The Sunrise location handles standard DMV transactions in Broward County

The Driver License and Motor Vehicle Service Center in Sunrise is a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office that processes driver license renewals, replacements, and initial applications, along with vehicle registration and title work. It is located in Broward County and serves residents across the surrounding area. Like all DHSMV service centers, it operates on a walk-in basis with no appointment system, though you can check wait times online before you go.

The office handles the same range of transactions as other Florida service centers: you can renew or replace a driver license, get a duplicate license, change your address, explore for a commercial driver license, register a vehicle, transfer a title, or handle most other motor vehicle paperwork. The specific services available do not differ from other locations — what varies is how busy the office is on any given day and how long you will wait.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sunrise service center processes driver licenses, vehicle registration, and title transfers during standard business hours with no appointment needed.
  • You can check current wait times on the DHSMV website before you visit, which helps you decide whether to go now or return later.
  • Bring all required documents for your specific transaction — the office cannot process incomplete applications and will turn you away.
  • The office closes for lunch and has reduced hours on some days, so check the schedule before you make the trip.

What documents you need depends on your specific transaction

The documents required vary significantly based on what you are doing. For a driver license renewal, you need your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. For an initial driver license process, you need proof of identity (a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of a lawful presence in the United States.

Vehicle registration and title work require different paperwork entirely. A vehicle registration renewal needs your current registration card and payment. A title transfer requires the signed title from the previous owner, a bill of sale, proof of residency, and payment. The DHSMV website lists the full document requirements for each transaction type, and you should verify what you need before you go — arriving without the right paperwork means a wasted trip.

Wait times and hours at the Sunrise location

The Sunrise service center operates during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a lunch closure from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday hours are usually 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and the office is closed on Sundays. These hours can change seasonally or for holidays, so check the DHSMV website or call ahead before you visit.

Wait times at the Sunrise location fluctuate throughout the day and week. The DHSMV website displays current wait times for this specific office, updated in real time. Generally, mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday tends to be less crowded than late afternoon or Friday, but this varies. If you see a wait time of 45 minutes or more, you can check back later or visit on a different day rather than waiting in the office.

How to prepare before you visit

Start by identifying exactly what transaction you need. The DHSMV website has a section for each type of service — driver license, vehicle registration, title transfer — with a checklist of required documents. Print or photograph the checklist and gather everything before you leave home. Missing even one document means the staff cannot process your request, and you will need to return another day.

Bring payment in the form they accept. Most DHSMV service centers accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but some accept only certain payment methods. Call the Sunrise location directly at the number listed on the DHSMV website to confirm what they take. Bring more than one form of payment if possible, in case one does not work. Also bring your Social Security number in writing if you do not have it memorized — you will need to provide it, and having it written down prevents errors.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk or a kiosk and receive a number. You will then wait until your number is called. The staff member will review your documents, verify that everything is complete, and process your transaction. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to bring back. If everything is in order, they will take your payment and complete the paperwork.

For driver license photos, you will take a new photo at the service center during your visit. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for several years. For vehicle transactions, the process is mostly paperwork and payment; no photo is involved. The entire transaction usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter, though the wait to reach the counter is what takes most of the time.

Common reasons visits fail and how to avoid them

The most frequent reason people have to return is incomplete documentation. They bring a utility bill that is too old, or they forget proof of residency entirely, or they do not have the previous owner's signed title for a transfer. Check the DHSMV checklist twice before you leave home. If you are uncertain whether a document meets the requirement, call the Sunrise location and ask — a five-minute phone call beats a wasted trip.

The second common issue is bringing the wrong form of payment. Some people arrive with only a check or only cash when the office does not accept that method. The third is arriving during lunch or after 5 p.m. and finding the office closed. The fourth is showing up on a day when the office has reduced hours due to a holiday or staff training. All of these are avoidable with a quick phone call or website check before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver license online instead of going in person?

Florida allows online renewal for some driver licenses, but not all. If your license is not expiring soon and you have no changes to your address or other information, you may be able to renew online through the DHSMV website. If you need to update information, change your photo, or your license has been expired for more than six months, you must visit a service center in person.

How long does a driver license replacement usually take?

A replacement license issued at the service center is ready to take home the same day. You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter, and the plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card sooner, some service centers offer expedited processing for an additional fee — ask the staff at Sunrise whether that option is available.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another form of federal identification instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN and proof of lawful presence in the United States. Call the Sunrise location before you visit to confirm they can process your specific situation, since requirements vary based on immigration status.

Can I transfer a vehicle title without the previous owner present?

Yes. The previous owner must sign the title and provide it to you, but they do not need to be present at the service center. You bring the signed title, a bill of sale, and your documents to complete the transfer. The previous owner's signature on the title is what matters, not their physical presence.

What if I lose my receipt or paperwork after my visit?

You can request a copy of your transaction record from the DHSMV by visiting the website or calling the Sunrise location directly. Have your driver license number or vehicle identification number ready. There may be a small fee for a duplicate record, depending on what you need.