Where to Get Your Driver License in Broward County
In Broward County, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) handles all driver license issuance and renewal. You cannot get a license from a local office — you must go to one of the DHSMV's Driver License offices in the county. The main office is located in Fort Lauderdale, but DHSMV also operates satellite offices in other Broward cities including Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs.
Each office handles the same services: new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. The Fort Lauderdale location typically has the longest wait times because it serves the largest area. If you live closer to Deerfield Beach or Pompano Beach, using a satellite office often means shorter lines and faster service. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though DHSMV offers an online appointment system that can reduce your wait time significantly.
Key Takeaways
- DHSMV operates the Fort Lauderdale main office and satellite offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs throughout Broward County.
- You will need a Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity — the specific documents depend on whether you are getting a new license or renewing an existing one.
- Renewals by mail are available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other conditions, which can save you a trip to the office.
- The DHSMV online appointment system reduces wait times and is free to use.
- Vision tests are required at the office, so you cannot complete the entire process online.
Documents You Need for a New License
For a new Florida driver license, DHSMV requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. Your Social Security number can be verified through your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form.
Proof of residency must show your current Broward County address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document with your address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease signed by both you and your landlord counts as proof of residency even if it is older.
Bring the originals of these documents to the DHSMV office — photocopies are not accepted. You will also need to bring your Social Security card or the document you are using to verify your number. The office will not mail documents back to you, so do not leave originals you cannot afford to lose.
How to Renew Your License by Mail or Online
If your current Florida driver license is not suspended or revoked, you may renew it by mail without visiting an office. You are may be able to access for mail renewal if your license is still valid or expired for no more than six months, and if you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time DHSMV receives your process.
To renew by mail, request a renewal process from the DHSMV website or call the customer service line. Complete the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $48 for a four-year license), and mail it to the address listed on the form. Do not include your old license in the envelope — DHSMV will send you instructions on what to do with it after your new license arrives.
DHSMV also offers online renewal for some drivers, though the vision test requirement means you will eventually need to visit an office. If you renew online, you will still need to take a vision test in person within a set timeframe. Online renewal is faster for the paperwork portion, but it does not eliminate the office visit entirely.
In-Office Renewal and What to Bring
If you choose to renew in person at a Broward DHSMV office, bring your current driver license and proof of residency. You do not need to bring your Social Security card again if your number has not changed. The office will conduct a vision test and take a new photograph. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
Renewal fees vary by license type and validity period. A standard four-year renewal currently costs $48. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may not be able to renew — you may need to explore for a new license instead, which requires the full set of documents listed above. Check your license expiration date before you go to the office.
DHSMV Office Locations and Hours in Broward
The Fort Lauderdale main office is located at 6000 West Sunrise Boulevard and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Deerfield Beach office is at 1900 West Hillsboro Boulevard, the Pompano Beach office is at 1400 South Federal Highway, and the Coral Springs office is at 2500 North University Drive. Satellite offices typically have shorter hours than the main location, often closing at 4:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m.
Hours change seasonally and occasionally for holidays, so check the DHSMV website before you visit. The website also shows real-time wait times at each office, updated every 15 minutes. If you see a long wait at one location, you can check another office in the county and may find a much shorter line. Using the online appointment system eliminates the wait-time guessing game entirely.
What Happens During Your Vision Test
The vision test at the DHSMV office is a basic screening, not a comprehensive eye exam. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you will be tested with the correction you normally use to drive. If you fail the vision test, DHSMV will not issue your license until you have a comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results back to the office.
The vision requirement is a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction. If you have a condition that affects your peripheral vision or causes glare sensitivity, the examiner may ask additional questions or require documentation from an eye care professional. Bring any medical documentation related to your vision if you have had recent eye surgery or treatment.
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 proof of identity and proof of residency, the same documents required for a new license. A replacement license costs $25. You do not need to take another vision test or photograph if your current license photo is still valid — DHSMV will use the existing photo unless your license is more than eight years old.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the police report. This protects you if someone uses your stolen license for fraud. DHSMV does not require a police report to issue a replacement, but having one on file with law enforcement is a good precaution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you must explore for a new license rather than renew. This means you will need to bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency, and you will need to take a new vision test and photograph. The process is the same as getting your first Florida license.
Do I need an appointment to visit a DHSMV office in Broward?
Appointments are not required, but DHSMV strongly recommends using the online appointment system to reduce your wait time. You can book an appointment for free on the DHSMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day.
What if I moved to Broward from another state and have an out-of-state license?
You will need to explore for a new Florida license, not a renewal. Bring your out-of-state license along with proof of identity, Social Security number, and Broward residency. You will take a vision test and new photograph. Your out-of-state license will not be accepted as proof of identity — you will need a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or other document from the list above.
How long does it take to get a license after I visit the office?
If you renew or replace your license in person, DHSMV mails it to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks from the date DHSMV receives your process.
Can I change my address at the DHSMV office without renewing my license?
Yes. You can update your address at any Broward DHSMV office by bringing your current license and proof of your new residency. There is no fee for an address change. This is useful if you move but your license is not due to expire for several years.