I have been to this location quite a few times since moving to Altamonte Springs a few years ago…read more
During the height of the pandemic, Seminole County changed the process for its citizens in need of services at the local Tax Collector Offices and DMV locations (along with mAny others, I'm sure,). They began requiring an appointment to be made online or by phone to avoid overcrowding, long lines, stressed out employees, and the opportunity for the spread of the virus, germs, and other illnesses. It was a good idea and was made with good intentions.
However, on the flip side, if you were trying to get a copy of your ID printed or some other time sensitive service, it wasn't so great. I was unable to get an appointment at any of the locations in Seminole County for weeks, sometimes months, in advance. They did not take walk-in appointments at all. Plus, the lines and crowds inside did not seem to lessen much with the new regulations. I would get there 15 minutes early, as instructed, and still needed to get a number, sit down in the lobby, and wait for it to be called. Again, I had to wait for 20-60 minutes AFTER my appointment time.
Somewhat recently, the rules changed again. The Tax Collector Offices still offer the ability to book an online appointment ahead of time, and it is still rare to be able to find one within the same week.
Luckily, this location now offers walk in appointments for some basic services, such as a new copy of your driver's license or ID. This office allows walk-in appointments until 4:00 PM Monday - Friday.
You can schedule an appointment online for a designated day, time, and location. They are available for weekdays, Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
You can also check the website before going to the location for a walk-in appointment to see what the average wait times are.
The last time I visited this location, I went without an appointment at about 2:30 p.m. I expected to have to wait without an appointment, but I was shocked to discover that as soon as I took a number, it was called within 2 to 3 minutes.
I was in and out of the office in about 10 minutes total.
The woman working was very friendly and there were barely any people waiting in the lobby.
My only complaint is that to get a new copy of my ID and my partner's driver's license, we had to pay $60! We have the Florida gold star on our IDs, but apparently that doesn't help with the cost whatsoever!
Besides that, though, it was a great experience!