You can update your Florida address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — the fastest route is online if you have a valid email on file
Florida allows you to change your address without renewing your license, and you do not need to visit an office if you use the online method. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) lets you update your address through its website, mail in a form, or walk into a local DMV office. Online is fastest — usually when ready — but requires that you already have an email address registered with your license record.
Your address change takes effect when ready online or within 7 to 10 business days by mail. In-person changes at a DMV office are also when ready. You will not receive a new physical license card unless you request one or your license is expiring soon, so your old card remains valid with your new address on file in the state system.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the DHSMV website is free and when ready if you have an email address on your license record.
- If you do not have an email on file, you can mail Form HSMV 14 (Change of Address) to the DHSMV address listed on the form, and the change takes 7 to 10 business days.
- You can also visit any Florida DMV office in person with your current license and proof of your new address, and the change is when ready.
- Your physical license card does not change unless you request a replacement or your license is expiring within 30 days.
Updating your address online through the DHSMV website
Go to the official DHSMV website and look for the "Change of Address" option under driver license services. You will need your current Florida driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using this information.
Once you log in, enter your new address and confirm it. If you do not have an email address on file with your license, the system will ask you to create one before you can proceed. After you submit, the change is recorded when ready in the state database. You do not need to do anything else — your address is updated right away, even though your physical card still shows the old address.
Mailing Form HSMV 14 to the DHSMV
If you prefer not to use the online system, read or request Form HSMV 14 (Change of Address) from the DHSMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address will work.
Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form itself, which is typically the DHSMV office in Tallahassee. Include your current license number on the envelope. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DHSMV receives your mail. You can track whether your form arrived by calling the DHSMV customer service line, though they cannot speed up processing.
Changing your address in person at a DMV office
Visit any Florida DMV office with your current driver license and one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government-issued mail with your name and address. The office staff will verify your identity, update your address in the system, and print a new address confirmation on the spot.
Your physical license card will not change unless you request a replacement card (which costs around $25) or your license is expiring within 30 days. If you want a new card with your updated address printed on it, tell the staff when you arrive. Processing in-person takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and your address is active in the system when ready.
What counts as proof of your new address
Florida accepts several documents as proof of address. The most common are a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or recent government mail with your name and address. The document must show your full name and complete street address, and it should be dated within the last 60 days.
If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a signed lease agreement from your landlord or a mortgage closing statement will work. A bank statement or credit card statement with your new address is usually not accepted. If you are unsure whether your document will work, call the DHSMV before you go to the office.
When you need a replacement card with your new address
Your current license remains valid even after you update your address online or by mail — the physical card does not change. However, if you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can request one at any DMV office for a replacement fee (typically around $25). This is optional; many people keep their old card and straightforward have the address on file updated.
If your license is expiring within 30 days of your address change, the DHSMV will automatically print your new address on your renewal card when you renew. You do not need to pay for a replacement in that case. If your license is not expiring soon and you want the card updated for your records or to avoid confusion, a replacement card is the only way to get it.
Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended
If your Florida license is expired, you cannot update your address using the online method — you must renew your license first. You can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on how long your license has been expired and whether you have any violations or suspensions on your record. Once your license is renewed, you can then update your address using any of the three methods.
If your license is suspended, you cannot update your address until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DHSMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it is restored, you can update your address normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new physical card when I change my address?
No, unless you request a replacement card or your license is expiring within 30 days. Your old card remains valid with your new address on file in the state system. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can pay for a replacement at any DMV office.
How long does it take to change my address by mail?
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DHSMV receives your Form HSMV 14. Mail delivery time is not included in that estimate, so allow extra time for your form to reach Tallahassee. Online changes are when ready, and in-person changes are when ready.
What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
You will need at least one document showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved, a signed lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill in your name will work. If you cannot get any of these, wait until you have one before updating your address.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, you must renew your license first. Once your license is renewed, you can update your address using any of the three methods. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, you may need to take a new photo or pass a vision test during renewal.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No, changing your address is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you request a replacement card with your new address printed on it, which typically costs around $25.