Where the Tavares Driver License Office Is Located

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) operates a driver license office in Tavares at 518 East Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778. This office serves Lake County residents and anyone else in the area who needs to renew, replace, or obtain a Florida driver license or ID card.

Tavares is in central Florida, about 40 miles northwest of Orlando. If you live in or near Lake County, this is your local office for most driver license transactions. The office is located on Main Street in downtown Tavares, which makes it accessible from most parts of the county.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tavares driver license office is at 518 East Main Street and handles renewals, replacements, and new license applications for Lake County residents.
  • Hours vary by day of the week, and the office closes for lunch, so call ahead or check the DHSMV website to confirm before you go.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to complete most transactions.
  • The office does not take appointments, so arrive early to avoid long wait times, especially on Fridays and the first week of the month.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew your license by mail or online depending on your situation and how long it has been since your last renewal.

Hours of Operation for the Tavares Office

The Tavares driver license office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.

Hours can change without notice, and the office may close early for staff training or other reasons. Before making the trip, call the office at (352) 343-3500 to confirm the hours for the day you plan to visit. You can also check the DHSMV website at www.flhsmv.gov for the most current information.

The office is busiest on Fridays and during the first week of each month, when many people come in to renew licenses before they expire. If you have flexibility, visiting on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning usually means a shorter wait.

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, bring your current Florida driver license or ID card, proof of residency, and your Social Security number (you can provide it verbally).

For a replacement (if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged), bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Acceptable forms of identity include a passport, military ID, or another state's driver license.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Florida address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Bring the original document or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

If you are obtaining a new license for the first time in Florida, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), proof of residency, and proof of your date of birth. You will also need to pass a vision test and written knowledge test at the office.

Services Available at the Tavares Office

The Tavares office handles most routine driver license and ID card transactions. You can renew a license that is about to expire or has expired within a certain time frame, replace a lost or damaged license, and obtain a new license if you are moving to Florida or have never had one.

The office also issues Real ID compliant driver licenses and ID cards. A Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID compliant. You can upgrade to a Real ID license at this office by bringing the documents listed above plus proof of your Social Security number.

The office does not handle commercial driver license (CDL) transactions, vehicle registration, or title work. For those services, you will need to visit a different DHSMV office or handle them online if available. The office staff can direct you to the right location if you need help.

When You Cannot Visit in Person

If you cannot visit the Tavares office, you may have other options depending on your situation. Florida allows online renewal for some drivers whose licenses are not expired and who meet other requirements. You can renew online at www.flhsmv.gov if you have a valid email address and your license is not suspended or revoked.

You can also renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address, name, or other information. The DHSMV will mail you a renewal form if you request one, or you can read it from the website. Mail renewals take longer than in-person or online renewals, usually two to three weeks.

If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if you need to change personal information, you must visit an office in person. The Tavares office is the most convenient option for Lake County residents, but you can also visit any other DHSMV office in Florida if you are traveling or prefer a different location.

What to Expect When You Arrive

When you arrive at the Tavares office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait in the lobby until your number is called. The wait time varies depending on how busy the office is, but it can range from 15 minutes to over an hour during peak times.

Bring all required documents with you. If you are missing any document, the staff will tell you what you need and you will have to return another day. Have your documents organized and ready to hand over when you reach the window.

At the window, a staff member will review your documents, verify your information, and take a new photo for your license or ID card. You will pay the renewal or replacement fee, which varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. Most transactions take 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Tavares driver license office?

No, the Tavares office does not take appointments. You must arrive in person and wait your turn. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday other than Friday usually means a shorter wait.

What if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license at the driver license office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the appropriate court or agency. Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Florida?

No, a Real ID is not required to drive. It is only required to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. You can continue to use a standard Florida driver license for driving. However, if you plan to fly domestically after May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID license or a passport.

How much does a driver license renewal cost?

The cost depends on how long your license is valid for. A standard renewal is usually $48 for an 8-year license. Real ID upgrades and replacements may cost more. Ask the staff at the office for the exact fee before you pay.

What if I move out of Lake County but still live in Florida?

You should update your address with the DHSMV within 30 days of moving. You can do this online at www.flhsmv.gov, by mail, or in person at any driver license office. You do not need to renew your license just because you moved, but you do need to update your address.