Where the Margate Driver License Office Is Located

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) operates a driver license office in Margate, located in Broward County. The office is at 5900 West Sample Road, Margate, FL 33073. This is a full-service office where you can renew, replace, or obtain a driver license, as well as handle vehicle registration and title matters.

Margate sits between Coconut Creek and Coral Springs in northwest Broward County. If you live in or near Margate, this office is likely closer than traveling to Fort Lauderdale or Deerfield Beach. Parking is available on-site, and the office is accessible by car from Interstate 95 and Sample Road.

Current Hours and When to Visit

The Margate driver license office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though the office closes for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. on weekdays. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.

Hours can change without notice due to staffing, maintenance, or state directives. Before you go, check the official DHSMV website or call the office directly at the phone number listed on the DHSMV location finder to confirm current hours. Arriving early in the morning, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, typically means shorter wait times than late afternoon visits.

Key Takeaways

  • The Margate driver license office is at 5900 West Sample Road and handles driver licenses, vehicle registration, and title services.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch closure from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • You should verify hours on the DHSMV website or by phone before visiting, since hours can change.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents related to the specific transaction you need — renewal, replacement, or new license.
  • Early morning and mid-week visits usually have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.

What Documents You Need to Bring

What you bring depends on whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a driver license for the first time. For a renewal, bring your current Florida driver license and proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address). If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address.

For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged license), bring your current ID and proof of residency. If you do not have a current ID, bring a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card plus two proofs of residency. For a new license, the requirements are more extensive: you will need a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence in the United States (such as a passport or visa). The DHSMV website lists all acceptable documents for each category.

If you are explore for a Real ID — a federal-compliant driver license required for domestic air travel and federal building access — bring the same documents as a new license plus one additional proof of residency. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but take longer to process.

Services Available at the Margate Office

The Margate office handles most routine driver license and vehicle services. You can renew or replace a driver license, obtain a new license, change your address, add or remove endorsements (such as motorcycle or commercial), and request a duplicate license. The office also issues Florida identification cards (non-driver IDs) for people who do not drive.

Vehicle-related services include registering a vehicle, renewing registration, replacing a license plate, obtaining a title, and updating vehicle information. You can also handle transactions related to vehicle ownership transfers, though some complex title issues may require a visit to a county tax collector's office instead.

The office does not handle commercial driver license (CDL) testing or medical certification reviews. Those services are available only at select DHSMV offices; check the website to find the nearest CDL testing location.

How to Reduce Wait Times

The Margate office uses a ticket system. When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. Your wait time depends on how many people are ahead of you and how complex their transactions are. straightforward renewals usually take 15 to 30 minutes; new licenses or vehicle title work can take 45 minutes to over an hour.

You can check estimated wait times on the DHSMV website before you leave home. Some transactions may be faster if you complete the renewal or registration online before visiting the office — for example, you can renew your driver license online if you meet certain age and status requirements, then skip the office visit entirely. Check the DHSMV website to see whether your specific transaction qualifies for online completion.

Parking and Accessibility

The Margate office has a parking lot on-site with spaces for standard vehicles and accessible parking for people with disabilities. If you have a disability placard or license plate, use the designated accessible spaces near the entrance. The building is wheelchair accessible, and staff can information you if you need accommodation during your visit.

The office is located on Sample Road, which is a major east-west thoroughfare in Margate. If you are using GPS or a mapping app, enter the full address: 5900 West Sample Road, Margate, FL 33073. Public transportation options are limited in this area, so driving is the most practical way to reach the office.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person

If you cannot visit the Margate office, you have other options depending on your transaction. Driver license renewals can often be completed online through the DHSMV website if you meet the requirements (generally, your license must not be expired by more than 5 years, you must be between 21 and 79 years old, and you must have no medical restrictions). Renewals by mail are also available; you can request a form from the DHSMV website and mail it with your documents and fee.

Vehicle registration renewals can be completed online or by mail as well. If you need a new license or a replacement for a lost or stolen license, you must visit an office in person. You can visit any DHSMV office in Florida, not just Margate — for example, if you are closer to Deerfield Beach or Fort Lauderdale, those offices handle the same services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Margate driver license office?

No. The Margate office operates on a first-come, first-served basis using a ticket system. You take a number when you arrive and wait for your turn. However, you can check estimated wait times on the DHSMV website before you go, which helps you plan when to visit.

Can I renew my driver license online instead of going to the office?

Yes, if you meet the requirements. You can renew online through the DHSMV website if your license is not expired by more than 5 years, you are between 21 and 79 years old, and you have no medical restrictions. If you do not meet these requirements, you must visit an office in person.

What is the fee for a driver license renewal at the Margate office?

Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver license renewal is typically less expensive than a new license. The DHSMV website lists current fees. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.

Can I get a Real ID at the Margate office?

Yes. The Margate office issues Real ID driver licenses, which are required for domestic air travel and federal building access. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require additional documents proving lawful presence in the United States. Processing may take longer than a standard license.

What if the office is closed when I need to visit?

If the Margate office is closed, you can visit another DHSMV office in Broward County or a nearby county. The DHSMV website has a location finder showing all offices, their hours, and the services they offer. Some transactions, like driver license renewal, can also be completed online or by mail.