Navigating car services can sometimes feel like a maze, but in Sarasota County, Florida, accessing driver and vehicle services is straightforward and efficient. Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area, understanding where to go for your car-related needs is essential. This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of all the service centers in Sarasota County, ensuring you know exactly where to go for driver licenses, vehicle registration, and more.
For all current motorist services fees, please refer to the official fee schedule.
| Driver License (DL) Services Only | Dual Service Centers (DL & MV) | Motor Vehicle (MV) Services Only |
|---|---|---|
| Driver licenses, ID cards, reinstatements, written and skills exams. | Driver License & Motor Vehicle services at one location. | Vehicles, trailers, vessels, mobile homes, specialty tags and disability parking permits. |
Appointments: Note that many offices require appointments to ensure efficient service. For Tax Collector Offices or License Plate Agents, it’s recommended to check their respective websites or call ahead for appointment information.
| City | Street Address | Phone Number | Office Hours | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarasota (DL & MV) | 101 S. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34236 Map to location | 941-861-8300, option 2 | 8:30am-5:00pm | Send all mail/deliveries to this main Sarasota location. Convenient for residents near downtown Sarasota. Renew your Driver’s License or request a Replacement easily at the MyDMV Portal. For Motor Vehicle Renewals, visit SarasotaTaxCollector.com. |
| Sarasota – Sawyer Loop Rd (DL & MV) | 6100 Sawyer Loop Rd. Sarasota, FL 34238 Map to location | 941-861-8300, option 2 | 8:30am-5:00pm | This Sarasota location on Sawyer Loop Road offers driving tests (Class E) by appointment. Call to schedule your Learner’s Permit (written test) appointment. CDL Hazmat services are also available here. Driver’s License Renewal and Replacement are available at MyDMV Portal, and Motor Vehicle Renewals can be done at SarasotaTaxCollector.com. |
| Venice (DL & MV) | 4000 S. Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 Map to location | 941-861-8300, option 2 | 8:30am-5:00pm | Serving the Venice area, this center provides both Driver License and Motor Vehicle services. Online renewals are encouraged: Driver’s License Renewal/Replacement at MyDMV Portal and Motor Vehicle Renewal at SarasotaTaxCollector.com. |
| North Port (DL & MV) | 4970 City Hall Blvd. North Port, FL 34286 Map to location | 941-861-8300, option 2 | 8:30am-5:00pm | Located conveniently inside North Port City Hall, this center offers comprehensive services. Take advantage of online services for Driver’s License Renewal or Replacement via MyDMV Portal and Motor Vehicle Renewal at SarasotaTaxCollector.com. |
| Important Note | All Sarasota offices listed are county tax collector-sponsored service centers. A tax collector service fee will be added to all motorist services fees. For payment methods accepted, please visit the tax collector website. |
Bureau of Administrative Reviews
Under Suspension? Find assistance for Hardship Licenses to ensure you can drive to work.
| City | Address | Contact Information | Hours | Hearing Request Forms | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearwater | 4585 140th Avenue North Suite 1002 Clearwater, Florida 33762 Map to location | [email protected] 727-507-4405 | Mon – Fri 8:00am-12:30pm 1:30pm-5:00pm | Hardship License Application Formal Review – DUI Waiver of Formal Review – 1st DUI only | Please note: The Clearwater office is currently temporarily closed to public visits. All inquiries should be directed to [email protected]. You can request a formal hearing or apply for a hardship license via email without needing to visit the office in person. Simply complete the appropriate form available on the left and submit it via email. |
Florida Highway Patrol Stations
For reporting traffic incidents and obtaining crash reports. In emergencies, please dial 911 or *FHP (*347) from your cell phone immediately.
| FHP Stations | Regional Communications Centers | Crash Reports Requests | Troop Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find Station Addresses & Phone Numbers | Troops, Counties Covered and Center Commander details | Address and Phone Numbers to Order Crash Reports | Troop Headquarters, Boundaries and further information |
Clerk of the Court Office
For handling Traffic Citations and accessing Court Information, please visit the Clerk of Court Website.
| City | Address | Phone Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarasota | 2000 Main St. Suite #102 Sarasota, FL 34237 Map to location | 941-861-7400 | Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm |
Motorist Services Regional Offices – Bureau of Dealer Services
For Dealer licenses, handling complaints and investigations related to dealers, and Rebuilt inspections.
| City | Address | Phone Number | Hours | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmetto | 323 10th Ave. W. Suite #200 Palmetto, FL 34221 Map to location | 941-723-4551 | Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm | Appointments are recommended but not mandatory. To schedule, please call 941-723-4551. |
Streamlining Your Car Service Needs in Sarasota
New to Florida? Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:
- Florida Driver License: First, obtain your Florida driver license at one of the Driver License Service Centers listed above.
- Automobile Insurance: Secure automobile insurance from a Florida-licensed provider.
- Vehicle Registration: Finally, title and register your vehicle and get your Florida license plate at a Motor Vehicle Service Center.
Motor Vehicle Services Available at Service Centers:
- Vehicle Registration, tag and title services
- Boats, vessels, and trailers registration and titling
- Disabled parking permits issuance
- Motor vehicle or boat/vessel title transfers
- Specialty license plates
Driver License Services Available at Service Centers:
- Florida driver licenses and ID cards processing
- Commercial driver licenses (CDL) services
Additional Resources:
- Motorcycle Rider Training: For motorcycle safety courses and information, call 850-617-2528 or visit the Motorcycle Page.
- Mobile Home & RV Construction: For manufacturing inquiries call 850-617-2808; for set up & inspection, call 850-617-3004.
- Driver Improvement Schools: Information and resources are available for driver improvement courses.
- Motor Vehicle Dealers: For dealer licenses, complaints, investigations, or rebuilt inspections, refer to the Motorist Services Regional Office section above.
Quick Service Options:
- Address Change: Update your address for registrations, tags, titles, or boat/vessel/trailer at a Motor Vehicle Service Center. For driver licenses, visit a Driver License Service Center.
- Name Change: Name changes on registrations, tags, titles, or boat/vessel/trailer can be processed at Motor Vehicle Service Centers. For driver licenses, visit a Driver License Service Center.
- Renewals and Replacements: Utilize online portals for renewals and replacements of lost or stolen items where possible.
- Kiosks: For fast vehicle registration renewals, use self-service kiosks available at various locations throughout Florida. Find requirements, services, and locations at the Kiosk website.
Commercial Vehicle Information:
- Commercial Motor Vehicles & Drivers: For IFTA decals/IRP tags, call 850-617-3711. For Fuel Tax Auditors information, visit the provided link.
Need Further Assistance?
- Refunds: For refund inquiries, contact the Customer Service Center.
- Customer Service Center: Call 850-617-2000, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST. Automated services are available 24/7. You can also use Email Response Forms for inquiries.
This guide aims to simplify your access to car and driver services in Sarasota County. With multiple service centers and online options, managing your vehicle and driver needs has never been easier.
