Where to go for your driver's license in St. Johns County
St. Johns County residents get their driver's licenses through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The main office that serves St. Johns County is located in St. Augustine, and there are also express service centers in the county where you can handle certain transactions without an appointment.
The St. Augustine DHSMV office is at 1801 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084. This is a full-service location where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most other driver's license matters. Express centers in the county handle renewals and some other routine transactions, but they typically have shorter wait times because they do not handle all services.
You can check the DHSMV website to find the current hours for each location and whether walk-ins are being accepted. Some locations operate by appointment only during certain times, so calling ahead or checking online before you go saves time.
Key Takeaways
- The main St. Johns County DHSMV office is in St. Augustine at 1801 San Marco Avenue, and express centers throughout the county handle renewals and routine transactions.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get a new license.
- Florida offers standard licenses, REAL ID licenses (which meet federal travel requirements), and commercial driver's licenses, each with different document requirements.
- Renewal by mail is an option for some drivers, but you must meet specific requirements and cannot renew online in Florida.
- The cost varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid, ranging from about $48 to $127 for a standard license.
What documents you need to bring
Florida requires specific documents before you can get a driver's license. You will need one form of primary identification (such as a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth), proof that you live in St. Johns County (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
If you are renewing a license that is not expired or has been expired for less than six months, the process is simpler — you may only need your current license and proof of residency. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you will go through the full process as if you were getting a new license.
Bring original documents or certified copies. The DHSMV website lists all acceptable documents by category, so you can check before you go and avoid a wasted trip.
The difference between a standard license and a REAL ID
Florida offers two types of standard driver's licenses: a regular license and a REAL ID license. The main difference is that a REAL ID license meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you fly within the United States or need to enter a federal facility, you will need either a REAL ID license or another form of federal ID (such as a passport).
A REAL ID license requires one additional document beyond what a standard license needs — you must show proof of your Social Security number or ITIN with an original document (such as a Social Security card or tax return). The cost is the same as a standard license, and the process takes the same amount of time.
If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient. You can upgrade to a REAL ID later if your plans change.
How much it costs and how long it lasts
The cost of a Florida driver's license depends on the type and how long it is valid. A standard license that is valid for eight years costs around $75 to $80. A REAL ID license costs the same. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and has different requirements.
Renewal costs less than getting a new license — a standard eight-year renewal is typically around $48 to $50. If you renew before your license expires, you may be able to renew for a lower cost or receive a credit toward the renewal fee.
Prices can change, so check the DHSMV website for the current fee schedule before you go. Some transactions (such as address changes) may have separate fees.
Renewing by mail or in person
Florida does not allow online renewal of driver's licenses, but you can renew by mail if you meet certain conditions. Your license must not be expired, you must have a valid Florida address on file, and you must not have any medical conditions that require a vision test or in-person review.
To renew by mail, you submit your current license, a completed renewal form (available on the DHSMV website), and the renewal fee. The process takes longer than in-person renewal — typically two to four weeks — because the license must be mailed to you after processing.
If you cannot renew by mail or prefer to renew in person, you can visit the St. Augustine office or an express center. In-person renewal is usually faster and allows you to get a temporary license on the spot while you wait for your permanent one to arrive by mail.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for less than six months, you can renew it using the standard renewal process. If it has been expired for more than six months, Florida treats it as if you are getting a new license — you will need to bring all the documents required for a new applicant, pass a vision test, and take a written exam unless you are over 79 years old.
You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, an expired license can result in a citation.
If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country, you may be able to show documentation of your absence to avoid the six-month rule. Bring any relevant documents (such as military orders or passport stamps) when you go to renew.
Getting a replacement if your license is lost or stolen
If your license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at the St. Augustine DHSMV office or an express center. You will need to show proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a renewal. There is a replacement fee, which is typically lower than the cost of a new license but higher than a renewal.
You do not need to take a written exam or vision test to get a replacement — the DHSMV has your records on file. The process is usually faster than getting a new license for the first time.
If you suspect your license was stolen and used fraudulently, report it to the DHSMV and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to go to the St. Augustine DHSMV office?
Appointment policies change based on demand and staffing. Check the DHSMV website or call the St. Augustine office before you go to find out whether walk-ins are being accepted that day. Express centers often have shorter waits but may not handle all services.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?
Yes, if you renew in person at the DHSMV office. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. If you renew by mail, you do not get a temporary license.
What if I moved to St. Johns County from another state?
You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida license. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in St. Johns County, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will need to pass a vision test and a written exam unless you are over 79 years old.
How long does it take to get a new license after I explore?
If you renew in person, you get a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license arrives by mail in about two to four weeks. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes two to four weeks. Processing times can vary depending on how busy the office is.
What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?
Tell the DHSMV staff when you explore or renew. Depending on the condition, you may need to provide a medical report from your doctor, take a special driving test, or accept restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses or daylight driving only).