The Sunrise location handles standard DMV transactions during posted hours

The Sunrise Driver License and Motor Vehicle Service Center, located in Broward County, Florida, processes driver license renewals, replacements, address changes, vehicle registration, and title work during its regular business hours. The center operates as a full-service Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, meaning you can complete most transactions in one visit without going to a separate location.

Hours and exact services vary by season and staffing, so checking the official DHSMV website or calling ahead before you go prevents a wasted trip. The center does not handle all transactions — some specialty services like commercial driver license (CDL) testing or certain title disputes may require a different location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sunrise center handles driver license renewals, replacements, and vehicle registration during regular business hours, but you should verify current hours before visiting.
  • Bring your current identification, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction (renewal notice, vehicle title, insurance proof) to avoid multiple trips.
  • Arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter wait times than afternoons or Fridays.
  • Some transactions can be completed online or by mail through the DHSMV website, which may be faster than visiting in person.
  • If you need a specific service, call the center directly to confirm they offer it before making the drive.

What documents to bring for common transactions

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a driver license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing after it has expired, the process is the same, though you may need to retake the vision test.

For vehicle registration renewal, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment method. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Florida, bring the title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a completed process form (available at the center or online). Address changes require your current license and proof of your new address.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies of documents like your title or proof of residency are usually not accepted. If you are unsure what your specific transaction requires, the DHSMV website lists requirements by service type, or you can call the Sunrise center directly.

How to reduce wait time at the center

The Sunrise center uses a ticket system: you take a number when you arrive, and the display board shows which number is being served. Wait times are typically shortest between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on weekday mornings, and longest on Friday afternoons and the first week of each month (when many renewals are due).

Arriving 15 to 30 minutes before the center opens gives you a head start. If you cannot visit early, Tuesday through Thursday mid-morning is usually less crowded than other times. Avoid the last hour before closing, when staff may be processing final transactions and new arrivals may not be served.

Some transactions move faster than others — a straightforward address change takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window, while a first-time vehicle registration can take 30 minutes or more. If your transaction is complex, mention it when you take your ticket so staff can route you to the right window.

Online and mail alternatives to visiting in person

The DHSMV website allows you to renew your driver license online if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Florida address on file, and you cannot have any medical or legal restrictions. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

Vehicle registration renewal is also available online through the DHSMV website if your vehicle has no liens and you have not had any changes to your registration. Mail renewal is an option for driver license renewal as well — you can request a renewal form by mail or read it from the DHSMV website, complete it, and mail it with payment and required documents.

Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks, while online renewal produces a temporary license when ready and mails your permanent one within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license or registration urgently, visiting the center in person is faster than either alternative.

What happens if the center is closed or too busy

If the Sunrise center is closed due to weather, holidays, or staffing issues, the DHSMV website lists other service centers in Broward County and nearby areas. The Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Pompano Beach locations are the closest alternatives and handle the same services.

If you arrive and the wait is too long, you have options: take your ticket and leave, then return another day (your number stays valid for that day only); visit a different service center; or complete your transaction online or by mail if your service type allows it. Some transactions, like a straightforward address change, may be faster at a less-busy location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver license at the Sunrise center if it is already expired?

Yes. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will need to retake the vision test, and you may need to provide additional documentation if your address has changed. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes once you reach the window.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Sunrise center?

No. The center operates on a walk-in, ticket-based system. You arrive, take a number, and wait for your number to be called. During very busy periods, the center may stop issuing new tickets temporarily, so arriving early reduces the chance of this happening.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be a document dated within 90 days showing your name and current address — typically a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you do not have one, ask the center staff what alternative documents they accept. Some accept recent bank statements or government mail as backup.

Can I register a vehicle at the Sunrise center if I just bought it?

Yes. Bring the title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a completed process (Form HSMV 82101, available at the center or online). First-time registration takes longer than renewal — usually 30 to 45 minutes — so plan accordingly and arrive early.

How long does it take to get my new driver license after I renew at the center?

You receive a temporary paper license at the window that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to check the status.