The fastest way to change your address in Florida
You can change your address on your Florida driver's license online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing if you do not need a replacement card. If you change your address online, your current license remains valid; the DHSMV updates the address in their system, and you will receive a new card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You must change your address within 10 days of moving in Florida. If you are moving from out of state, you have 30 days to update your license. The address change itself is free, but if you want a new card printed when ready instead of waiting for the mail, you will pay the standard replacement fee.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the DHSMV website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with your new card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- You must update your address within 10 days of moving in Florida, or 30 days if you are relocating from another state.
- If you need a new card printed the same day, you must visit a driver license office in person and pay a replacement fee.
- You will need your current Florida driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
Changing your address online through the DHSMV website
Go to the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change Address" or "Update Your Information." You will be asked to enter your current driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Enter your new Florida address exactly as it appears on mail or official documents — include the street number, street name, apartment or unit number if applicable, city, ZIP code, and county. Double-check the spelling and numbers before submitting, because errors can delay your new card or cause mail delivery problems.
After you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. The DHSMV will mail your new card to the address you provided. Your current license stays valid during this time, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.
Changing your address by mail
Print and complete Form HSMV 82053 (process for Duplicate Driver License), which you can read from flhsmv.gov. You do not need this form if you are only changing your address — you can instead write a letter that includes your name, current driver's license number, old address, new address, and signature.
Mail your completed form or letter along with a copy of your current driver's license to the DHSMV address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee only if you want a new card printed; if you are changing the address in the system only, there is no fee. Mail delivery typically takes 5 to 7 business days, and processing takes another 5 to 7 days after the DHSMV receives your request.
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. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and new address dated within the last 60 days.
Tell the clerk you are changing your address only. If you want a new card printed on the spot, you will pay the replacement fee and receive it before you leave — usually within 15 to 30 minutes. If you do not need a new card printed when ready, the address change is free, and you can leave with your current license while the DHSMV mails you a new one.
Wait times at driver license offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and mid-week. You can check the wait time for your nearest office on the DHSMV website before you go.
What counts as proof of your new address
The DHSMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or official government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card.
If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and utilities have not been connected — you can use a notarized affidavit of residency signed by a notary public and a witness. Some driver license offices also accept a letter from your landlord or property manager on letterhead with their contact information, though policies vary by office. Call ahead to confirm what your local office will accept.
Changing your address if you are moving out of state
If you are relocating to another state, you do not need to update your Florida address before you leave. You have 30 days after you move to obtain a driver's license in your new state. Your Florida license remains valid for identification and driving during that 30-day window.
Once you obtain a license in your new state, your Florida license is no longer valid for driving, though you can keep it as an ID. If you want to formally surrender your Florida license, you can mail it to the DHSMV or turn it in at a driver license office the next time you visit Florida.
Fees and what to expect after you change your address
Changing your address in the DHSMV system is free. You only pay a fee if you request a replacement card printed at the same time. The replacement fee varies but is typically between $20 and $30 — check the current fee on flhsmv.gov or ask at your local driver license office.
After you change your address online or by mail, your new card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-33-FLHSMV (1-844-335-4786) with your confirmation number. If you changed your address in person and requested a new card, you will receive it before you leave the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I move before I update my address on my license?
You have 10 days from the date you move to update your address. If you miss this important date, you can still change it at any time — there is no penalty. However, driving with an outdated address on your license can result in a citation, so update it as soon as you can.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can change the address in the DHSMV system even if your license is expired. However, if you want a new card printed, you will need to renew your license at the same time, which costs more than a straightforward address change. If your license is expired, visit a driver license office to discuss your options.
Do I need to change my address if I only moved within the same city?
Yes. Any change to your street address, apartment number, or ZIP code must be reported to the DHSMV within 10 days. The address on your license should match where you actually live.
What happens if my new card gets lost in the mail?
Contact the DHSMV with your confirmation number and the date you submitted your address change. They can reissue your card and mail it to you again, or you can visit a driver license office to request a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee for the second card.
Can someone else change my address for me?
No. Only you can change your address online using your license number and Social Security number. If you cannot visit an office or mail a form yourself, you can authorize someone to deliver your signed form or letter to the DHSMV by mail, but you must sign it first.