Where to get your driver license in Margate

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs all driver license services in Margate. You cannot get a Florida driver license from any other agency or private vendor. The closest DHSMV office to Margate is the Margate Driver License Office, located at 5900 Coconut Creek Parkway in Margate itself.

You can also visit any other DHSMV office in Broward County or across Florida if the Margate location is inconvenient. The DHSMV website lists all office locations, hours, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others — the Margate office typically has shorter waits than the Fort Lauderdale location, but this changes by season and time of day.

You cannot renew or obtain a license by mail, phone, or online in Florida, except for certain renewal situations for people over 80. If you need a new license or your first license, you must visit an office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Margate Driver License Office is at 5900 Coconut Creek Parkway and handles all new licenses, renewals, and replacements in your area.
  • You must bring a valid Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or prior license).
  • Florida charges $48 for a standard eight-year driver license and $75 for a Real ID-compliant license, which you may need for federal buildings or air travel.
  • The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official DHSMV handbook available free on their website.
  • Vision screening and a driving test are required for first-time licenses; renewal applicants may skip the driving test if they renew before their license expires.

Documents you need to bring

Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot substitute one for another, and documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or an unexpired driver license from another state. If you have none of these, Florida accepts a military ID, a state ID card, or a consular ID from your country of origin. Your document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. The DHSMV will not accept a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name. The document must show your current Margate address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works. Post office mail forwarding notices do not count.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 50 multiple-choice questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the office staff which languages are available on the day you visit.

The official DHSMV handbook, "Florida Driver License Handbook," covers all material on the test. You can read it free on the DHSMV website or request a printed copy at the Margate office. Most people study it for a few hours before the test. The handbook is updated yearly, so make sure you have the current version.

You are allowed to take the test three times in one visit if you fail. If you fail all three attempts, you must wait one day before returning to try again. There is no extra charge for retakes.

Vision screening and the driving test

Every first-time applicant must pass a vision screening at the DHSMV office. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you can retest when ready if you have corrective lenses with you.

After passing the written test, you will take a practical driving test with an DHSMV examiner. The 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's registration and insurance card must be current.

If you already hold a valid driver license from another state and have held it for at least one year, you may be waived from the driving test. Ask the office staff whether you may have access to.

License types and costs in Florida

Florida offers two main driver license types: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The standard license costs $48 and is valid for eight years. The Real ID license costs $75 and is also valid for eight years but meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings, military bases, and boarding domestic flights.

If you are under 21, your license will be marked differently and will expire on your 21st birthday, not eight years later. The cost is the same. If you are 80 or older, your license is valid for four years instead of eight, and the cost is lower.

You can also request a duplicate license if yours is lost or stolen. A duplicate costs $15 and takes about one week to arrive by mail. You do not need to take another test for a duplicate.

Wait times and how to plan your visit

The Margate Driver License Office does not require an appointment, but you can reserve a time slot online through the DHSMV website to reduce your wait. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times vary from 30 minutes to over two hours depending on the day and time.

Mornings on weekdays are typically less crowded than afternoons. Mondays and Fridays are busier than mid-week days. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hours may change seasonally, so check the DHSMV website before you go.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so you do not lose anything while waiting. The office staff will review your documents before you take the written test, so you will know when ready if anything is missing.

What happens after you pass

If you pass the written test and the driving test, the DHSMV will issue your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address. The plastic card usually arrives within one to two weeks.

If you move before your card arrives, you can update your address online through the DHSMV website or at any driver license office. Do not ignore mail from the DHSMV — it may contain your new license or important renewal notices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Florida license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be eight years from the renewal date, not from your original expiration date. You do not need to take the written or driving test if you renew before your license expires.

What if I have a suspended or revoked license?

You cannot obtain a new license while your driving privilege is suspended or revoked. You must contact the DHSMV or the court that suspended your license to learn how to restore your privilege. The Margate office staff can provide contact information for the appropriate agency.

Do I need a Real ID license to fly domestically?

As of May 2025, a Real ID license is required for domestic air travel. A standard Florida driver license will not be accepted at airport security checkpoints. If you plan to fly, request the Real ID version when you visit the Margate office.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test the next business day. There is no additional fee for retakes. You do not need to retake the written test unless your written test pass expires, which happens after one year if you have not passed the driving test.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number. Bring this letter along with your other required documents to the Margate office.