Where to go for a Broward County driver license

Broward County driver licenses are issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), not by the county itself. You get your license at a Driver License office, and Broward has multiple locations spread across the county. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale, but there are also offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other cities within the county.

You do not need an appointment at most Broward offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning and mid-week visits tend to be faster than afternoons or Saturdays. Some offices do accept appointments through the DHSMV website, which can save you time if your location offers them.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida driver licenses are issued by the state through DHSMV offices, with multiple locations throughout Broward County.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — each category requires specific documents.
  • A standard Florida driver license is valid for eight years, and renewal can be done in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
  • First-time applicants and those renewing after expiration must visit an office in person; you cannot do this entirely online.
  • Bring your current license or ID, and arrive early to avoid long waits, especially on weekends.

Documents you need to bring

Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address in Broward County. For identity, bring your current Florida driver license, passport, military ID, or birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, a school ID or employee ID may work, but call ahead to confirm.

For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and Broward address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

Getting your first Florida driver license

If you have never had a Florida license, you must visit a Driver License office in person. You cannot start this process online. Bring all three document categories listed above, plus a completed process form (DHSMV Form DL 44), which you can fill out at home or at the office.

You will take a written knowledge test covering Florida traffic laws, a vision test, and a photo. The knowledge test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. Study materials are free on the DHSMV website. The vision test checks that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.

After you pass both tests, you will pay the fee (currently $48 for an eight-year license, though this can change) and have your photo taken. Your license will be mailed to your Broward address within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing your driver license

If your Florida license is still valid or expired less than six months ago, you may renew by mail or online without visiting an office. The online renewal option is available through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not need a new photo, and you must not have changed your name or address.

Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about one week. By mail, you fill out Form DL 44, include a check or money order, and mail everything to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks.

If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a Driver License office. You will need to retake the vision test and the knowledge test. Bring the same documents as a first-time applicant.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person or by mail. For in-person replacement, visit any Broward Driver License office with proof of identity and your Social Security number. You will pay a replacement fee (currently $25, though this varies) and have a new photo taken. Your replacement license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

By mail, complete Form DL 44, include a check or money order for the replacement fee, and mail it to the DHSMV address. Include a note explaining that you are replacing a lost or stolen license. Mail replacement takes two to three weeks.

Driver License office locations and hours in Broward County

The main Fort Lauderdale office is located at 1000 NE 16th Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The Deerfield Beach office is at 1300 E. Hillsboro Boulevard and keeps similar hours. Pompano Beach has an office at 1900 N. Federal Highway. Hours vary slightly by location, so check the DHSMV website or call ahead before you go.

Wait times are typically shortest on Tuesday through Thursday mornings. Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible, and arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time. Some offices are busier than others — the smaller Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach locations often have shorter waits than the main Fort Lauderdale office.

Fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year Florida driver license costs $48 if you renew in person, $20 if you renew by mail or online, and $25 to replace a lost or stolen license. A four-year license costs less if you are over 80 years old. All offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some accept checks, but call ahead to confirm.

If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash through the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Broward driver license online?

You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired less than six months ago, your license is not suspended, you do not need a new photo, and you have not changed your name or address. Go to the DHSMV website, log in with your driver license number and date of birth, and follow the steps. Online renewal costs $20 and takes about one week.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay a retest fee. Study the Florida Driver Handbook before your next attempt — it covers all the material on the test and is free on the DHSMV website.

How long does it take to get a driver license after I pass the test?

Your license is mailed to your Broward address within 7 to 10 business days after you pass the test and pay the fee. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

Do I need an appointment at a Broward Driver License office?

Most Broward offices do not require appointments and serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis. Some offices offer appointments through the DHSMV website. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are always welcome, but appointments can reduce your wait time.

What if I moved to Broward from another state?

You must get a Florida driver license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Broward address. You will take the vision test but may not need to retake the knowledge test if your out-of-state license is valid — ask the office staff when you arrive.