When moving into a new home, changing your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) might sound like a headache: long lines and mounting irritation—we’ve all been there.
But a Florida driver’s license address change is a smooth process if you know what to expect.
After you move, ensure you have enough time to change the address on your license before the deadline set by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This government agency deals with driver’s licenses and ID cards, vehicle registration, and all things to do with motorists and vehicles in Florida.
The FLHSMV requires you to update the address on your license within 30 days of moving to your new residence.
You’ll also need to make a change of address to your Florida vehicle registration alongside your driver’s license. Your vehicle registration connects your vehicle to you and proves that you can drive the vehicle on public roads.
A note on USPS address changes: When you change addresses, you should fill out a US Postal Service change-of-address form to forward your mail to your new home. However, this form does not change the address on your Florida license.
Why is Updating Your Address on a Florida Driver’s License Important?
You want to update the address on your license before the 30-day deadline because it’s illegal to drive using a license with out-of-date information. If the state of Florida finds that you are driving with a license that doesn’t reflect your current street address, they may charge you fines, add points to your license, or suspend your license.
Plus, you risk missing related mail sent to your old address, including notices and deadlines for traffic tickets, parking tickets, and driver’s license suspensions.
You also need to update the address on your vehicle registration to avoid the same penalties above and avoid missing your vehicle registration renewal.
Who Can Update Their Address Online?
If you’re a US citizen and have a Class E license (meaning you can drive a non-commercial vehicle less than 26,001 pounds), you can use the FLHSMV’s online services to change your address on your Florida driver’s license.
Who Has to Update Their Address In Person?
If you are not a US citizen or have a different type of driver’s license, such as a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you have to go in person to your local FLHSMV office to change the address on your license in Florida.
US citizens with Class E licenses have the option to go in person to update their address.
If you do have to or choose to go in person, some locations accept walk-ins, but you can avoid a long wait by setting up an appointment online before you go. Navigate to your county on the FLHSMV locations page and find the link to your nearest office’s appointment page.
How to Change The Address on Your Florida Driver’s License
Updating your address for a Florida driver’s license is different depending on whether you move to a new address within Florida, to Florida from another state, or out of Florida.
We highlight the different processes and step-by-step requirements for each situation below.
Moving Within Florida
If you’re moving to another address within Florida, the state will issue you a new driver’s license card that reflects your new address after you update your address online or in person with the FLHSMV.
We recommend completing the process online if you’re a US citizen with a Class E license.
If you are ineligible to update your address online or prefer to do it in person, skip to the in-person process section below.
Online: Florida Driver’s License Address Change When Moving Within Florida
- Log in or enroll in the FLHSMV’s GoRenew portal to change your address online. You can also change your address with the MyFlorida mobile app for Android and iOS devices.
- Next, find your existing records in the FLHSMV by providing the following:
- Last name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Social Security Number
- Florida driver’s license number.
- Fill out an FLHSMV change-of-address form.
- You’ll need four documents in total to prove your identity and offer proof of residency to the Florida DMV when you change your address. Below are some examples of the documents you can use.
- Proof of Identity (Provide at least one document)
- US birth certificate (for US citizens)
- Green card or Form I-551 (for immigrants)
- Valid US passport
- Proof of Social Security (Provide at least one document)
- Social Security card
- W-2 form (not handwritten)
- Paycheck or stub
- Proof of Residency (Provide at least two documents)
- Mortgage agreement
- Florida voter registration card
- Utility bil
- The FLHSMV will accept other documents for proof of each category. Find the full list of accepted documents by type of resident in the following resources:
- Proof of Identity (Provide at least one document)
- The fee for a Florida driver’s license address change is $25. The FLHSMV online portal and MyFlorida mobile app accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards.
Florida Vehicle Registration
Changing your Florida vehicle registration online requires the same steps as a driver’s license and $25.
You still need to show proof of US citizenship and residency. The only additional information you need for a change of address on your vehicle registration is:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number
- Last five digits of your Social Security
In Person: Florida Driver’s License Address Change When Moving Within Florida
If you choose or have to go in person to change your address on your Florida driver’s license, you have the benefit of FLHSMV representatives there to ensure the process goes smoothly.
