The Santa Rosa County DMV office in Pace serves driver licenses, vehicle registration, and title work

The Santa Rosa County DMV branch in Pace is one of two full-service offices in the county. It handles standard transactions: driver license renewals and replacements, vehicle registration and renewal, title applications, and address changes. The office does not handle commercial driver license (CDL) testing — that happens at a separate testing facility — but handles most other work a resident would need.

The Pace location sits at 5697 Stewart Street, Pace, FL 32571. It is the western office in the county; the Milton office on Highway 90 serves the eastern side. Both offices keep the same hours and handle the same services, so you can visit whichever is closer to you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Pace DMV office is located at 5697 Stewart Street and handles driver licenses, vehicle registration, titles, and address changes.
  • Hours and wait times vary by day; calling ahead or checking the Florida DMV website before you go saves time.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction (vehicle title, insurance card, etc.).
  • The office does not perform CDL testing or issue commercial licenses; those services are at a separate testing location.
  • If you cannot visit in person, some transactions can be completed online through the Florida DMV website or by mail.

What documents to bring to the Pace office

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For any transaction, bring a current government-issued ID (driver license, passport, or military ID) and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.

For a driver license renewal or replacement, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you are renewing after it expires, you may need to pass a vision test. For vehicle registration renewal, bring your current registration card and proof of insurance. For a title process or transfer, bring the current title (if you have one), a bill of sale or purchase agreement, and proof of insurance. For an address change, bring your current license and proof of your new address.

If you are explore for a new driver license or renewing one that has been expired for more than a certain period, the office may require additional documents such as proof of Social Security number or birth certificate. Call the office at the number listed on the Florida DMV website to confirm what you need before you go.

Hours, wait times, and how to prepare

The Pace DMV office is open Monday through Friday. Specific hours are listed on the Florida DMV website; hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so check before you visit. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning and mid-week, and longer on Fridays and around the end of the month when registrations and licenses are expiring.

The office does not take appointments for most services, so you arrive and take a number. Some transactions (like certain renewals) may be faster than others. If you are doing something that usually takes longer — such as a title transfer or a first-time license process — plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

You can call the office directly to ask about current wait times before you go. The phone number is on the Florida DMV website under Santa Rosa County locations. Having all your documents ready and filled out before you arrive speeds up the process.

Transactions you can complete online or by mail instead

Not every transaction requires a visit to the office. The Florida DMV website allows you to renew your driver license online if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements. You can also renew vehicle registration online if there have been no changes to your vehicle or ownership.

Some transactions can be completed by mail. Address changes, for example, can often be done by mail or online. Title transfers and new registrations usually require an in-person visit or notarized documents sent by mail, depending on the situation. Check the Florida DMV website or call the Pace office to see whether your specific transaction can be handled remotely.

What to do if you cannot visit the Pace office

If you live in Santa Rosa County but cannot reach the Pace office, the Milton DMV office on Highway 90 handles the same services and keeps the same hours. Both offices serve the entire county, so you can visit either one.

If you cannot visit in person at all, check whether your transaction can be completed online through the Florida DMV website or by mail. For transactions that require an in-person visit, you may be able to have a family member or authorized representative go on your behalf if you provide them with a signed power of attorney or authorization form. Call the Pace office to ask what forms they accept.

CDL testing and commercial licenses

The Pace DMV office does not administer commercial driver license (CDL) tests or issue commercial licenses. CDL testing happens at a separate testing facility in Santa Rosa County. If you need a CDL, the Florida DMV website lists the approved testing locations and their hours. You must pass the written test and the skills test at the same facility on the same day or within a certain timeframe, depending on state rules.

You can explore for a CDL permit at the Pace DMV office, but the actual testing and license issuance happen elsewhere. Call the office or check the Florida DMV website for the address and hours of the CDL testing facility nearest to you.

Common mistakes to avoid

Bringing incomplete documents is the most common reason people have to return. Check the Florida DMV website or call ahead to confirm exactly what you need for your transaction. Proof of residency must be dated within 60 days and show your current address — an old utility bill or one that does not match your ID will not work.

Arriving without your vehicle's current registration or insurance card when renewing registration causes delays. If you are doing a title transfer, make sure the current title is signed by the previous owner in the right place; unsigned or incorrectly signed titles are rejected. If you are renewing a license that has been expired for a long time, you may face additional requirements — do not assume a straightforward renewal will work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver license at the Pace office if it is expired?

Yes, but if your license has been expired for a long time (the exact period varies), you may need to retake the written test or vision test, or provide additional documents like a birth certificate. Call the office or check the Florida DMV website to confirm what you need before you go.

Do I need an appointment at the Pace DMV office?

No, most services are first-come, first-served. You arrive, take a number, and wait. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling for certain services — check the Florida DMV website to see if that option is available for your transaction.

What if I do not have proof of residency dated within 60 days?

You will need to bring a document that meets the requirement. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address and dated within 60 days. If you cannot provide one, ask the office what alternatives they accept.

Can I transfer my vehicle title by mail instead of visiting in person?

Some title transfers can be completed by mail if you provide notarized documents and meet other requirements. Call the Pace office or check the Florida DMV website to see whether your specific transfer can be handled by mail.

Where do I take my CDL test if I need a commercial license?

CDL testing is done at a separate facility, not at the Pace DMV office. The Florida DMV website lists approved CDL testing locations in Santa Rosa County with their hours and phone numbers. You must pass both the written and skills tests to receive your commercial license.