Driver's License Office Closing; Public Has Options For Help

With the set to close at the end of the week, the public will have some other options for help until services shift over to another location.

The state-operated office located at 3611 1st St. E., Suite 1010, will close its doors Friday as equipment is transferred to the Manatee County Tax Collector’s , 819 301 Blvd. W., which will begin providing additional driver's license services April 4.

During the interim, customers can call 850-617-2000 for driver's license questions or visit the "FLOW Mobile," an office on wheels that will be stationed at the parking lot at 600 301 Blvd. W., according to a news release.

When the transition and renovations are complete. the DeSoto office will handle expanded duties such as learner permits, driving tests, written exams and more in its specialized driver's license department.

The Tax Collector will continue to provide limited driver's license services at its other three locations:

• Palma Sola – 7411 Manatee Ave. W., #200
• Lakewood Ranch – 6007 111th St. E., Lakewood Ranch
• North River – 4333 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton

Many transactions can be conducted online at the Tax Collector's homepage, but appointments for title work and driver's license transactions can be made by calling 941-741-4800. Live lobby wait times are available on the homepage or by texting "WAIT" to 41411.