How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Florida

Moving within Florida means more than unpacking boxes. You also need to update your address with the state so your driver license, ID card, and vehicle records stay accurate. This guide walks through how a Florida DMV change of address works, what to expect, and how to avoid common mistakes.

State Verification: Who Handles Address Changes in Florida?

In Florida, DMV services are handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), often just called “Florida DHSMV” or “Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.”

Depending on your county in Florida, services are provided in two main ways:

  • State-operated driver license offices
  • County tax collector offices that provide driver license and motor vehicle services on behalf of FLHSMV

In Florida, this is typically handled in one integrated system:

  • Driver license / ID address changes
  • Vehicle registration and title address changes

However, the process for updating your license/ID and your vehicle records is not always identical:

  • You may update your driver license address online, in person, or (in limited cases) by mail.
  • You may need a separate step to make sure your vehicle registration and title records also show the new address, even though they’re within the same FLHSMV system.

Because driver license and motor vehicle services can be split between state and county offices, it’s important to:

  • Check whether the office you plan to visit handles both driver license and motor vehicle (tag/registration) services.
  • Use the official FLHSMV office locator (or your county tax collector’s site) to confirm services before you go.

Why Updating Your Address Matters in Florida

Many drivers in Florida find that they only think about address changes when they renew their license or get a ticket. But keeping your information current affects several important areas:

1. Driver License or ID Card

Your Florida driver license or ID must show your current residential address (or other approved mailing setup). This matters because:

  • Law enforcement may rely on the address on your card.
  • Some Florida courts and agencies send notices to the address tied to your license.

2. Vehicle Registration

In Florida, your vehicle registration address is used for:

  • Registration renewal notices
  • Notices about toll violations or unpaid fees
  • Certain county-based taxes or assessments tied to where your vehicle is kept

If your registration address is out of date, you may miss important mail about your tag or fees.

3. Vehicle Title

Your certificate of title should reflect your correct mailing address so:

  • Official title documents reach you if they are reissued or updated.
  • Any lienholder or future buyer has consistent information.

4. Official Notices and Legal Mail

Depending on your county in Florida, different agencies (courts, toll authorities, tax collectors) use your FLHSMV records to send:

  • Court summons or traffic court notices
  • Suspensions or revocation notices
  • Toll-by-plate or parking enforcement letters

If these go to an old address, you might not learn about a problem until your license is suspended or registration is blocked.

5. Insurance and Voting (Indirect Effects)

While your insurer and the Florida voter registration system are separate from FLHSMV:

  • Some insurers use your garaging address (where the vehicle is kept) for rate-setting.
  • Florida’s motor voter programs can interact with your driver license record when altering registration.

Updating your FLHSMV address does not automatically update everything else, but it often plays a central role in keeping your broader Florida records accurate.

What You’ll Need for a Florida DMV Change of Address

Before starting your DMV change of address Florida process, gather some basics. Requirements can vary slightly based on whether you’re updating your license, ID, or registration, and whether you use online, mail, or in-person options.

In Florida, this is typically handled with the following information:

Common information

  • Full legal name (exactly as on your Florida license or ID)
  • Date of birth
  • Florida driver license or ID number
  • New residential address (and mailing address, if different)
  • Old address on file (for verification)
  • Social Security Number (full or partial, depending on the system) for identity verification

Possible documents you may need

  • Current Florida driver license or ID card
  • Proof of new residential address, such as:
    • Utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage document
    • Bank or credit card statement
    • Florida vehicle registration or title with new address (if already updated)
  • Name change documents, if your name also changed (marriage certificate, court order, etc.)
  • Proof of lawful presence or identity (for Real ID-compliant cards or some in-person updates), such as:
    • U.S. passport or birth certificate
    • Permanent resident card, etc.

For vehicle-related changes, be prepared with:

  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • License plate number
  • Florida title or registration details

Because Florida participates in Real ID, some in-person transactions for licenses may require specific identity and residency documents. You can confirm current document lists by searching the official FLHSMV website for “what to bring.”

