How to Get a Driver's License or ID in St. Johns County

Where the St. Johns County Driver's License Office Is Located

The St. Johns County Driver's License Office is run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The main office is located at 4009 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. This is the primary place where you can renew, replace, or obtain a Florida driver's license or ID card in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day — typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but you should confirm the exact schedule before you go, since hours can change seasonally or for holidays. You can call ahead at the local number or check the DHSMV website to verify current hours and any temporary closures.

Parking is available on-site. The office does not require an appointment for most transactions, but wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon). Going early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

The St. Johns County Driver's License Office is at 4009 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
You do not need an appointment for most driver's license and ID transactions, but wait times vary throughout the day.
Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any other documents required for your specific transaction before you go.
You can also renew your license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions, which may be faster than visiting in person.
The DHSMV website lists all required documents for each type of transaction, so check there before your visit to avoid making a second trip.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The documents you need depend on whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a license for the first time. For a renewal, you typically need your current driver's license or ID card, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If your license is expired by more than six years, the office may require additional documents.

For a replacement (if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged), bring your current ID if you have one, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you do not have a current ID, you will need to bring two forms of identification that prove your identity and one document proving your Florida residency.

For a first-time license or ID, the requirements are more extensive. You will need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your legal name if it differs from your birth certificate. The DHSMV website has a complete checklist for first-time applicants — print it out and review it before you go.

Renewing Your License Without Going to the Office

If your license is still valid and you meet certain conditions, you can renew it online through the DHSMV website without visiting the office. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

You can also renew by mail if you prefer not to go online. Request a renewal form from the DHSMV website or call the office, fill it out, and mail it with the required fee and documents. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but requires no visit to the office.

If you do not meet the conditions for online or mail renewal, you must visit the office in person. This is the case if your license is expired, if you need to update your address or medical information, or if you are renewing for the first time after moving to Florida.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at the office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. The staff will review your documents, take your photo and signature, and process your transaction. Bring all required documents with you — if you are missing something, the staff will tell you what you need and you may have to return another day.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes from check-in to completion, depending on how busy the office is and how straightforward your transaction is. Bring a form of payment (cash, debit card, or credit card) because the office accepts all three. Fees vary depending on the type of transaction — a standard renewal costs less than a replacement, which costs less than a first-time license.

Your new license or ID will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use when ready while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.

If You Need a Duplicate or Replacement License Quickly

If you need a replacement license urgently — for example, if yours was stolen and you need to drive right away — the office can issue a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving and identification purposes and will work until your permanent replacement arrives in the mail.

You cannot get a permanent replacement license faster than the standard 7 to 10 business days through the mail. There is no expedited shipping option available through the St. Johns County office. If you need your license for a specific date, plan ahead and visit the office at least two weeks before that date.

Handling Address Changes and Other Updates

If you move to a new address in Florida, you must update your driver's license within 30 days. You can do this online through the DHSMV website if you are only changing your address and your license is still valid. The online process takes about 5 minutes and costs less than visiting the office.

If you need to change your name, add or remove medical restrictions, or update other information beyond your address, you must visit the office in person. Bring your current license, proof of the change (such as a marriage certificate for a name change), and proof of your new address if applicable. The staff will process the update and issue a new license with the corrected information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you may need to visit the office in person rather than renewing online or by mail. Licenses expired for more than six years require additional documentation and an in-person visit. Call the office or check the DHSMV website to find out what documents you need before you go.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Florida driver's license or ID, but you will need to bring additional documents proving your identity and residency. Contact the St. Johns County office directly to ask what documents are accepted in place of a Social Security number, since requirements vary by situation.

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

You can walk in without an appointment for most transactions. However, wait times vary throughout the day. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon usually means a shorter wait than mid-morning or early afternoon.

How long does it take to get my new license after my visit?

Your permanent license or ID card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use for driving and identification right away while you wait for the permanent card.

Can I change my address online without renewing my license?

Yes, if your license is still valid and you are only changing your address. You can update your address through the DHSMV website in about 5 minutes. If you need to make other changes at the same time, you may need to visit the office in person.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.