How to Change Your Address with the Florida DMV

You can change your Florida driver's license or ID card address through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a local office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. You will need your current driver's license or ID number, your new address, and a valid email address to start the process online.

Florida does not require you to get a new card when you change your address — the address updates in the system, and your current card remains valid. However, if you want a card printed with your new address, you can request one during the change process for a fee.

Key Takeaways

The online address change through the DHSMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing if you do not request a new card.
You must have your current driver's license or ID number and a valid email address to change your address online.
If you change your address online, your old card stays valid — you do not need a replacement unless you want one.
Mail-in and in-person changes are available if you cannot use the online method, though they take longer.
Your address change takes effect when ready online, but mail-in requests may take two to three weeks to process.

Changing Your Address Online

The online method is the fastest route. Go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and look for the "Change Address" option under driver's license services. You will enter your driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and your last name to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current information.

Enter your new Florida address exactly as you want it to appear in the system. Double-check the spelling and street number — mistakes here can delay mail from the state or cause problems later. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. Your address change is active when ready in the DHSMV database, even though your physical card still shows the old address.

If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can request one during this process. Florida charges a fee for a replacement card (the amount varies, so check the current fee on the DHSMV website). The new card will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, read the process for Florida Identification Card (Form HSMV 82101) or the process for Renewal of a Driver License (Form HSMV 82053) from the DHSMV website, depending on which document you hold. Fill in your new address on the form and sign it.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the DHSMV website along with a copy of your current driver's license or ID card. Do not send the original card. Include a piece of mail or other document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Mail your packet to the DHSMV address shown on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your mail. You will not receive a confirmation that your change went through — your address will straightforward update in the system. If you requested a replacement card, it will arrive separately by mail.

Changing Your Address in Person

You can walk into any Florida DMV office and change your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and one document that shows your new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days). Tell the clerk you want to change your address.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Your address updates when ready in the system. If you want a replacement card with the new address, you can pay the fee and receive it by mail within two weeks. If you do not request a replacement, your current card stays valid with the old address printed on it.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Mornings on weekdays are usually shorter than afternoons or weekends. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online before you go.

What Happens if Your Address Is Outside Florida

If you are moving out of Florida, you cannot change your address to an out-of-state address using the DHSMV system. Instead, you will need to get a driver's license or ID card from your new state. Florida's license becomes invalid once you establish residency elsewhere.

Before you move, you can keep your Florida license valid for its full term if you maintain a Florida address on file — for example, a family member's address or a mail forwarding service. However, if you plan to live in another state, it is simpler to get that state's license once you arrive.

What to Do if Your Address Change Does Not Go Through

If you changed your address online and did not receive a confirmation email, check your spam folder first. If the email is not there, log back into the DHSMV website and check whether your address updated. Sometimes the confirmation email is delayed but the change goes through.

If your address still shows the old one after 24 hours, try the process again. If it fails a second time, call the DHSMV customer service line or visit a local office in person. Bring your driver's license and proof of your new address. Staff can update it manually and print a new card on the spot if needed.

Address Changes and Vehicle Registration

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically change your vehicle registration address. You must update your vehicle registration separately through the DHSMV. You can do this online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as your driver's license.

Florida law requires you to notify the DHSMV of a new address within 10 days of moving. This applies to both your driver's license and your vehicle registration. If you are pulled over and your registration shows an old address, you may receive a citation, so update both as soon as you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a new card when I change my address?

No. Your current card stays valid even after you change your address in the system. The DHSMV will update your address in their database, and that is what law enforcement and government offices see when they look you up. You can request a replacement card with the new address printed on it, but it costs a fee and is optional.

How long does an address change take?

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your packet. In-person changes at a DMV office happen on the spot, usually within 15 minutes.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address?

You will need proof of your new address to change it. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, government mail, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days. If you cannot get one of these, ask the DMV staff what alternatives they accept — some offices have flexibility for people in temporary housing.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?

You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is suspended or expired. In person, you may face restrictions depending on the reason for suspension. Call the DHSMV or visit a local office to ask about your specific situation before you go.

What if I moved but have not changed my address yet and got pulled over?

You are not breaking the law by being pulled over with an old address on your license — the officer can see your current address in the system. However, Florida law says you should update your address within 10 days of moving. Update it as soon as you can to stay in compliance.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.