Why Address Change Requests Get Rejected

In Florida, address changes are often delayed or rejected for reasons like:

  • Name or date of birth doesn’t match FLHSMV records
  • Incomplete or incorrect new address (missing apartment number, wrong ZIP code, etc.)
  • Using a P.O. box as a residential address, where a physical address is required
  • Providing documents that don’t meet Florida’s proof-of-address standards
  • Outstanding issues on your record (e.g., certain suspensions may limit what can be done online)
  • Trying to use Florida DMV change of address services after moving permanently out of state, instead of getting a new license where you now live

Double-check everything you enter at each step, especially your new address spelling and numbers.

Step-by-Step Options to Change Your Address in Florida

In Florida, residents can usually complete a Florida DMV change of address using one of three methods:

  • Online (if eligible)
  • In person
  • By mail (in limited situations and for certain record types)

Because FLHSMV manages both licensing and vehicle records, your information is in one system—but the process to update each can differ slightly. You may update just your license, just your registration, or both, depending on your move.

A. Online Address Change in Florida

Many drivers in Florida find that using the state’s online services is the fastest way to update their address, especially for routine moves within the state.

Typical eligibility (varies and can change)

You may be able to update your address online if:

  • You have a valid, non-suspended Florida driver license or ID
  • Your name and personal details have not changed
  • You have a standard Florida license or Real ID-compliant license that does not require new documentation
  • You’re moving within Florida, not out of state

To proceed safely:

  1. Go to the official FLHSMV website.
    • Use a search engine to look for “Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles online services” and confirm the site ends in “.gov”.
  2. Find the online address change or “GoRenew/Online Services” section.
    • Look for clear options mentioning address change or license/ID updates.
  3. Log in or enter your identification details.
  4. Enter your new address carefully.
    • Include apartment or unit numbers and verify your ZIP code.
  5. Review any prompts about updating both driver license and vehicle registration.
    • Depending on your county in Florida, online tools may offer separate checkboxes or steps for license and registration.
  6. Pay any required fees, if prompted.
    • Do not proceed if the site does not clearly identify itself as Florida’s official FLHSMV or county tax collector portal.
  7. Save or print your confirmation.
    • Keep a record of the transaction ID or confirmation page.

If there is a Florida DMV change of address form embedded in the online process, it will be part of the official FLHSMV system—not a separate downloadable form from a third party.

B. In-Person Address Change in Florida

Some Floridians must update their address in person, especially if:

  • You’re upgrading to or renewing a Real ID-compliant license and haven’t provided documents before.
  • You’re changing more than just your address (e.g., name change plus address).
  • Your license is expired, suspended, or otherwise not eligible for online service.
  • You prefer to receive a temporary license printout immediately.

In Florida, this is typically handled at:

  • FLHSMV driver license service centers, or
  • County tax collector offices that provide both driver license and motor vehicle services.

Steps:

  1. Locate the correct office.

    • Search the official Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles site for “office locations.”
    • Confirm whether the office offers both driver license and vehicle registration services if you need both updated.

  2. Check whether you need an appointment.

    • Many Florida offices now require or strongly recommend appointments, especially in larger counties.

  3. Gather documents.

    • Your current Florida license or ID
    • Proof of your new residential address (often two documents are recommended)
    • Any name change or identity documents if applicable

  4. Visit the office and request an address change.

    • Tell the clerk if you also need your vehicle registration and title address updated so they can direct you to the correct service.

  5. Verify your new address on the screen or form.

    • Double-check spelling, apartment numbers, and ZIP code.

  6. Pay any applicable fees if a new physical driver license or ID card is issued.

  7. Receive a temporary document (if applicable).

    • Many offices issue a paper or receipt-style temporary license while the new card is mailed.

Depending on your county in Florida, driver license and registration updates may be completed at different windows or counters in the same building (e.g., one line for licenses, another for tags and titles).

