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 West Sample Road, Margate, FL 33073. This is a full-service office where you can renew, replace, or obtain a driver license, as well as handle vehicle registration and title matters.

Margate is in Broward County, in the western part of the county near the Coconut Creek area. If you live in central or western Broward, this office is often closer than the downtown Fort Lauderdale location. The office is accessible by car and has its own parking lot.

What You Can Do at This Office

The Margate location handles the full range of driver license transactions. You can renew a license that is expiring or expired, replace a lost or stolen license, obtain your first Florida license, change your address, add or remove endorsements (such as motorcycle or commercial), and update your name after marriage or legal change.

The office also processes vehicle-related transactions: new vehicle registration, registration renewal, title transfers, and duplicate title documents. If you need a Real ID-compliant driver license or ID card, you can obtain one here as well. Real ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025.

Hours and How to Check Wait Times

The Margate office is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Hours can change for holidays or staffing reasons, so check the DHSMV website or call ahead before you go.

Florida's DHSMV website allows you to check real-time wait times at the Margate location. Visit www.flhsmv.gov, select "Driver Licenses" or "Vehicle Services," and look for the wait time tool. You can also call the office directly at the number listed on the DHSMV website for your county. Mornings and early afternoons tend to have shorter waits than late afternoon.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

What you need depends on your transaction. For a driver license renewal, bring your current license, proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If renewing online or by mail is an option for you, you can avoid the office visit entirely.

For a first-time Florida license or a replacement after moving from another state, you will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state license), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency. For Real ID, add a second proof of residency document. The DHSMV website lists all acceptable documents by category.

For vehicle transactions, bring your current registration, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of residency, and identification. If someone else is signing on your behalf, bring a notarized power of attorney.

Key Takeaways

  • The Margate driver license office is at 5840 West Sample Road and handles driver licenses, vehicle registration, and title services.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., though hours may vary for holidays.
  • Check real-time wait times on the DHSMV website before you go, and plan to arrive in the morning if possible.
  • Bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number; the exact documents depend on whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a new license.
  • Many renewals can be completed online or by mail without visiting the office, which you can check on the DHSMV website.

Online and Mail Renewal Options

You do not always have to visit the Margate office in person. Florida allows online renewal for driver licenses that are not expired or more than six months past expiration, provided you have no medical conditions flagged on your record and your address has not changed. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than an in-person renewal.

Mail renewal is also available under the same conditions. You can request a renewal form from the DHSMV website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and payment. Processing takes about two weeks. If you need to renew in person — because your license is too old, you need a Real ID, or your address changed — the Margate office is your local option.

Parking, Accessibility, and What to Expect

The Margate office has a dedicated parking lot with spaces for people with disabilities. The building is wheelchair accessible. Inside, you will check in at the front desk, receive a number, and wait for your turn. Bring something to read; wait times vary from 15 minutes on a quiet morning to over an hour on a busy afternoon.

Bring all required documents in original form or certified copies. Do not bring children unless they are also conducting business; the office does not have childcare. Payment is by cash, debit card, or credit card. Bring your Social Security number memorized or written down; you will need it to verify your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if your license is not expired or is less than six months past expiration, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. You can renew online through the DHSMV website in about 10 minutes. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person at the Margate office or another DHSMV location.

What is the fastest time to visit the Margate office?

Early morning on a weekday — typically 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. — has the shortest waits. Avoid late afternoon and Saturdays if possible. You can check real-time wait times on the DHSMV website before you leave home.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Margate office?

No. The Margate office operates on a walk-in basis. You check in at the front desk and receive a number. However, some DHSMV services in other locations offer appointment scheduling; check the DHSMV website to see if appointments are available for your specific transaction.

What if I need a Real ID driver license?

You can obtain a Real ID at the Margate office. Bring your current driver license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. Real ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building entry as of May 2025. The fee is higher than a standard renewal.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present to have your photo taken and to sign your license. If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online, depending on your situation. Check the DHSMV website or call the Margate office to discuss your options.