What You Need to Do to Update Your Name

To change your name on your Florida driver's license, you must first have a legal name change document, then visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person with that document and your current license. Florida does not allow name changes by mail or online — you must appear at a driver's license office and show proof that your name has legally changed.

The process itself is straightforward once you have the legal paperwork. You will fill out an process, pay a fee, and have a new photo taken. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The whole visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your legal name change before you can update your driver's license.
  • Name changes must be done in person at a DHSMV office — you cannot do this by phone, mail, or online.
  • Bring your current driver's license, your legal name change document, and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN).
  • You will pay a fee to replace your license, and your new license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What Legal Documents Prove Your Name Change

Florida recognizes several documents as proof of a legal name change. A court order from a name change petition is the most common. If you changed your name through marriage, a certified marriage certificate showing your new married name works. If you changed your name through divorce, a certified divorce decree or final judgment that lists your new name is acceptable.

The document must be an official certified copy — a photocopy or uncertified version will not be accepted. If you obtained your name change in another state or country, you will need a certified copy of that document as well. DHSMV staff will examine the document to confirm it shows your current legal name.

Documents and Information to Bring to the DHSMV Office

Bring these items when you visit:

  • Your current Florida driver's license
  • Your certified legal name change document (court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree)
  • Proof of your Social Security number — either your Social Security card or a document that displays your SSN, such as a W-2 form or tax return

If you do not have your Social Security card and cannot bring another document with your SSN, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before your DHSMV visit. This takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you need one.

You do not need to bring proof of your Florida address or residency — DHSMV already has that information from your current license. Bring your original documents, not photocopies, so the DHSMV staff can verify them.

The Fee and Timeline for Your New License

As of 2024, the fee to replace your driver's license due to a name change is $25 for a standard license. This fee covers the replacement card and the processing. You will pay this fee at the DHSMV office when you submit your process.

After you pay and have your photo taken, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license remains valid for identification purposes. If you need your new license sooner, ask the DHSMV office whether expedited mail options are available at your location — some offices offer this for an additional fee.

Finding a DHSMV Office Near You

Florida has driver's license offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you on the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. The site lists hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each location. Some offices are busier than others — offices in smaller towns often have shorter wait times than those in major cities.

You do not need an appointment at most DHSMV offices, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available. If you schedule an appointment, you will be seen at your reserved time rather than waiting in line.

What Happens If Your Name Change Document Is From Another State

If you legally changed your name in another state or country and have since moved to Florida, you can still update your Florida driver's license. Bring your certified name change document from that state or country along with your current Florida license and proof of your Social Security number. DHSMV will accept the out-of-state or international document as long as it is certified and clearly shows your legal name change.

If you are unsure whether your document will be accepted, call the DHSMV office you plan to visit before you go. Staff can tell you over the phone whether your specific document meets Florida's requirements, saving you a trip if something is missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a court order?

Only if your name change was through marriage or divorce. A certified marriage certificate or divorce decree counts as legal proof. If you want to change your name for any other reason, you must file a petition for name change in circuit court first and obtain a court order. This is a separate legal process from updating your license.

What if I lost my legal name change document?

You will need to obtain a certified replacement copy. If your name change was through court order, contact the circuit court in the county where the order was issued and request a certified copy. If it was through marriage or divorce, contact the county clerk's office where the marriage or divorce was recorded. Both can mail you a certified copy for a small fee.

Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I update my driver's license?

No. You can update your driver's license first, then update Social Security afterward. However, many people do it the other way around. Either order works. Just make sure you have proof of your Social Security number (your card or a document showing your SSN) when you visit DHSMV.

Can someone else go to DHSMV and change my name on my license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DHSMV office. This is a requirement for all name changes on Florida driver's licenses. You cannot authorize someone else to do this on your behalf.

Will my license number change when I update my name?

No. Your driver's license number stays the same. Only your name and photo will be updated on your new card.