The below steps also apply to changing an address on your Florida vehicle registration.
- Locate your local FLHSMV office and book an appointment online.
You can also visit a tax collector to help you go through the process.
- Fill out the change-of-address form in person. This is a simple form that should only take a few minutes.
- Present the following documents:
- US birth certificate (for US citizens)
- Valid US passport
- Green card or Form I-551
- Proof of residency (Find examples of documents in the previous section.)
- Social Security card
- Pay $25 each for the updated driver’s license and vehicle registration.
Moving to Florida From Another State
When you move to Florida from out of state, you will receive a completely new Florida driver’s license, and your old card will become invalid.
To get the updated license, you’ll have to pay an in-person visit to the DMV before getting too comfortable in the Sunshine State’s rays—no matter your citizenship status or license type.
The steps below apply to updating your license and your new vehicle registration.
The Process to Change Your Address When Moving to Florida
- Book an appointment online at one of the FLHSMV’s Dual Service Centers, which provide Driver’s License (DL) and Motor Vehicle (MV) services in one location.
You can also visit a tax collector to help you go through the process.
- Complete and present an Application for Certificate of Title With Registration.
- Present the following documents, of which we have examples in the previous section:
- One document for proof of Social Security
- One document for proof of identity
- Two documents for proof of residency
- Proof of liability insurance
To update your vehicle registration, you need: your car’s original out-of-state title and current driver’s license. Your car’s title is a certificate the DMV issued to prove you own the vehicle.
- Pass a hearing and vision test—but not a driving test.
- Pay $48, plus a $6.25 fee at a tax collector’s office (unless you’re a military veteran), for a brand-new Florida Class E license.
The FLHSMV has a full list of fees for motorist services.
Moving Out of Florida
When moving to another state, you don’t have to worry about changing your driver’s license address in Florida. Once you get a new license from the state you move to, the state of Florida will automatically invalidate your old driver’s license.
Returning Your Vehicle Registration and License Plate
On the other hand, you do have to return your vehicle registration documents and surrender your license plate to the FLHSMV when you move out of Florida. You need to return these items to avoid suspending your license.
Also, returning your license plate when you move out of state keeps you from being charged with other people’s violations because the plate is tied to your registration until you surrender it. If someone else gets ahold of your old license plate, they could attach it to their vehicle while running red lights, going through tolls, or committing crimes.
Inform FLHSMV that you are moving out of the state, and return your vehicle registration and license plate by visiting a motor vehicle service center and providing identification.
You can also mail your registration and license plate to the address below. Include a copy of your or the owner’s photo ID and a signed written statement with the plate to indicate why you surrendered it.
Bureau of Records
P.O. Box 5775
Tallahassee, FL 32314-5775
FAQs
How much does it cost to get a new license in Florida?
$48, plus a $6.25 fee at a tax collector’s office (unless you’re a military veteran).
How much does it cost to update an address on a Florida driver’s license?
$25, plus a possible two-dollar processing fee.
What do I need to change my address on my driver’s license in Florida?
You will need documents that provide identification, Social Security Number, and proof of residency to the DMV. Examples of these include a US passport, a W-2 form (not handwritten), and a utility bill, respectively.
What happens if I don’t change my address on my driver’s license in Florida?
You risk legal consequences and missing important notices and deadlines regarding your license, registration, or traffic and parking tickets.
Can Florida driver’s licenses be renewed online?
Yes. You can renew your Florida driver’s license online every other renewal period, which lasts eight years, through MyDMV Portal.
You can also replace a lost or stolen license online.
Can I have an out-of-state address on my Florida driver’s license?
No, only a Florida address can appear on your Florida driver’s license.
Does your driver’s license address have to match your vehicle registration address in Florida?
Yes. If you change addresses, you have 30 days after you move to your new residence to change your address on your Florida driver’s license and your vehicle registration.
Stress-Free in the Sunshine State
After moving to a new home, a change of address on your Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration doesn’t have to be a stressful process.
All you need to do is determine if you’re eligible to complete the process online or need to come in person, gather the documents and information you need, and prepare to pay the cost of an updated or new driver’s license.
If you have the drive, moving to your new Florida home is as breezy as the highway.