You can update your Florida address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
Florida offers three ways to change the address on your driver's license: through the DHSMV (Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) website, by mail with a paper form, or by visiting a local DMV office in person. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits are when ready but require you to travel to an office during business hours.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the license itself stays valid. Florida will mail you a new card with the updated address, and you can use your old card until the replacement arrives. The address change does not reset your license expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the DHSMV website is free and takes minutes, and you receive confirmation when ready.
- You must have a valid Florida driver's license or ID card and a working email address to change your address online.
- If you use the mail method, send the completed form and proof of your new address to the DHSMV address listed on the form.
- A replacement card with your new address arrives within 7 to 10 business days by any method; your old card remains valid until it arrives.
- You cannot change your address at a third-party vendor location — only at an official DMV office or through the state website.
Updating your address online through the DHSMV website
The online method is the fastest and most direct route. Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select the option to change your address. You will need your current Florida driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need a valid email address where the DHSMV can send your confirmation.
After you enter your information and new address, the system will verify your identity and show you a confirmation screen. Write down or screenshot the confirmation number — you may need it if you have questions about your replacement card. The DHSMV will mail your new card to the address you provided. You can continue to use your old card with the old address printed on it until the new one arrives.
Changing your address by mail
If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a paper form to the DHSMV. read the Address Change form (Form HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website or request one by phone at 1-888-769-2778. Fill in your current license number, name, date of birth, and your new address.
Include proof that you live at the new address. The DHSMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail addressed to you at the new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form and proof to the address shown on the form itself — this address changes based on which region of Florida you live in, so check the form before you send it.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DHSMV receives your mail. Your replacement card will be mailed to your new address. Keep your old card until the new one arrives.
Changing your address in person at a DMV office
You can walk into any Florida DMV office and request an address change on the spot. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail dated within 60 days). You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
The staff member will update your record and order a replacement card while you are there. You will receive a receipt showing your new address and a confirmation that your replacement card is on the way. The new card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your old card is still valid until the replacement arrives.
What counts as proof of your new address
Florida requires one document that shows your name and new address and was issued or dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or any government-issued mail (tax notice, voter registration card, court document, or benefits statement). A bank statement or credit card statement does not count.
The document must be in your name or, if you are a spouse, in your spouse's name. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document dated at your new address, contact the DHSMV by phone at 1-888-769-2778 to ask about alternatives — some offices will accept a signed affidavit or a letter from your landlord in place of a dated document if you can explain the delay.
Timeline and what to expect after you request the change
Online changes are confirmed when ready. Mail and in-person changes are processed within one business day. Your replacement card is then printed and mailed to your new address, which takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old card with the old address is still legal to use.
If your replacement card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DHSMV at 1-888-769-2778 with your confirmation number or receipt. Have your license number and date of birth ready. The DHSMV can check the status of your card and remail it if needed.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume your address has been changed just because you updated it with your bank or insurance company — those changes do not automatically update your driver's license. You must contact the DHSMV directly through one of the three methods above.
Do not throw away your old card when the new one arrives. Some businesses and agencies still scan the old card, and you may need it as backup identification. Keep it in a safe place for at least 30 days after your new card arrives.
Do not use a PO box as your address on your driver's license. Florida requires a physical street address. If you live in an apartment, include your unit number. If you live in a rural area without a street number, contact the DHSMV before you submit your change to confirm the format they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to renew my license to change my address?
No. An address change is separate from a renewal. Your license expiration date does not change. You only renew when your license is about to expire or when you reach the renewal age set by Florida (usually every 8 years for adults).
Can I change my address at a tag agency or third-party vendor?
No. Tag agencies and third-party vendors can handle vehicle registration and renewal, but not driver's license address changes. You must use the DHSMV website, mail, or an official DMV office.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Florida license?
If you now live outside Florida, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead of updating your Florida address. However, if you still need your Florida license, you can update the address to your out-of-state location through the online method or by mail.
How long is my old card valid after I request a change?
Your old card remains valid until your replacement card arrives. Once the new card is in your hand, the old card is no longer your official license, though you can keep it as a backup form of ID.
What if the address on my proof document does not match exactly what I want on my license?
The address on your license must match the address on your proof document. If there is a discrepancy (for example, the document says "123 Main St" but you want "123 Main Street"), contact the DHSMV before you submit your change to confirm what format they will accept.