Where to go for a Broward County driver's license
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issues all Florida driver's licenses, including those for Broward County residents. You cannot get a license directly from Broward County government — you must go through DHSMV, which operates driver's license offices throughout the county.
Broward County has multiple DHSMV offices where you can explore for, renew, or replace a license. The main locations include offices in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Dania Beach. Each office handles the same services, so you can visit whichever is most convenient. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some offering limited Saturday service.
You can find the exact address, phone number, and hours for each Broward office on the official DHSMV website or by calling 1-888-DLSFLORIDA. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only — calling ahead or checking online before you visit saves time.
Key Takeaways
- DHSMV, not Broward County, issues Florida driver's licenses, and you must visit a DHSMV office in Broward to explore or renew.
- Broward has multiple DHSMV locations in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Dania Beach, and you can visit any of them.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the exact documents depend on whether you are a new driver or renewing.
- A standard Florida driver's license costs $48 for an eight-year renewal and takes about 30 minutes to process in person.
- You can renew online or by mail if you meet certain conditions, which is faster and cheaper than visiting an office.
Documents you need to bring
DHSMV requires three categories of proof: identity, residency, and Social Security number. The exact documents depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged license.
For proof of identity, bring your current Florida driver's license (if renewing), a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a birth certificate. For proof of residency in Broward County, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement — the document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form.
If you are renewing by mail or online, you may not need to bring physical documents — DHSMV will verify your information against existing records. The DHSMV website lists the full document requirements for each type of transaction before you visit.
Renewal by mail or online
If your license is not suspended or revoked, you can renew without visiting an office. Online renewal is the fastest option: you log into your DHSMV account, answer questions about any changes to your information, pay the fee, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The online fee is $47.50.
Mail renewal takes longer but requires no computer access. You request a renewal form from DHSMV by phone or online, fill it out, mail it back with payment, and wait 2 to 3 weeks for your license. The mail fee is $48.
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations, if your address has changed and you cannot verify it, or if you are over 79 years old (drivers 80 and older must renew in person). If any of these explore, you must visit a DHSMV office in Broward.
What happens at the office visit
Bring your documents, arrive early, and be prepared to wait. DHSMV offices issue a ticket with your number when you arrive; you wait until your number is called. The process itself — answering questions, taking a photo, paying the fee — usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the window.
You will answer questions about your address, any name changes, medical conditions that affect driving, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. You will take a new photo for the license. If you are renewing, you do not retake the written or driving test. If you are getting your first license, you must pass the written test and the driving test at a separate appointment.
Payment is cash, check, or card — DHSMV accepts all three. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait, though not all offices issue them.
Cost and timeline
A standard eight-year Florida driver's license costs $48 in person or by mail, and $47.50 online. A four-year license costs $25. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing.
Timeline depends on your method. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days total. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready for the office visit, but your physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days — you can request a temporary paper license to use in the meantime, though availability varies by office.
If you need a license faster than the standard mail timeline, some DHSMV offices offer rush service for an additional fee, though this is not may provide at all Broward locations. Call the office directly to ask whether rush service is available.
First-time drivers and written tests
If you do not have a Florida driver's license, you must pass a written test and a driving test. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official DHSMV handbook, which is free online. The test is 50 questions; you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.
After you pass the written test, DHSMV issues a learner's permit, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car. You must hold the permit for at least one month before you can take the driving test. The driving test is conducted by a DHSMV examiner at the office and takes about 20 minutes.
You can take the written test at any DHSMV office in Broward. Schedule the driving test at the same office or a different one — you have up to one year from the date you pass the written test to pass the driving test.
Lost, stolen, or damaged licenses
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any DHSMV office in Broward. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $25 for a duplicate license. You do not need to retake any tests.
If your license was stolen, you can report it to DHSMV at the time you request a replacement. DHSMV will flag the old license as invalid so it cannot be used fraudulently. You can also report a stolen license by phone at 1-888-DLSFLORIDA.
Your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait, though not all offices issue them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida license online if I moved to Broward from another state?
No. Online renewal is only for people renewing an existing Florida license. If you moved from another state, you must visit a DHSMV office in Broward in person. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Broward residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
What if I have an unpaid traffic ticket or child support obligation?
DHSMV will not renew your license if you have unpaid traffic violations or outstanding child support. You must resolve these issues first. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the child support enforcement office to find out what you owe and how to pay.
How long does a Florida driver's license last?
A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years. Drivers over 79 years old receive a four-year license and must renew in person. You can renew up to six months before your license expires.
Do I need an appointment at the Broward DHSMV office?
It depends on the specific office. Some accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Call the office you plan to visit or check the DHSMV website to find out their policy. Booking an appointment usually reduces wait time.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, but you must pass before you can take the driving test. Each attempt costs $10.