C. By Mail (If Available)

Florida does not widely promote a general mail-in Florida DMV change of address form for all residents, but in some situations, mail may be an option, particularly for:

  • Certain military or out-of-state Floridians
  • Some vehicle title or registration corrections handled through county tax collectors

To safely determine if mail is an option for your situation:

  1. Search the official FLHSMV site for “mailing address change” or “out-of-state military address change.”
  2. Check your county tax collector’s official website, especially if you are updating only a vehicle registration or title.
  3. Follow the specific instructions and addresses provided.

If a mail option exists for you, typical steps include:

  • Completing a specific FLHSMV or county form
  • Including copies of ID and proof of address, if required
  • Mailing to the exact address listed for your county or for FLHSMV

Do not send personal documents or payment by mail to any address you’re not certain is an official state or county office.

After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you’ve completed your Florida DMV change of address—online, in person, or by mail—here’s what usually happens.

1. System Update

Your new address is entered into the FLHSMV database for:

  • Your driver license or ID record
  • Your vehicle registration and title records, if you requested that update

Depending on your county in Florida, it’s possible that a change you make for your driver license is not automatically applied to your registrations, so you may need to verify each record separately.

2. New Driver License or ID Card (If Issued)

If your transaction includes issuing a new physical card:

  • You may receive a paper or receipt-style temporary license or ID during an in-person visit.
  • A new plastic card with your updated address is typically mailed to the address you provided.
  • Online transactions may also result in a new card being mailed, depending on the service you selected.

Avoid giving up your current card until you receive instructions from FLHSMV or the tax collector about how to handle it (for example, cutting it up once the new one arrives).

3. Registration and Title Documents

For vehicle registrations:

  • New registration certificates may be issued with your new address if you completed a registration address change.
  • Your license plate usually doesn’t change solely due to an address update.

For titles:

  • Your electronic title record is updated in the system.
  • If you have a paper title, the process to get a new printed title with the new address varies; some Floridians keep the current paper title and rely on the updated electronic record unless a reprint is necessary.

4. Confirming the Change

To make sure your change went through:

  • Log in to FLHSMV’s online services and check what address appears for your license or ID.
  • Verify your vehicle registration information using FLHSMV or your county tax collector’s online tools.
  • Check any renewal notices you receive over the next cycle to confirm the new address is in use.

Special Situations in Florida

Address changes can be more complex in some scenarios. In Florida, this is typically handled with extra steps or documentation for certain groups.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) Holders

If you hold a Florida CDL:

  • You may have stricter in-person or documentation requirements for any change, including address updates.
  • Federal and state regulations require accurate CDL records tied to your residence.

CDL holders in Florida should:

  • Verify CDL-specific address change rules on the FLHSMV website.
  • Plan for an in-person visit, especially when other updates (like endorsements) are involved.

Active-Duty Military and Families

Many service members and their families maintain a Florida residence while stationed elsewhere.

If you are active duty:

  • Special provisions may exist for out-of-state address updates while retaining a Florida license.
  • Some military members can complete certain updates by mail or online, depending on their status.

Search the FLHSMV site for “military driver licenses” or check with your base legal/transportation office for guidance.

College Students

Students who move to or within Florida for school may:

  • Keep a permanent home address in another part of Florida or another state, while living at a dorm or campus apartment.

In Florida, you generally need to:

  • Use a valid residential address for your driver license record, which might be your campus or off-campus housing if that is your primary residence during school.
  • Clarify how you want your mailing address listed if you still receive important mail at a permanent family residence.

Check your school’s guidance for local DMV requirements, as some universities in Florida provide location-specific information.

New Florida Residents from Another State

If you moved into Florida from another state, you are not just changing your address—you’re getting a new Florida driver license and registration.

In that situation:

  • You generally must apply as a new resident rather than using a Florida DMV change of address form.
  • Your out-of-state license will be replaced with a Florida license, and your vehicles will be titled/registered in Florida.

Search for “new resident” on the official FLHSMV website to find current requirements and timelines.

