How To Schedule Florida Driver’s License or Motor Vehicle Appointment

Are you a new Florida resident or need to access services for your driver’s license or vehicle? Planning your visit is essential, as visiting a service center in person can often take up your entire day.

Here’s the most important tip: Florida does not have a “DMV” (Department of Motor Vehicles).

Instead, services are split. The state agency is the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), but most in-person services like driver’s license and vehicle registration are handled by your local County Tax Collector’s office.

This guide will walk you through the best ways to get service, starting with the most convenient options that let you skip the trip entirely.

How to Make an In-Person Appointment (The Correct Way)

If you are a new resident, are getting your first REAL ID, or are taking a test, you must visit an office in person. An appointment is highly recommended to avoid a long wait.

Do not use a single, direct booking link; it will not work for all counties. Each county manages its own appointment system.

1. Go to the official FLHSMV website for locations: https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/
2. On the map or in the dropdown menu, select your county.
3. The website will show you a list of service centers. Click on the link for your local County Tax Collector’s office.
4. You will be redirected to your county’s official website (e.g., miamidade.gov, hillstax.org, octaxcol.com, etc.).
5. On your county’s website, look for a button that says “Schedule an Appointment” or “Make a Reservation.”
6. Follow the instructions on that specific website. You will select the service you need (e.g., “Driver’s License,” “Written Test”) and choose an available date and time.
7. Save your confirmation email or reference number.

How To Schedule Appointment By Phone

• By Phone: You can schedule an appointment by calling your local County Tax Collector’s office directly. Do not call the main FLHSMV number in Tallahassee for a local appointment, as they will direct you back to your county.
• In-Person (Walk-In): Some offices may accept walk-ins, but this is not recommended. You will likely have to wait several hours for an opening, and priority is always given to customers with appointments.

How To Renew, Replace, or Update Your Florida License Without Visiting the DMV

Before you schedule an appointment, check if you can complete your task online. This is the fastest and easiest method for many services.

You can use Florida’s MyDMV Portal (also known as “GoRenew”) for many common tasks:

• Renew Your Driver’s License or ID Card: Many residents are eligible for an online renewal every other period. You can do this up to 18 months before your license expires.
• Renew Your Vehicle Registration: This is the easiest way to renew your license plate sticker.
• Update Your Address: You can update the address on your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
• Replace a Lost/Stolen License or Registration.

Who is eligible to renew a license online? You are generally eligible if you are a U.S. citizen, you are not a commercial driver, your license is REAL ID compliant (has a gold star), and you renewed in person last time.

What to Bring: The REAL ID Required Documents

If you are a new resident, are getting your first Florida license, or are upgrading to a REAL ID (with a gold star), you must bring specific documents. Save yourself a second trip by gathering these items first.

You will need one document from each of the first three categories, plus any name change documents.

1. Proof of Identity (Bring ONE):
   • Original or certified U.S. Birth Certificate
   • Valid U.S. Passport
   • Certificate of Naturalization
2. Proof of Social Security Number (Bring ONE):
   • Original Social Security card
   • W-2 form (not handwritten)
   • Pay stub showing your full name and SSN
3. Proof of Florida Residency (Bring TWO different ones):
   • Lease agreement or mortgage statement
   • Utility bill (water, electric, cable)
   • Vehicle registration or title
   • Bank statement
   • (These must show your name and residential address).
4. Proof of Name Change (If applicable):
   • If your current legal name is different from the name on your birth certificate, you must bring the entire chain of certified documents linking the names (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order).

What Are The Requirements for Written Test In Florida DMV (Learner’s Permit)

To get a learner’s permit, you must:

• Complete the 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course.
• Pass the 50-question Class E Knowledge Exam (you must answer 40 correctly). This exam covers traffic rules and road signs from the Official Florida Driver License Handbook.
• Online Exam (Ages 15-17): The test can be taken online through an approved third-party administrator. A parent or guardian must sign a Parent Proctoring Form to certify they monitored the test.
• Practice: You can take an official practice test on the FLHSMV website.

What Are The Requirements for License Renewal at Florida DMV

As mentioned, check online (MyDMV Portal) first! If you must renew in person (e.g., it’s not your online renewal year or you are not REAL ID compliant), you will schedule an appointment for “License Renewal” and bring your REAL ID documents.

What Are The Requirements for Florida DMV Vehicle Registration and License Plates

When you schedule your appointment for “Vehicle Registration,” you must bring:

• Proof of identity (like your Florida driver’s license).
• Proof of Florida auto insurance.
• The original vehicle title.
• Initial Registration Fee: If you are a new resident bringing a vehicle from out of state, be prepared to pay an initial registration fee of $225 in addition to title and registration fees.

Best DMV Florida Offices Walk-In Hours

• Check Local Hours: Office hours are not the same everywhere. They vary significantly by county. Check your local office’s website for their specific hours of operation.
• Avoid Lunch Hour: Offices are often short-staffed between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Try to book an appointment in the mid-morning or later afternoon.
• Mid-Week is Best: Offices are busiest on Mondays and Fridays. If you can, schedule your visit for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
• Arrive Prepared: Have all your documents (passport, bills, title, etc.) out and ready before you are called to the counter.

Conclusion

I’ve included the necessary information to help you navigate the Florida driver’s license and motor vehicle system. The most important things to remember are to check your local County Tax Collector’s website for appointments and to check if you can complete your task online first using the MyDMV Portal.