Where to go for your Broward driver's license
In Broward County, you get your driver's license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You cannot get one at a local city office — you must visit a DHSMV Driver License office. Broward has multiple locations, and you can choose whichever is most convenient for you.
The main Broward County Driver License office is located in Fort Lauderdale, but satellite offices operate in other cities including Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs. Each office handles the same services: new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
Before you go, check the DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm current hours, because office schedules can change. Some locations close for lunch or operate on reduced hours on certain days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Florida DHSMV Driver License office in Broward County — city halls and local offices cannot issue licenses.
- Broward has multiple office locations including Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs, and you can visit any one of them.
- You will need specific documents depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one, and Florida has different requirements for each.
- Processing typically takes a few minutes to an hour depending on the office and time of day, and your license is usually issued the same day.
- You can renew your license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions, which may save you a trip to the office.
Documents you need for a new Broward driver's license
For a new license, Florida requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Proof of identity means a valid passport, military ID, or state ID from another state. Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Broward address.
You also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office. The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the official Florida Driver Handbook, which is free on the DHSMV website. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra cost.
If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. If you are 18 or older, you can complete the process yourself.
Renewing your Broward driver's license
Florida driver's licenses expire every six years. You can renew in person at a DHSMV office, or you can renew by mail or online if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had certain violations.
To renew online, visit the DHSMV website and follow the renewal portal. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the DHSMV or pick one up at any Driver License office. Mail the completed form with your current license and payment to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 2 to 3 weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
If you renew in person at an office, bring your current license and payment. You will not need to retake the written test unless your license has been expired for more than six months.
What happens during your office visit
When you arrive at a Broward DHSMV office, check in at the front desk or kiosk. You will receive a number and wait to be called. Have all your documents ready and organized before you reach the counter — this speeds up the process.
The staff member will review your documents, verify your information, and take your photograph. You will then take the vision test, which checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye care professional and cannot receive your license until you pass.
Next, you will take the written knowledge test on a computer. You have 10 minutes to answer 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. If you pass, your license is printed on the spot. If you fail, you can schedule a retest for another day or retake it when ready if the office allows.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Broward DHSMV office. Bring your current license if you have it, or bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of Social Security number. You do not need to retake the written or vision test for a replacement.
A replacement license costs less than a new license. The office will issue your replacement the same day. If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and get a report number, though this is not required by DHSMV.
Changing your address on your Broward license
If you move within Broward County or to another Florida county, you must update your address on your driver's license within 30 days. You can change your address online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office.
To change your address online, log into the DHSMV portal with your license number and Social Security number. The change takes effect when ready, and you do not need to pay a fee. You will receive a new license with your updated address by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
To change your address in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address. The office will issue an updated license the same day.
Costs and payment methods
A new Florida driver's license costs one amount, a renewal costs less, and a replacement costs the least. Exact fees vary slightly depending on the type of license and whether you are renewing early. The DHSMV website lists current fees for each transaction type.
DHSMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer. Online and mail renewals also accept credit and debit cards through the DHSMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Broward license online if it has already expired?
You can renew online if your license expired less than six months ago. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office and retake the written and vision tests. Check the expiration date on your license to see which option applies to you.
What if I fail the written test at the Broward office?
You can retake the test when ready at most offices, or you can leave and return another day. There is no extra fee for a retest. You have unlimited attempts, though you must pass before you can receive your license. Many people study the Florida Driver Handbook for a few days and pass on the second try.
Do I need an appointment at a Broward DHSMV office?
Most Broward DHSMV offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some locations may offer appointment slots during busy times. Check the DHSMV website or call your local office to see if appointments are available in your area.
How long does it take to get a new license at the Broward office?
The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is and how quickly you pass the tests. If you fail the written test and need to retake it, add another 15 to 20 minutes. Your license is printed and issued the same day if you pass both tests.
What if I moved to Broward from another state?
You must get a Florida driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Broward residency. You will need to pass the written and vision tests. Your out-of-state license will be surrendered when you receive your Florida license.