Where to check your Broward County license status
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs the system that holds your license record. You can check the status of a Broward County license through the DHSMV website, by phone, or in person at a Broward County driver license office.
The online method is fastest: go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov, find the "License and Permit Status" tool, and enter your driver license number and date of birth. The system will show you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. This takes about two minutes and works from any computer or phone.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-5-FLORIDA (1-844-535-6327). They can look up your status over the phone. Wait times vary by time of day, but calling early in the morning usually means a shorter hold.
Key Takeaways
- The DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov has a free tool that shows your license status in minutes using your license number and birth date.
- A suspended or revoked license means you cannot legally drive in Florida or any other state until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
- If your license is suspended, you will see the reason (unpaid traffic fines, insurance lapse, medical hold, or other cause) and what you must do to restore it.
- Broward County driver license offices are located in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach, and staff there can print a status report if you visit in person.
What the different license statuses mean
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. The status page will show your expiration date.
Expired means your license passed its expiration date and you cannot legally drive until you renew it. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Broward County office, depending on how long it has been expired and whether you need a new photo.
Suspended means your driving privilege has been temporarily taken away. The reason appears on the status report — common causes include unpaid traffic citations, failure to maintain car insurance, unpaid child support, or a medical hold placed by a doctor or the DHSMV. A suspension can last weeks or years depending on the cause. You cannot drive legally until it is lifted, and you must complete whatever action the suspension requires (pay fines, show proof of insurance, resolve the medical issue) before you can restore your license.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled, usually because of serious violations like multiple DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status. Revocation is more severe than suspension. You may be able to petition for reinstatement after a waiting period, but you cannot straightforward renew.
How to restore a suspended license in Broward County
The steps depend on why your license was suspended. The DHSMV status page will tell you the reason and what you need to do. Common restoration paths include paying outstanding traffic fines, providing proof of car insurance to the DHSMV, or clearing a medical hold by seeing a doctor and having them submit a clearance form.
Once you have completed the required action, you can restore your license online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Broward County driver license office. Restoration usually takes a few business days if you do it online or in person, and longer by mail. You do not need to take a test or pay a restoration fee in most cases, though some suspensions carry a reinstatement fee — the status page will say if yours does.
If you are unsure what action is required, call the DHSMV at 1-844-5-FLORIDA and give them your license number. They can walk you through the specific steps for your suspension.
Broward County driver license office locations
If you need to check your status in person, restore your license, or renew an expired license, Broward County has three driver license offices:
- Fort Lauderdale: 1350 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Deerfield Beach: 1100 East Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
- Pompano Beach: 1960 North Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, FL 33062
All three offices are open Monday through Friday. Hours vary slightly by location, but most open at 8:00 a.m. and close between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The DHSMV website lists exact hours for each office. Arrive early or go mid-week if possible — Mondays and Fridays tend to have longer waits.
Bring your current ID (passport, state ID, or other government-issued photo ID) and proof of your Social Security number. If you are restoring a suspended license, bring whatever document the suspension requires — proof of insurance, payment receipt, medical clearance, or court order.
Online renewal if your license is expired
If your license is expired but not suspended or revoked, you may be able to renew it online through the DHSMV website without visiting an office. Online renewal is available if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need a new photo (you keep your current one on file).
To renew online, go to flhsmv.gov, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You will need your license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The fee varies but is typically around $48 for a four-year renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a Broward County driver license office.
What to do if you cannot find your license number
Your driver license number appears on the front of your physical license card. If you do not have the card or cannot read the number, you can still check your status using your name and date of birth on the DHSMV website — the tool accepts either your license number or those two pieces of information.
If you have lost your license and need a replacement card, you can order a duplicate online through the DHSMV website for a small fee, or visit a Broward County office in person. A duplicate card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days if ordered online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Florida and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle can be impounded. Do not drive until your suspension is lifted and your license is restored.
How long does it take to restore a suspended license?
It depends on the reason for suspension and how you restore it. If you complete the required action (pay fines, show proof of insurance, etc.) and restore online or in person, it usually takes a few business days. By mail, it can take two to three weeks. Some suspensions have waiting periods built in, so check your status page for the specific timeline.
What if the DHSMV website says my license is suspended but I do not know why?
Call the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-5-FLORIDA. They can tell you the exact reason and what you need to do to restore it. Have your license number ready when you call.
Can I get a temporary license while my suspension is being resolved?
No. Florida does not issue temporary driving privileges during a suspension. You must wait until the suspension is lifted and your license is restored. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the DHSMV about hardship reinstatement — in rare cases, you may be able to get limited driving privileges, but this requires a formal request and approval.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Broward County driver license office?
No appointment is required, but the DHSMV website allows you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. You can also walk in without a reservation, though you may wait longer during busy hours.