Where to Get Your Martin County Driver's License

Martin County driver's licenses are issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You cannot get a Martin County license directly from the county government — you must go to a DHSMV office. The main office serving Martin County is located in Stuart, and there is also a satellite office in Port St. Lucie that handles Martin County residents.

Both offices handle standard Class D licenses (for regular passenger vehicles), commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and renewals. You can walk in without an appointment at either location, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Early morning visits on weekdays typically have shorter lines than afternoons or Saturdays.

If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online if you meet specific conditions — your license must not be expired by more than six months, you must have no medical restrictions, and you cannot have changed your address. Check the DHSMV website to see if your renewal qualifies for mail or online renewal before you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Martin County driver's licenses come from the Florida DHSMV, not from the county itself, and you must visit either the Stuart office or the Port St. Lucie satellite location.
  • You need a valid Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or previous license) to get a new license.
  • A standard Class D license costs $48 for an eight-year renewal and $75 for a new license; commercial and motorcycle licenses have different fees.
  • Florida licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to one year before expiration without losing your renewal date.
  • If you fail the written test, you must wait one day before retaking it; if you fail the road test, you must wait seven days.

Documents You Need for a New License

Florida requires four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence (if you were not born in the United States). You do not need all documents from every category — you need one from each.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, previous Florida driver's license, or military ID. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be certified (an official copy with a raised seal), not a photocopy. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form. The DHSMV will not accept a letter from Social Security.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance declaration. The document must show your name and current Martin County address and be dated within 90 days of your visit. A post office change-of-address form does not count. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, ask the DHSMV staff whether a signed lease or a letter from your landlord will work — policies sometimes allow this on a case-by-case basis.

If you were born outside the United States, you also need proof of lawful presence: a U.S. passport, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document, or visa. Bring the original document, not a photocopy.

Steps to Get Your First Martin County License

The process differs slightly depending on whether you are a new driver or moving to Florida from another state.

If you are a new driver: Visit the Stuart or Port St. Lucie DHSMV office with your documents. You will fill out form HSMV 80039 (process for Florida Driver License). You will take a written test covering Florida traffic laws and road signs — the test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. If you pass, you will then take a road test with a DHSMV examiner. The road test covers basic vehicle control, parking, turns, and following traffic laws. If you pass both tests, you will pay the $75 fee and receive your license on the spot (or within a few days if a photo needs to be processed).

If you are moving from another state: You can transfer your out-of-state license without retaking the written test if your previous license is still valid. Bring your out-of-state license along with your Florida residency and identity documents. You will still take a road test unless you are over 75 years old or have held a valid license for the past five years without suspension. The fee is $48 for a renewal-rate license (eight years) rather than $75.

The road test takes about 20 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that your mirrors, lights, wipers, and brakes work before you drive. If you fail the road test, you must wait seven days before retaking it.

Renewing Your Martin County License

Florida licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires without losing your renewal date — meaning if your license expires on June 15, 2026, you can renew as early as June 15, 2025, and your new license will still expire on June 15, 2034.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it, but the rules change. If it expired fewer than six months ago, you can renew by mail, online, or in person. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person and may have to retake the written test and road test, depending on your age and how long it has been expired. The DHSMV website has a tool to check whether you must test; if you are unsure, call the Stuart office before you visit.

For a standard renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (if you have moved), and payment of $48. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or Social Security card again unless you have changed your name or Social Security number. The renewal takes about 15 minutes if you do not need a new photo. If your license photo is more than eight years old, the DHSMV will take a new one.

If you renew online or by mail, you will not get your new license when ready. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Online renewal is faster — you can print a temporary license the same day and pick up your permanent license at the office within a few days, or it will be mailed to you.

Special Circumstances: Name Changes, Suspensions, and Replacements

If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. You will need to visit in person; you cannot renew by mail or online.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the DHSMV to find out why it was suspended and what you must do to restore it. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the state, or accumulation of points from traffic violations. The process to restore your license varies by reason and may require paying fines, completing a driver improvement course, or providing medical clearance.

If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement. Bring your identity and residency documents and pay $25. You will get a replacement with the same expiration date as your original license. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report, though it is not required by the DHSMV.

Fees and Payment Methods

Fees for Martin County driver's licenses vary by license type and whether you are renewing or getting a new license. A standard Class D license renewal costs $48 for eight years. A new Class D license costs $75. A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs $75, and a new CDL costs $125. A motorcycle endorsement adds $15 to either a renewal or new license fee.

The DHSMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept personal checks. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order — include payment with your process form.

If you are a Florida resident over 62 years old, you may be may have access to to a discount on your renewal fee. Bring proof of age (birth certificate or passport). The discount is not automatic, so ask the staff whether you may have access to.

Contact Information and Office Hours

Stuart DHSMV Office: 2605 SE Federal Highway, Stuart, FL 34994. Phone: (561) 882-2000. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and state holidays.

Port St. Lucie DHSMV Office: 2001 SW Westinghouse Road, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953. Phone: (772) 462-7300. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and state holidays.

Both offices are closed on major state holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If you need to check whether the office is open on a specific date, call ahead or check the DHSMV website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Martin County license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Florida law requires a valid Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a standard driver's license. You may be able to get an ID card instead, which serves as proof of identity but does not allow you to drive. Contact the DHSMV office to discuss your situation.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You must wait at least one day before retaking the test. You can retake it at the same office or a different DHSMV office in Florida. You do not have to pay the full license fee again — you only pay a retest fee of around $10 to $15. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt requires a fee.

Do I need to take a road test if I am transferring my license from another state?

Usually yes, unless you are over 75 years old or have held a valid driver's license for the past five years without any suspension or revocation. If you meet one of these exceptions, you can transfer your license without a road test. Otherwise, you must take the road test even if you have been driving for many years.

Can I renew my license online if I live in Martin County?

You can renew online only if your license is not expired or expired fewer than six months ago, you have no medical restrictions, you have not changed your address, and you have not changed your name. If you meet all these conditions, you can renew on the DHSMV website. If any condition does not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.

What should I do if my license is suspended?

Contact the Stuart DHSMV office or call (561) 882-2000 to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps you must take to restore it. Depending on the reason, you may need to pay fines, complete a driver improvement course, provide medical documentation, or wait a certain amount of time. Do not drive while your license is suspended — it is illegal and can result in additional penalties.