vision has changed, you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that affects driving, or you have started or stopped taking medication that affects your ability to drive, you must report it to the DHSMV. Bring a completed Medical Evaluation Form (Form HSMV 82042) signed by your doctor.

The DHSMV uses this information to determine whether your license should have restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, daylight driving only, or hand controls required. If your condition improves or your medication changes, you can update again with a new form from your doctor.

You do not need to report minor vision changes if you already wear glasses or contacts and your license already says "corrective lenses required." You only need to report if your vision has worsened significantly or if you have developed a new medical condition.

Signature or Photo Changes: When You Need a New Picture

You can request a new photo at any time. This is useful if your appearance has changed significantly or if you are unhappy with your current photo. Bring your current license and pay a $25 fee.

You can also update your signature without changing your photo. Bring your current license and a document with your new signature (such as a bank card or recent check). There is no fee for a signature-only update.

The DHSMV takes a new photo on the spot if you request one. Your temporary license prints when ready, and your new card arrives by mail.

Corrections to Your License Information: Fixing Errors

If your license has an error — a misspelled name, wrong birth date, wrong address, or wrong class of license — bring your current license and the document that proves what the correct information should be. For a misspelled name, bring your birth certificate or passport. For a wrong birth date, bring your birth certificate.

Corrections are usually free. The DHSMV corrects the record, prints a temporary license, and mails your new card. This process is the same as other updates and takes about a week.

If you notice an error on your license, report it as soon as possible. Driving with incorrect information can complicate things if you are stopped by law enforcement or need to use your license for identification.

Where to Go and What to Bring

Find your nearest DHSMV office at flhsmv.gov. The website lists all office locations, hours, and whether you need an appointment. Many offices now require appointments, especially in busy areas. You can book online or call ahead.

Bring your current Florida driver's license, the document that proves your change, and your Social Security number. If you are updating your address, bring a recent utility bill or lease. If you are updating your name, bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are updating medical information, bring the completed Medical Evaluation Form from your doctor.

Bring your original documents or certified copies. The DHSMV will not accept photocopies for name changes or corrections. For address changes, a photocopy of a utility bill is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my license by mail?

No. Florida requires you to update your license in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot do it by mail or online. The only exception is a renewal, which you can do by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet other conditions.

How long does it take to get my new card after I update?

You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid when ready. Your new plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need your new card faster, some offices offer expedited mail for an additional fee.

Do I need an appointment to update my license?

Most DHSMV offices now require appointments. Check the office website or call ahead to book. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted if space is available, but you may wait longer. Booking online is usually faster than calling.

Will updating my license change my expiration date?

No. An update keeps your current expiration date. Only a renewal changes when your license expires. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew at the same visit and pay both fees.

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

If your license is lost, you need to replace it first before you can update it. A replacement costs $25 and requires a new photo. Once you have your replacement, you can then update any information that has changed.