Where to update your address and what you'll need
You can update your Florida driver's license address at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, online through the DHSMV website, or by mail. The online option is fastest if you're only changing your address — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address.
If you go in person, bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The in-person visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You won't need to take a new photo or retake any tests — this is a straightforward record update.
The mail option exists but is slower. You'll send your current license, a completed process form (Form HSMV 82013), and proof of your new address to the DHSMV. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks, and you won't have your updated license until it arrives.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the DHSMV website is free and takes about 10 minutes if you only need to change your address.
- In-person updates at any DHSMV office require your current license and proof of your new address dated within 60 days.
- You do not need a new photo, eye test, or written exam for an address-only change.
- Mail-in updates work but take two to three weeks, and you must send your physical license to the DHSMV.
Using the online address change tool
The DHSMV online system lets you change your address without visiting an office or paying a fee. Go to the DHSMV website, select the address change option, and enter your 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 ask for your new address.
After you submit, you'll receive confirmation on screen. Your updated address takes effect when ready in the DHSMV system, though your physical license still shows the old address. You can use the confirmation page as proof of your new address if needed. Your next renewal will arrive at the new address on file.
The online tool works only for address changes. If you also need to update your name, correct an error on your license, or change other information, you'll need to visit an office or use the mail option.
Going to a DHSMV office in person
Find your nearest DHSMV office on the state website — there are locations in every county. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the wait. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address from the past 60 days: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, insurance bill, or government correspondence.
Tell the clerk you're updating your address only. They'll scan your documents, update your record, and you'll be done. No photo, no test, no fee. If you're renewing your license at the same time, that's a separate transaction with its own fee (currently $48 for an eight-year renewal, though this varies).
Processing at the office is when ready — your address is updated in the system right away. Your physical license still shows the old address, but the DHSMV record is current. Your next license will show the new address.
Updating by mail
Request Form HSMV 82013 (Address Change process) from the DHSMV website or call 1-844-33-DHSMV. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license and proof of your new address to the address listed on the form (currently the DHSMV office in Tallahassee, though this can change).
Include a copy of your proof of address, not the original — utility bills and lease agreements are often hard to replace. Keep a record of what you send in case you need to follow up. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your envelope. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address.
The mail option is riskier than online or in-person because your physical license is in transit and out of your hands. If it's lost in the mail, you'll need to report it and request a replacement. For this reason, most people choose online or in-person unless they have a specific reason to use mail.
What happens if you move before updating
You are not required by law to update your address when ready, but it's practical to do so. If you're stopped by police, your license will show an old address, which can create confusion. Insurance companies may deny claims if your address on file doesn't match your actual residence. Voter registration, vehicle registration, and other records tied to your license may become out of sync.
If you've already moved and haven't updated yet, you can still use any of the three methods above. The online tool and in-person visits work the same way. For mail, use your new address as the return address so your updated license reaches you.
Updating your address on other Florida documents at the same time
Your driver's license address change updates only your license. Your vehicle registration, voter registration, and other state records are separate. If you've moved, you'll also need to update your vehicle registration with the DHSMV (online, by mail, or in person) and your voter registration with your county supervisor of elections.
Some DHSMV offices let you handle multiple transactions in one visit. When you go in for your address change, ask the clerk if you can also renew your registration or handle other business. This saves a second trip, though each transaction has its own fee and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new physical license when I change my address?
No. Your current license remains valid and unchanged. The DHSMV updates your address in their system, but your physical card still shows the old address. When you renew your license at the end of its term, the new one will show your current address.
How long does the online address change take?
The online process itself takes about 10 minutes. Your address is updated in the DHSMV system when ready after you submit. There's no waiting period or processing time — the change is live right away.
What if I don't have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?
The DHSMV accepts several forms of proof: mortgage statements, insurance bills, government mail, bank statements, and tax documents dated within 60 days. If none of these are available, call your local DHSMV office to ask what alternatives they accept — some offices have flexibility for people in transition.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. An expired license can still be used for address changes. However, if your license is expired, you may want to renew it at the same time. That's a separate transaction with a fee, but it saves a second visit later.
What if I'm moving out of state soon?
Update your Florida address now if you're staying in Florida for the near term. If you're moving to another state within weeks, you can skip the Florida update and instead get a license in your new state when you arrive. Each state has its own process and timeline, so check your new state's requirements before you move.