Where to go for your driver license in Clermont

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs the driver license system. In Clermont, you visit the local Driver License Office located at 2000 East Avenue, Clermont, FL 34711. This is the only DHSMV office in Clermont itself, though nearby offices in Winter Garden and Tavares also serve Lake County residents.

You do not need an appointment at most Florida driver license offices, including Clermont, but you can reserve a time slot online through the DHSMV website if you want to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours vary by day and may change seasonally. Check the DHSMV website or call the Clermont office directly at (352) 241-6520 before you go to confirm current hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The Clermont Driver License Office is at 2000 East Avenue and accepts walk-ins during business hours, though you can book a time slot online to skip the line.
  • You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency — the specific documents accepted are listed on the DHSMV website and vary by situation.
  • A new Florida driver license costs a standard fee that varies depending on whether you are getting a regular license, a REAL ID, or a commercial license.
  • Renewal by mail or online is possible if your license is not suspended and you meet other requirements, which means you may not need to visit the office at all.
  • Processing times at the counter are usually 15 to 30 minutes, but total wait time depends on how busy the office is when you arrive.

Documents you need to bring

Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency in Florida. The exact documents accepted in each category depend on whether you are getting a license for the first time, renewing, or replacing a lost or stolen license.

For identity, the DHSMV accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a state ID from another state, a certified birth certificate, or a school or work ID paired with another document. For Social Security, you can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check — the document must show your name and a Florida address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have one of the standard documents, the DHSMV has a list of acceptable alternatives on its website. Bring the original documents or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator.

REAL ID versus standard Florida driver license

Florida offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Florida driver license will no longer be accepted as identification for domestic flights — you will need a REAL ID, a passport, a military ID, or another federal form of identification.

A REAL ID license costs more than a standard license and requires additional documentation, including proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency. The DHSMV website lists the exact fee difference and the full set of documents needed. If you already have a passport or military ID, you do not need a REAL ID license for flying, but many people get one for convenience.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of a new Florida driver license depends on the type and how long it is valid. A standard eight-year license costs one amount; a REAL ID license costs more. A four-year license (available to certain age groups) costs less. The DHSMV website lists current fees, which the state updates periodically.

The Clermont office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm what the Clermont location takes. If you are renewing online or by mail, payment is handled through the DHSMV website or by check in the mail.

Renewing your license without visiting the office

If your Florida driver license is not suspended, you have not had certain violations, and you meet other requirements, you can renew by mail or online through the DHSMV website. Online renewal is faster and costs less than in-person renewal because you do not pay for a new photo. You can renew online up to six months before your license expires.

Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because the DHSMV has to process your process and mail your new license to you. Online renewal is usually processed within a few days. If your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you have had certain traffic violations, you must renew in person at the Clermont office or another DHSMV location.

What to expect when you arrive

When you walk in or arrive for your appointment, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will then wait for your number to be called. At the counter, a clerk will review your documents, take your photo and signature, and process your process. The entire transaction usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times before you reach the counter can be much longer depending on how busy the office is.

You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter that is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, ask the clerk whether expedited mail is an option and what it costs.

Commercial driver licenses and endorsements

If you need a commercial driver license (CDL) to drive a truck or bus, or if you need an endorsement for a motorcycle or other vehicle type, the Clermont office can help. A CDL requires additional testing and documentation beyond a standard license. You must pass a written test on commercial driving rules and a skills test in the vehicle you will be driving. The DHSMV website lists the study materials and testing schedule.

Endorsements for motorcycles, hazardous materials, or other vehicle types also require a written test. You can study for these tests online or at the DHSMV website, and you can take the test at the Clermont office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any other documents the DHSMV requires for the specific endorsement you are seeking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment online for the Clermont office?

Yes. The DHSMV website allows you to reserve a time slot at the Clermont Driver License Office. You can also walk in without an appointment during business hours, but booking ahead usually means a shorter wait.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Go to the Clermont office with your identity documents and proof of residency. Tell the clerk you need a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee (less than the cost of a new license) and receive a temporary license at the counter. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

How long is a Florida driver license valid?

A standard Florida driver license is valid for eight years. A REAL ID license is also valid for eight years. Some people under 21 or over 79 may have shorter validity periods. Check your license to see your expiration date, or call the Clermont office to confirm.

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you usually cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to the Clermont office in person. Bring your expired license along with your identity documents and proof of residency. The clerk will process you as a new applicant or a renewal depending on how long it has been expired.

Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport?

No. A U.S. passport is accepted for domestic flights and federal building entry. You do not need a REAL ID license if you have a passport or military ID. However, many people get a REAL ID license for convenience so they do not have to carry their passport everywhere.