Where the Margate driver license office is located

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) operates a driver license office in Margate at 5840 Margate Boulevard, Margate, FL 33063. This is a full-service office where you can renew your license, get a replacement, change your address, or take a driving test.

The office serves Broward County residents and people who live nearby. If you are unsure whether this is the closest location to you, the DHSMV website has a location finder tool where you can enter your zip code and see all nearby offices. The office is accessible by car and has parking available on-site.

Hours and how to check if the office is open

Driver license offices in Florida typically operate Monday through Friday during business hours, though specific hours vary by location. The Margate office hours change seasonally and may shift without notice, so calling ahead is the only way to confirm you will not make a wasted trip.

Call the Margate office directly at the phone number listed on the DHSMV website, or call the statewide customer service line to confirm hours before you go. Many offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days, and some close for state holidays. The DHSMV website also displays current hours for each location.

What documents you need to bring

What you need depends on what you are doing. For a renewal, bring your current driver license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). For a replacement license, bring your current license or ID plus the same proof of residency.

If you are changing your address, bring your current license and proof of your new address. If you are taking a driving test, bring a valid ID, proof of residency, and your learner's permit or instruction permit. The DHSMV website lists the full document requirements for each transaction type, and staff at the Margate office can answer questions about specific documents before you visit.

Whether you need an appointment

Florida driver license offices operate on a walk-in basis — you do not need to schedule ahead. However, wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter lines than afternoons or Fridays.

Some offices use a ticket system where you take a number when you arrive and wait to be called. Others serve customers in the order they walk in. The Margate office staff can tell you the current system when you call to confirm hours. Arriving 15 to 30 minutes after opening often means a shorter wait than mid-morning or afternoon visits.

Fees and payment methods

Renewal and replacement fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver license renewal costs less than a commercial license renewal. The DHSMV website shows the current fee schedule, and fees are updated periodically.

The Margate office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods accepted at this specific location is wise. Ask about payment options when you call to confirm hours.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

If you are renewing a standard driver license and meet certain conditions, you may be able to renew by mail or online through the DHSMV website. You must have a valid license that is not suspended or revoked, and you cannot have any medical conditions that require a vision test or road test.

If you need to take a driving test or handle a more complex transaction, you must visit an office in person. The DHSMV website explains which transactions can be handled remotely and which require an office visit. Mail renewal typically takes longer than an in-person visit, so plan ahead if you choose that route.

What happens after you complete your transaction

If you renew or replace your license in person at the Margate office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Keep the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.

If you took a driving test, you will learn the results before you leave the office. If you passed, your license will be issued the same day. If you did not pass, the office will explain what you need to do to retake the test.

Key Takeaways

  • The Margate driver license office is located at 5840 Margate Boulevard, Margate, FL 33063, and handles renewals, replacements, address changes, and driving tests.
  • Hours vary and change seasonally, so call the office or the DHSMV customer service line before you visit to confirm it will be open.
  • Bring your current license and proof of residency dated within 60 days; the exact documents depend on what transaction you are doing.
  • Walk-ins are accepted and no appointment is needed, though wait times are typically shorter in early morning or mid-week.
  • Some renewals can be done online or by mail if your license is valid and you do not need a vision or road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

You may be able to renew online through the DHSMV website if your license is valid, not suspended, and you do not need a vision test or road test. Check the DHSMV website to see whether your specific situation qualifies for online renewal.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address — typically a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you do not have one, call the Margate office to ask what alternative documents they accept.

How long does a driving test take?

The road test itself usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, but you may wait an hour or more before your turn depending on how busy the office is. Arrive early and bring all required documents so you are ready when called.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present in person to receive your license. Call the office if you have questions about what you need to bring or whether your situation requires special handling.

What if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license at the driver license office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the DHSMV. Call the statewide customer service line to learn what steps you need to take before you can renew.