How to Change Your Address with the Florida DMV

What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in Florida

The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles handles address changes for your driver's license and vehicle registration through the same process. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your new address shows up in the system right away. If you go in person or by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.

You do not need to renew your license or registration to change your address. Florida treats an address change as a separate transaction that updates your existing documents without replacing them. Your current license and registration stay valid; only the address on file changes.

Key Takeaways

Florida's online address change system is the fastest option and works for both driver's licenses and vehicle registration at the same time.
You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change online.
If you cannot change online, you can mail a completed form to your county tax collector's office or visit a DMV office in person.
Address changes are free in Florida and do not require you to renew your license or registration early.
Scammers sometimes pose as the DMV and ask for payment to change your address — the real DMV never charges for this and never contacts you first.

Changing Your Address Online Through the Florida DMV Website

Go to the official Florida DMV website at flhsmv.gov and look for the address change option under "Online Services." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new mailing address. The system verifies your identity using this information and then updates both your license and registration records at once.

After you submit the change online, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you contact the DMV later. Your new address takes effect when ready in the system, though the physical license in your wallet still shows the old address until you renew it. For registration purposes, the new address is active right away.

The online system works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no wait time and no appointment needed. If the system rejects your information, it will tell you why — usually because the data does not match what the DMV has on file. In that case, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Changing Your Address by Mail

If you cannot or prefer not to change your address online, you can mail a form to your county tax collector's office. read the form from the Florida DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. The form is called the "process for Florida Identification Card" or "process for Duplicate Driver License" depending on which document you are updating — but you can use either form for an address change.

Fill in the form with your new address, sign it, and mail it to the tax collector's office in the county where you live. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to include payment because address changes are free.

If you are not sure which county tax collector to send the form to, look it up on the Florida DMV website or call your local DMV office. Sending the form to the wrong office will delay your change, so verify the mailing address before you send it.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office

Walk into any Florida DMV office with your current driver's license and a document showing your new address. The address document must be dated within the last 60 days — utility bills, leases, mortgage statements, and bank statements all count. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Tell the staff member you are there to change your address. They will update your record on the spot, and your new address takes effect when ready. You will receive a receipt confirming the change. Your physical license still shows the old address until you renew it, but your registration and all DMV records reflect the new address right away.

If you are changing the address for a vehicle you own, bring your vehicle registration card as well. The DMV can update both your license and registration in one visit.

What Documents Prove Your New Address

Florida requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance policy. The document must show your full name and the complete address you are moving to.

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and the utilities have not been switched to your name — you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead that states your name, the property address, and the move-in date. Some DMV offices also accept a notarized affidavit of residency if you have no other proof.

Do not use a post office change of address form as proof of residency. The DMV does not accept it because it does not show your name and address together in the way they require.

Scams and Safety Information

Scammers sometimes send emails or texts claiming to be from the Florida DMV and asking you to pay a fee to change your address or renew your license. The real DMV never charges for address changes, never sends unsolicited emails asking for payment, and never asks for your Social Security number or credit card information by email or text. If you receive a message like this, delete it and do not click any links.

Another common scam involves fake DMV websites that look almost identical to the real one. They ask you to enter your license number and Social Security number, then charge you a fee. The real Florida DMV website is flhsmv.gov. Check the web address carefully before you enter any personal information. If you are unsure, go directly to the official site by typing the address into your browser rather than clicking a link from an email.

If someone calls you claiming to be from the DMV and asks for payment or personal information, hang up. The DMV does not call people to ask for this information. You can verify whether a call is real by hanging up and calling the DMV's main number yourself — it is listed on the official website.

Timeline and What Happens Next

If you change your address online, the update is complete when ready. If you mail the form, allow 7 to 10 business days. If you go in person, the change takes effect the same day. In all cases, your new address is active in the DMV system right away, even though your physical license may still show the old address.

You do not need to do anything else after you change your address. Your vehicle registration will be mailed to your new address the next time it renews. Your license will show the updated address the next time you renew it. If you need a new license or registration card before then, you can request a duplicate with the new address, though there is a small fee for a duplicate license.

If you are moving out of Florida, you will need to get a license from your new state instead. You can change your Florida address first if you want, but you will eventually need to surrender your Florida license and get one from your new state of residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can change your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change is a separate transaction from your license status. However, you should resolve the suspension or revocation as soon as possible, as driving with a suspended license is illegal.

Do I have to change my address within a certain number of days of moving?

Florida law requires you to change your address within 30 days of moving. There is no penalty for changing it late, but it is best to do it within the 30-day window to keep your records current and avoid mail delivery problems.

What if I move and do not have a permanent address yet?

If you are homeless or living temporarily, you can use a shelter address, a friend's address where mail can reach you, or a general delivery address at your local post office. The DMV requires some address on file. Contact your local DMV office to discuss your situation — they may have options for temporary addresses.

Will changing my address affect my insurance or driving record?

Changing your address does not affect your driving record or insurance rates. However, you should notify your insurance company of your move separately, as they may need to update their records and could adjust your rate based on your new location.

Can I change my address for my vehicle registration but not my driver's license?

The online system changes both at once. If you want to change only one, you will need to use the mail or in-person method and specify which document you are updating. However, it is simpler to update both together since they should match.

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.