Where the St. Johns County driver license office is located

The St. Johns County driver license office is run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The main office is located in St. Augustine, the county seat. The address is 1000 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

This is the full-service location where you can renew, replace, or obtain a driver license. You can also handle vehicle registration and title work at this office. If you need to handle a specific transaction, calling ahead at the office phone number can save you a trip — staff can tell you what documents to bring and whether you need an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • The St. Johns County driver license office is at 1000 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine and handles renewals, replacements, and new licenses.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation proving you don't have one.
  • Hours and wait times vary by day and season, so checking the DHSMV website or calling ahead can help you plan your visit.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew your license by mail or online depending on your situation and how long it has been since your last renewal.

What documents to bring for a new or renewed license

Florida requires you to bring several documents no matter what type of license transaction you are doing. You need a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or another government-issued ID works. You also need proof that you live in Florida, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your Social Security number or a document proving you don't have one. If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you are getting a license for the first time in Florida, you will also need to show proof that you passed a vision test within the last 12 months, or you can take one at the office.

The DHSMV website lists the full set of acceptable documents for each type of transaction. Bringing more than you think you need is safer than making a second trip.

Hours, appointments, and how long to expect to wait

The St. Johns County office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., though the office may close for lunch. Hours can shift seasonally or for holidays, so checking the DHSMV website before you go is worth the two minutes.

You do not need an appointment to visit the St. Johns County office, but you can request one through the DHSMV website if you prefer. Walk-in wait times vary widely depending on the day of the week and time of year. Mornings and early in the week tend to be less crowded than afternoons and Fridays. During tourist season in St. Augustine, waits can be longer.

If you arrive and the wait is longer than you want to spend, you can leave and come back another day. The DHSMV website sometimes shows current wait times for the St. Johns County office, though this information is not always available.

Renewing your license by mail or online instead

If your license is still valid and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting the office. Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest option — you can renew when ready if you meet the requirements. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address, if you are renewing after it has expired for more than six months, or if you need a new photo. In those cases, you must visit the office in person. The DHSMV website has a tool that lets you check whether you are able to renew online before you start the process.

Getting a replacement license if yours is lost or stolen

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you need to visit the office in person to get a replacement. Bring your identification and proof of residency just as you would for a renewal. The replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, so you do not lose time on your license term.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police and monitor your credit for identity theft. The office staff can answer questions about whether a police report is necessary for your situation.

Taking the written test and road test at the office

If you are getting a driver license for the first time in Florida or if your license has been expired for more than six months, you will need to pass a written test and a road test. The St. Johns County office administers the written test on-site. You can schedule the road test through the office as well, though it may be given on a different day or at a different location depending on availability.

Study materials for the written test are available on the DHSMV website and in the Florida Driver License Handbook. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You will have multiple chances to pass, though you do have to pay a fee each time you retake it.

Fees and payment methods

Driver license fees in Florida vary depending on what you are doing — a renewal costs less than a new license, and a replacement for a lost or stolen license has its own fee. The DHSMV website lists the current fees for each transaction type. Fees change occasionally, so checking before you go ensures you bring enough money.

The St. Johns County office accepts cash, check, and credit or debit card. If you are paying by check, make it out to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Ask the staff which payment methods they prefer if you are uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than six months. You must visit the office in person, take a new written test and road test, and pay the fee for a new license rather than a renewal. Bring all the documents you would need for a first-time license.

What if I moved to St. Johns County from another state?

You need to get a Florida license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Florida, and your other identification documents. You will need to take a written test but not a road test if your out-of-state license is still valid.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome at the St. Johns County office. You do not need an appointment, though you can request one through the DHSMV website if you prefer to avoid waiting. Appointments do not may provide a shorter wait, but they can help you plan your day.

What if I cannot visit during business hours?

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. If you cannot visit during those times, you may be able to renew online or by mail if your situation allows it. Check the DHSMV website to see whether your renewal type is available online.

Can I get a REAL ID at the St. Johns County office?

Yes, the St. Johns County office issues REAL ID-compliant driver licenses. REAL ID licenses have a gold star and meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. You will need to bring additional documents beyond a standard renewal, such as proof of citizenship or a valid passport. Ask the office staff what documents you need before your visit.