Name change after marriage in Florida
To change your name after marriage in Florida, update Social Security first, then your Florida driver's license / REAL ID, then your passport. Do it in that order and you won't get turned away at the counter on a name mismatch. Below are Florida's exact DMV steps and fees, each linked to the real .gov page it came from, then the federal steps that apply in every state.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
Florida DMV name-change steps
Change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) FIRST
FLHSMV states name changes must first be made with the federal Social Security Administration in order to have your name updated on a Florida driver license or ID card. Your name must verify with the SSA electronic system before FLHSMV can issue the updated credential.
SourceWait 24 to 48 hours after the SSA update before going to FLHSMV
FLHSMV: 'Please allow 24 to 48 hours after completing the name change with the Social Security Administration.' This delay lets the new name verify in the Social Security electronic system FLHSMV checks at issuance.
SourceGather required documents, including your certified marriage certificate
For U.S. citizens: an original or certified marriage certificate is required to link the name on your primary identity document to your new name. Photocopies are not accepted. Marriage certificates must be recognized by the State of Florida (Florida or other-state certificates issued per that state's laws are generally recognized).
SourceApply in person at a local FLHSMV / tax collector office
All name changes must be completed in person at a local office; they cannot be done online through the MyDMV Portal (only address changes can be done online). Find an office at flhsmv.gov/locations.
SourcePay the replacement credential fee
Replacement driver license is $25.00; identification cards (original, renewal & replacement) are $25.00. (Free only to veterans adding the 'Veteran' designation.)
Source
What you need to bring
- Certified or original marriage certificate (photocopies NOT accepted; must be recognized by the State of Florida)
- Proof of identity / primary identification: original U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship
- Proof of Social Security number showing complete name and full SSN (Social Security card, W-2, paystub, SSA-1099, or 1099 — none handwritten)
- Two different documents proving your Florida residential address (for REAL ID compliance)
- Name must already be updated with the Social Security Administration before applying
Florida fees
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement driver license (required to update name) | $25.00 (source-cited) | flhsmv.gov |
| Identification card (original, renewal & replacement) | $25.00 (source-cited) | flhsmv.gov |
Watch out for these in Florida
ORDER OF OPERATIONS: You must update your name with the Social Security Administration FIRST. FLHSMV verifies your name against the SSA electronic system at issuance, so a Florida DL/ID name change will fail if SSA has not been updated. Allow 24-48 hours after the SSA change before visiting FLHSMV.
30-DAY DEADLINE: FLHSMV states name and address changes must be updated on both your driver license/ID and your title/registration within 30 days after changing your name.
CERTIFIED CERTIFICATE REQUIRED: Bring an original or certified marriage certificate. Photocopies are NOT accepted. The certificate must be recognized by the State of Florida.
IN-PERSON ONLY: A name change cannot be done online via the MyDMV Portal; it must be completed in person at a local office. (Only address changes can be done online.)
NAME-CHAIN / REAL ID MATCH: To meet REAL ID requirements, your documents must form an unbroken chain linking the name on your primary identity document (e.g., birth certificate) to your new married name. If you have multiple prior name changes (e.g., a prior marriage/divorce), you may need each marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to complete the chain.
REPLACEMENT FEE APPLIES: A name change requires a replacement credential, which carries a $25 fee (driver license or ID card).
PASSPORT/TRAVEL NOTE (not an FLHSMV rule): If you also plan to fly, be aware that name mismatches between your ID, ticket, and other documents can cause issues. Passport name-change rules are governed by the U.S. Department of State, not FLHSMV — verify those separately before booking travel.
The federal steps (every state)
Your Florida DMV step sits between Social Security and your passport. The three steps below are the same wherever you live.
Official Florida & federal sources
Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is there a deadline to update my license name after marriage in Florida?
- 30-DAY DEADLINE: FLHSMV states name and address changes must be updated on both your driver license/ID and your title/registration within 30 days after changing your name.
- Do I change my name at the Florida DMV or Social Security first?
- Social Security first. Florida's DMV verifies your name and SSN against SSA's records, so updating SSA before the DMV prevents your license or REAL ID from being rejected on a mismatch.
- What documents does Florida need to change my license name after marriage?
- Certified or original marriage certificate (photocopies NOT accepted; must be recognized by the State of Florida) See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Florida page.
- How much does a Florida name change cost?
- Replacement driver license (required to update name): $25.00 (source-cited); Identification card (original, renewal & replacement): $25.00 (source-cited). The federal Social Security update is always free.
- When was this Florida guidance last checked?
- 2026-06-14. We checked every step against Florida's official pages and show you the date so you know it's current — and we link every step to the real .gov page it came from.
Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.