The fastest way to change your Florida address
You can change your address online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website without visiting an office or paying a fee. The online service takes about 10 minutes and updates your license record when ready. You will receive a new physical license card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot use the online option, you can also change your address in person at any Florida Driver License office, or by mail. Each method has different requirements and timelines, which we cover below.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV online portal at flhsmv.gov lets you change your address for free without visiting an office, and your record updates the same day.
- You need your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address to use the online method.
- If you change your address online, a new physical license card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; your old card remains valid until the new one arrives.
- In-person changes at a Driver License office take effect when ready and do not require you to wait for a new card, though you can request one if you want.
- Mail-in changes are slower and require you to send original documents; most people find the online or in-person routes faster.
Changing your address online through the DHSMV website
Go to flhsmv.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Address" or "Update Driver License Information." You will be asked to enter your current Florida driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and then prompt you to enter your new address.
Once you submit the new address, your record in the DHSMV system updates the same day. You do not need to pay anything. The DHSMV will mail a new physical license card to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving until the new card arrives.
The online method works only if you have a valid email address on file and your license is not suspended or revoked. If your license status is not clear, call the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5762) before attempting the online change.
Changing your address in person at a Driver License office
Visit any Florida Driver License office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy—photocopies are not accepted.
The office staff will update your address in the system when ready. You can choose whether to request a new physical license card at that time. If you request one, it will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not request a new card, your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DHSMV records will show your new address for mail and official purposes.
In-person visits typically take 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You do not pay a fee for an address change. To find the Driver License office nearest you and check current wait times, visit flhsmv.gov and use the office locator tool.
Changing your address by mail
If you prefer to mail in your address change, send a letter to the DHSMV with your current driver's license number, full name, date of birth, old address, and new address. Include a copy of your proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). Mail the documents to:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Driver License Section Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, FL 32399
Processing mail-in requests takes 2 to 4 weeks. The DHSMV will update your address record and mail a new license card to your new address. You will not receive confirmation that your change was processed, so keep a copy of what you sent for your records. This method is slower than online or in-person options and carries a small risk that documents could be lost in transit.
What happens to your old license card
When you change your address online or in person and request a new card, the DHSMV mails the new card to your new address. Your old card with the old address printed on it remains valid for driving and identification purposes until the new card arrives. You do not need to destroy or return the old card.
Once the new card arrives, you can throw away the old one or keep it as a backup. Florida law does not require you to carry the new card when ready—your old card is still legal to use until it expires. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement, it is helpful to tell the officer that you have recently moved and your address change is in the system.
Timeline and what to expect
The timeline for receiving your new card depends on mail delivery to your new address and which method you choose. Online and in-person changes update your record the same day, but the physical card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive. Mail-in changes take 2 to 4 weeks for both the record update and card delivery.
| Method | Record Update | New Card Arrives | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Same day | 7–10 business days | Free |
| In person | Same day | 7–10 business days (if requested) | Free |
| By mail | 2–4 weeks | 2–4 weeks | Free |
If you do not receive your new card within 10 business days of changing your address online or in person, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-FLORIDA to check the status. Keep the confirmation email or receipt from your online change as proof that you submitted the request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new license card when I change my address?
No. If you change your address online or in person, you can choose not to request a new card. Your old card remains valid for driving and identification. The DHSMV will update your address in their system for mail and official records, even if the card itself still shows your old address.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Florida license?
You should update your address to your new out-of-state address in the DHSMV system. You can do this online or by mail. However, Florida law requires you to obtain a license from your new state within a certain period. Check your new state's requirements, as most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
You can change your address if your license is expired, but not if it is suspended or revoked. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension first by contacting the DHSMV. Call 1-844-DL-FLORIDA to find out what steps you need to take.
What counts as proof of my new address?
Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and new address. A bank statement or credit card statement typically does not count.
Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?
Changing your address in the DHSMV system does not affect your driving record or any violations on it. Your insurance company may use your address for rating purposes, so contact them separately to update your policy address if it has changed.