What you need to do to change your name on your Florida driver's license

To change your name on your Florida driver's license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person with proof of your legal name change and your current license. Florida does not allow name changes by mail or online. You will need to complete an process, pay a fee, and have a new photo taken. The process typically takes about 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location.

The key difference between a name change on your license and a name change on your vehicle registration is that your license is handled by DHSMV directly, while your registration is a separate document. You may need to update both if your legal name has changed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with your current license and proof of your legal name change — no online or mail options are available.
  • Acceptable proof of name change includes a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or certified copy of a name change judgment.
  • The fee for a replacement license with a name change is the same as a standard license renewal, currently $48 for an eight-year license.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready.
  • You will also need to update your vehicle registration separately through DHSMV if your name appears on the title or registration.

Proof of legal name change Florida accepts

Florida DHSMV requires one of these documents to prove your name change is legal:

  • A certified court order from a Florida court authorizing the name change
  • An original or certified copy of a marriage certificate showing your new married name
  • An original or certified copy of a divorce decree or dissolution judgment showing your name after divorce
  • A certified copy of a name change judgment from any U.S. state or territory
  • A certified copy of an adoption decree showing your new name

The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. If your name change document was issued outside the United States, you will need to bring a certified English translation along with the original document.

Bring your current Florida driver's license as well. If you do not have your license with you, DHSMV can look up your record, but having it speeds the process.

Where to go and what to bring

Find your nearest DHSMV office using the office locator on the Florida DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov). Not all offices handle license services, so confirm that your chosen location offers driver's license services before you go.

Bring these documents:

  • Your current Florida driver's license
  • Your proof of legal name change (certified court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption decree)
  • A valid form of identification if your license is expired or you cannot locate it

You do not need to make an appointment at most DHSMV offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's page on the DHSMV website to see if reservations are available or required in your area.

The fee and what happens at the office

The fee for a replacement license is $48 for an eight-year license (standard for most adults). If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee may differ. Payment is accepted in cash, debit, or credit card at most offices.

At the office, you will complete an process for Florida Driver's License or ID Card (Form HSMV 82053). The staff will verify your name change document, take a new photo, and process your process. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card to arrive. This temporary license can be used for most purposes, including driving and identification, though some businesses may not accept it.

Updating your vehicle registration after a name change

If your name appears on your vehicle's title or registration, you must update that document separately. You can renew your registration and change your name at the same time by visiting a DHSMV office or tax collector's office, or by mail if you are only renewing without other changes.

To update your registration by mail, send a completed process for Vehicle Registration (Form HSMV 82104) along with your current registration card, proof of your name change, and the renewal fee. Mail these to the address shown on your registration card.

If you are financing or leasing your vehicle, contact your lender or leasing company before making changes to the registration, as they may have specific requirements or need to approve the change.

What to do if your name change document is from another state

Florida accepts name change documents from any U.S. state or territory. The document must be an original or certified copy issued by the court or vital records office in the state where the change was granted.

If your document is a certified copy, it should have an official seal and signature from the issuing court or office. If you have only a photocopy, you will need to contact the court or vital records office in that state to request a certified copy. Most states can mail or email certified copies for a small fee, usually $10 to $25.

If your name change was granted in a country outside the United States, bring the original document and a certified English translation. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or notary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license without going to an office in person?

No. Florida requires you to appear in person at a DHSMV office with your current license and proof of your legal name change. There is no mail-in or online option for name changes on driver's licenses.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your process at the office. You can request a temporary paper license to use when ready while you wait for the permanent card.

Do I need to update my vehicle registration if I change my name on my license?

Only if your name appears on the vehicle's title or registration. If someone else owns or finances the vehicle, you may not need to update the registration. Check your registration card to see whose name is listed as the owner.

What if I got married and have a marriage certificate but no court order?

A certified copy of your marriage certificate is sufficient proof of a legal name change in Florida. You do not need a separate court order. Bring the original or certified copy of the certificate to your DHSMV office visit.

Can I change my name on my license if I have an expired license?

Yes. Bring a valid form of identification such as a passport, state ID, or military ID along with your expired license and proof of your name change. DHSMV can look up your record even if your license is expired.