How to Schedule a Florida “DMV” Appointment 

If you are looking for a “DMV” in Florida, you might be driving around for a while. That’s because Florida has almost completely dissolved the state-run DMV offices.

Instead, driver’s license and vehicle services are handled by the County Tax Collector in the county where you live.

This means there is no single “Florida Appointment System.” The process in Miami-Dade is completely different from the process in Orange County. Some counties allow walk-ins, while others are strictly appointment-only.

This guide will help you find the correct booking portal for your specific county, prepare for the “hidden” fees for new residents, and skip the trip entirely with the MyDMV portal.

How to Schedule a Florida “DMV” Appointment (The County System)

This is the most important rule in Florida: There is no single statewide appointment scheduler.

Because services are handled by County Tax Collectors, you cannot book an appointment on the main state website (flhsmv.gov). You must book directly through your specific county’s local website.

Step 1: Find Your County’s Booking Portal

1. Go to the official FLHSMV Locations Page.
2. Select your county from the list.
3. Crucial Step: Do not just look at the address. Click the link that says “Website” to leave the state page and go to your local Tax Collector’s official site.
4. Look for a button on their homepage that says “Appointments,” “SmartPass,” or “Join the Line.”

Quick Links for the “Big 6” Counties: 

If you live in one of these major metro areas, use these specific details:

• Miami-Dade: Uses the “CQA” (Customer Queuing) system. Appointments are mandatory and released daily.
• Broward: Appointments are highly recommended. Visit
• Hillsborough (Tampa): Visit. They often use a “Join the Line” feature for same-day service.
• Orange County (Orlando): Visit. They use the “SmartPass” appointment system.
• Palm Beach: Visit.
• Duval (Jacksonville): Visit

For All Other Counties:

1. Go to the state’s Locations Page.
2. Select your county from the list.
3. Critical Step: Click the link that says “Website” to leave the state page and go to the local Tax Collector’s portal. That is where the appointment button lives.

Step 2: Check the “Residency” Rule

Warning: Many counties (including Orange, Hillsborough, and Seminole) have a strict “Residents Only” policy.

• If you try to book an appointment in a county where you do not live, you may be turned away at the door.
• You must show proof of residency (like a lease or utility bill) for that specific county to be served.
• Exception: New residents moving to Florida for the first time can usually visit any county to establish their initial residency.

Step 3: Look for “Same-Day” Slots

If the calendar looks full for weeks, do not give up.

• Most Tax Collector offices release cancelled slots back into the system in real-time.
• The Strategy: Check the appointment portal every morning between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. This is when “same-day” appointments are often opened to the public.

What Are The Online Services Available(MyDMV Portal)

Before you fight for an appointment slot, check if you can use the MyDMV Portal (GoRenew).

You DO NOT need an appointment for:

• License Renewals: (If you are a U.S. citizen and your last renewal was in person).
• Address Changes: (Unless you want a new physical card immediately).
• Registration Renewals: (Get your yellow sticker in the mail in 7-10 days).
• Replacing a Lost License: (They will mail you a duplicate).

You MUST go in person (and book an appointment) for:

• First-time Florida License (New Residents).
• First-time REAL ID (The “Gold Star”).
• Written or Road Tests.
• Title Transfers (Buying/Selling a car).

The New Resident Checklist (Don’t Get Turned Away)

If you are moving to Florida, you have 30 days to register your car and get a license. You must do this in a specific order to avoid headaches.

Step 1: Register Your Car FIRST

You should generally title and register your car before or at the same time as getting your license.

• The “VIN Verification” Trap: You must have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verified.
  • Option A: Bring your car to the appointment. A Tax Collector employee will walk out to the parking lot and verify it (weather permitting).
  • Option B: Have a police officer or notary verify it on Form 82042 before you go.
• The $225 Fee: Be prepared. If this is your first time registering a car in Florida, you must pay a $225 Initial Registration Fee on top of the title and tag fees. This catches almost everyone off guard.

Step 2: Get Your License (REAL ID)

Once your car is legal, get your license. You must bring the “REAL ID” documents, even if you had a REAL ID in another state. Florida does not transfer the “Star” automatically; you must prove it again.

The Document Checklist:

1. Proof of ID: Valid U.S. Passport OR Birth Certificate.
2. Proof of SSN: Social Security Card (original) OR W-2 form.
3. Two (2) Proofs of Residency: Lease, deed, voter registration, or utility bill.
   • Pro-Tip: Your new Florida Vehicle Registration (from Step 1) counts as one proof of residency!

How To Schedule the Road Test (Teen Drivers)

If you need to schedule a driving test (Class E Skills Exam), the process is slightly different.

1. The “Tax Collector” Route: Most Tax Collector offices offer road tests, but slots are extremely limited. You usually need to book these 30-60 days in advance via the county website.
2. The “Third-Party” Route: If you cannot find an appointment at the Tax Collector, you can pay a private Third-Party Administrator (Traffic School) to administer the test. You will pay extra (usually $50-$100), but you can often get tested the same day.

FAQs