Where the Margate Driver License Office Is Located

The Margate Driver License Office is at 5900 West Sample Road, Margate, FL 33073. This is the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office that serves Broward County residents in the Margate area and surrounding communities. It handles driver license renewals, replacements, written tests, road tests, and address changes.

The office is located in a commercial area west of Interstate 95. If you are driving, there is parking available on-site. Public transportation options in Margate are limited, so most people drive to this location.

Office Hours and When to Visit

The Margate Driver License Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours can change without notice, so call ahead at (850) 617-2000 (the statewide DHSMV customer service line) to confirm before you go, especially if you are planning a trip during a holiday week.

The office does not take appointments for most services. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. Mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday before 11:00 a.m., tend to have shorter waits than afternoons. Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible, as these are typically busier.

Road tests are scheduled differently. If you need to take a road test, you must call the office directly at the number above or visit in person to book a test date. Road test slots fill up weeks in advance, particularly in spring and summer.

What Documents to Bring

What you need depends on why you are visiting. For a driver license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address.

For a written test (permit or license), bring a valid photo ID, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency (such as a Florida ID, utility bill, or lease). Bring the same documents if you are taking a road test.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you are changing your address, bring your current license and proof of your new address.

Key Takeaways

  • The Margate Driver License Office is at 5900 West Sample Road and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no weekend or holiday hours.
  • No appointments are needed for most services; you arrive and take a number, though road tests must be scheduled in advance by phone.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number for most transactions.
  • Call (850) 617-2000 to confirm hours, schedule a road test, or ask about wait times before you visit.
  • Mornings on Tuesday through Thursday typically have shorter waits than afternoons or Mondays and Fridays.

Services You Can Complete at This Office

The Margate office handles the full range of driver license services. You can renew your license if it is expiring soon or has already expired (within a certain grace period). You can replace a license that is lost, stolen, or damaged. You can change your address on your license without renewing it.

If you are a new driver, you can take your written permit test here to get your learner's permit. Once you have held your permit for the required time and practiced, you can return to take your road test at this same location. The office also issues REAL ID-compliant licenses if you need one for federal travel or building access.

The office does not handle vehicle registration or title work. For those services, you need to visit a local tax collector's office or authorized tag agency in Broward County.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk or use the kiosk if available. You will receive a number and wait in the lobby until your number is called. Processing times vary: a straightforward renewal or address change usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach a window. A written test takes 30 to 45 minutes. A road test takes 15 to 20 minutes of actual driving, plus waiting time before and after.

Bring all required documents. If you are missing something, the staff will tell you what you need and you may have to return another day. Bring your Social Security number memorized or written down; you will need it for most transactions. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during your visit and during any road test.

Payment is accepted in cash, debit card, and credit card. Fees vary by service: a license renewal costs less than a replacement, and a road test has a separate fee. Ask the staff or check the DHSMV website before you visit if you want to know the exact cost.

Alternatives If You Cannot Visit in Person

If you cannot visit the Margate office, you have other options depending on your need. For a license renewal, you may be able to renew online through the DHSMV website if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements. Online renewal is faster and costs less than visiting an office.

If you need to visit an office but Margate is not convenient, Broward County has other DHSMV locations in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach. Each has the same hours and services. You can visit whichever is closest to you.

For questions about your specific situation, call the DHSMV customer service line at (850) 617-2000. They can tell you whether you can renew online, what documents you need, or direct you to the best office for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Margate Driver License Office?

No. Most services are first-come, first-served. You arrive, take a number, and wait. Road tests are the exception — you must call (850) 617-2000 to schedule a test date in advance.

Can I renew my license online instead of visiting the office?

You may be able to, depending on your situation. If your license is not expired and you meet other requirements, the DHSMV website allows online renewal. It is faster and cheaper than visiting an office. Call (850) 617-2000 or check the DHSMV website to see if you are may be able to access.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Proof of residency is required for most transactions. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 90 days. If you do not have one, contact the DHSMV at (850) 617-2000 to ask what alternatives they accept.

How long does a road test take?

The actual driving portion takes 15 to 20 minutes. Add time for waiting before and after the test. Total time at the office can be 45 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the office is that day.

Can I visit a different Broward County office instead of Margate?

Yes. Broward County has DHSMV offices in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach. All offer the same services and hours. You can visit whichever location is most convenient for you.