Where to get your driver license in Lake Worth

Lake Worth has one Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office located at 6800 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, FL 33467. This is the main place to go for a new driver license, renewal, or replacement. The office handles written tests, driving tests, and license issuance on-site.

You can also renew your license online through the Florida DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than six months, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or name changes since your last license. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about two weeks by mail.

If you need to replace a lost or stolen license without taking a new test, you can do that at the Lake Worth office or at any other DHSMV office in Florida. Replacement does not require a driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lake Worth DHSMV office at 6800 Lake Worth Road handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and both written and driving tests.
  • You will need to bring a Social Security card or tax return, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) to any in-person visit.
  • Florida allows online renewal for licenses expired less than six months, which costs less and avoids a trip to the office.
  • Driving test appointments often have wait times; calling ahead or checking the DHSMV website for current availability can save you a trip.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a traffic law and safety course and hold a learner permit for a set period before taking the driving test.

Documents you need to bring

Florida requires three categories of documents for a new driver license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You do not need all three from the same source — you can mix and match.

For proof of identity, bring a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, or military ID. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be certified. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current Lake Worth address.

If you are renewing and your name has not changed, you may be able to skip some documents — bring your current license and ask the staff what else they need. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Written test and driving test requirements

Florida's written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The test is offered at the Lake Worth office and you can usually take it the same day you arrive, though wait times vary.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. You cannot use a vehicle with a "dealer" or "temporary" tag.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs a fee.

Fees and payment methods

A new driver license costs $75 in Florida. A renewal costs $75. A replacement for a lost or stolen license costs $25. These fees are set by the state and do not vary by location. The Lake Worth office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you are under 21, your license will be marked as a "Class D" license and will expire on your 21st birthday rather than eight years later. The cost is the same. If you are 21 or older, your license is valid for eight years from the issue date.

Wait times and how to avoid them

The Lake Worth DHSMV office is busy during mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. Mornings before 10 a.m. and late afternoons after 3 p.m. tend to have shorter waits. Mondays and Fridays are typically busier than Tuesday through Thursday. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.

You can check current wait times on the Florida DHSMV website before you go. Some services, like renewing a license that has not expired, do not require an appointment and are handled on a walk-in basis. For driving tests, appointments are required and can be scheduled online or by phone. Booking an appointment in advance is the most reliable way to avoid a long wait.

If the Lake Worth office is fully booked, you can schedule a driving test at any other DHSMV office in Florida and take your test there instead. This sometimes opens up sooner appointments, especially in less busy counties.

Special situations: Under 18, name changes, and out-of-state transfers

If you are under 18, you must first complete a traffic law and safety course approved by Florida. This course can be taken online or in person and usually takes four to eight hours. After you complete it, you can get a learner permit at the Lake Worth office. You must hold the learner permit for a minimum of one month before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.

If you are moving to Florida from another state and already have a valid driver license, you can transfer it to a Florida license. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Florida, and proof of Social Security number. You do not have to retake the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is still valid. The fee is the same as a new license.

If your name has changed since your last license, bring the legal document proving the change. The DHSMV will issue a new license with your updated name at no extra cost if your current license is still valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my driving test at the Lake Worth office the same day I pass the written test?

No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. Appointments are usually available within a few days to a week, depending on how busy the office is. You cannot take both tests on the same day.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs a fee. You do not have to retake the written test unless your learner permit or written test pass expires.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person at the Lake Worth office?

No. License renewals are handled on a walk-in basis and do not require an appointment. However, if you are taking a written or driving test, you must schedule an appointment in advance.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new license to arrive by mail?

Yes. If you pass your driving test at the Lake Worth office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time.

What if I lose my Social Security card and cannot find another document with my Social Security number?

You can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration office, or you can bring a tax return or W-2 form that shows your number. If you have none of these, ask the DHSMV staff what other documents they can accept — some offices have flexibility for people in this situation.