P.O. Boxes and Rural Routes

Depending on your county in Florida, you may be allowed to:

  • Use a P.O. box or separate mailing address for mail delivery,
  • But still must list a physical residential address for where you actually live.

For rural routes:

  • Make sure you understand how your physical location must be described (e.g., E-911 address) in FLHSMV records.
  • Confirm with your county tax collector or local government how to format rural addresses correctly.

Name and Address Change Together

If your name has changed (e.g., marriage, divorce) and you’re also changing your address:

  • You will almost certainly need an in-person visit.
  • Florida will generally require official name change documents and possibly re-verification of identity.

Plan to:

  1. Update your name with FLHSMV first.
  2. Complete your address change in the same visit if possible, so your new license shows both the correct name and address.

Troubleshooting: When Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

If your Florida DMV change of address doesn’t work as expected, there are several ways to track down the issue.

Online Address Change Rejection

If the online system rejects your request:

  • Check the error message carefully.
    • Some messages will specify if the problem is related to eligibility (e.g., suspended license) or data mismatch.
  • Verify that your name, date of birth, and license number match your physical card exactly.
  • Confirm you are using a Florida residential address, not a new out-of-state address.

If problems persist:

  • Try a different browser or device in case of technical issues.
  • If the system still won’t accept your changes, plan for an in-person visit, as your record may require a manual review.

Submitted but Not Updated

If you successfully completed the process (online or in person) but your address still looks wrong:

  1. Wait a short period for the system to refresh.
  2. Log back into the official FLHSMV online services to check your record.
  3. If the address is still incorrect, contact FLHSMV or your county tax collector office using contact information from the official site, and provide:
    • Your name
    • License/ID number
    • Transaction confirmation number, if any

Keep any printed or emailed confirmation you have.

Rejected Mail or In-Person Request

If your mail-in or in-person change is rejected or delayed:

  • Ask the clerk (or read the returned paperwork) to determine exactly why it was rejected:
    • Missing information?
    • Unacceptable proof of address?
    • Unsigned form?
  • Correct the problem and re-submit with all required documentation.

If documents were unclear or hard to read (especially in copied form for mail), provide clearer copies or original documents as directed.

License Updated but Registration Didn’t (or Vice Versa)

Sometimes, Florida residents find that:

  • Their driver license shows the new address, but their vehicle registration still lists the old one, or
  • They updated their registration at a tax collector, but their license card still has the old address.

If this happens:

  1. Check both records separately using FLHSMV online services.
  2. If only one record is updated, you may need to:
    • Complete a separate address change for the other record, or
    • Return to the office or contact the agency to ask if both updates were processed.

Depending on your county in Florida, the clerk may have been handling only registrations or only licenses at the time of your visit.

If You Move Out of Florida

If you have moved out of Florida permanently:

  • The correct step is usually to obtain a new license in your new state, not to file a Florida DMV change of address to another state.
  • Once you become a resident elsewhere and get a new license, your Florida license may be surrendered or canceled under interstate agreements.

You can typically:

  • Contact your new state’s driver licensing agency for instructions on how they handle former Florida licenses.
  • Confirm with FLHSMV (via its official contact options) if you have concerns about how your Florida record shows your move.

Using Official Resources Safely

To avoid confusion or unofficial sites when handling your DMV change of address Florida:

  • Go directly to the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website at:
    • https://www.flhsmv.gov
  • From there, you can access:
    • Online services (search for “GoRenew” or “online services”)
    • Office locations and contact information (search for “locations”)

If you are unsure of a page, check that the address ends in “.gov” and that it clearly identifies itself as part of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or your county tax collector’s office.

Keeping your driver license, ID, registration, and title addresses up to date in Florida helps ensure you receive important notices and avoids confusion with law enforcement, courts, and toll agencies. Start by deciding whether you qualify for an online update or if you need an in-person visit, gather your documents, and work through the steps carefully. Then, verify both your license and vehicle records show the correct information so you can focus on settling into your new Florida address.