The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office in Davenport

Davenport has one driver license office run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). It is located at 1020 Buena Vista Boulevard, Davenport, FL 33837. This is the office where you can renew your license, take a written test, get a replacement for a lost or damaged license, or handle most other license-related transactions.

The office serves Polk County residents and people passing through the area. You do not need an appointment for most services, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The office is typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Davenport DHSMV office is at 1020 Buena Vista Boulevard and handles renewals, replacements, written tests, and most license transactions without an appointment.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to complete most transactions.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by day — check the DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew your license by mail or online through the DHSMV website, depending on your license type and how long it has been expired.

What documents to bring

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a renewal, bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If your license has been lost or stolen, bring a police report and a valid form of identification such as a passport or state ID card.

If you are taking a written test for the first time or after a suspension, bring your Social Security number or ITIN, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification. The office staff can tell you exactly what you need for your specific situation when you arrive or if you call ahead.

Office hours and how to contact them

The Davenport office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some days close earlier or have different opening times. The most reliable way to confirm current hours is to visit the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and search for the Davenport location, or call the office directly at the number listed on that page.

You can also call the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-DHSMV-FL (1-844-347-6835) to ask questions about what you need to bring or what services are available. Wait times on the phone can be long during peak hours, so early morning or late afternoon often moves faster.

Renewing your license by mail or online instead

If your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than six months, you may be able to renew it by mail without visiting the office. You can also renew online through the DHSMV website if you meet certain requirements — your license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must have a valid Florida address on file.

Renewing by mail takes longer than visiting in person, usually two to three weeks. Renewing online is faster and you can do it from home. Check the DHSMV website to see which method works for your situation, or call the customer service line to ask whether you are able to use either option.

What to expect when you arrive

When you walk in, look for the ticket machine near the entrance. Take a number for the service you need — renewals, replacements, testing, or other transactions. The wait time is usually posted on a screen. You will be called to a window when it is your turn.

The staff member will review your documents, take a new photo if needed, and process your transaction. For a renewal or replacement, the new license is usually mailed to you within one to two weeks. If you are taking a written test, you will sit at a computer terminal in the office and receive your results when ready.

If the office is too crowded or you need a different location

If you visit and the wait is too long, you can take a number and leave, then come back later. You do not lose your place in line. The office is usually quieter on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

If you prefer not to visit Davenport, there are other DHSMV offices in Polk County — in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Bartow. Each has the same services and the same document requirements. You can visit whichever location is most convenient for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than six months ago?

You can still renew it, but you will need to visit the office in person. You cannot renew by mail or online once your license has been expired for more than six months. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Davenport office?

No. Most services do not require an appointment. You take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. However, if you need a special service or have questions about your specific situation, calling ahead can save you a trip.

How long does it take to get a new license after I visit the office?

For a renewal or replacement, your new license is mailed to the address on file, usually within one to two weeks. If you need it faster, ask the staff member whether expedited processing is available and what it costs.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN along with your other required documents. The office staff can help you if you have questions about what counts as proof.

Can I take my written test at the Davenport office?

Yes. The office has computer terminals where you can take the written test. You will need to bring your Social Security number or ITIN, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification. You receive your results when ready after you finish.