Where to go for your driver license in Fort Lauderdale

In Fort Lauderdale, you get your driver license at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The main office serving Fort Lauderdale is located at 5901 West Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33313. This is the office most residents use for new licenses, renewals, and replacements.

You can also visit other DHSMV offices in Broward County if the main location is inconvenient — there are satellite offices in other cities nearby. Before you go, check the DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm hours, because office hours vary and some locations have reduced schedules on certain days.

Walk-in service is available at most DHSMV offices, but you may wait longer during peak times. Some offices offer online scheduling through the DHSMV website, which lets you reserve a time slot and skip some of the wait.

Key Takeaways

  • The main DHSMV office in Fort Lauderdale is at 5901 West Sunrise Boulevard, and you can walk in or schedule a time online.
  • You need a valid Social Security number, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate) before you go.
  • A new Florida driver license costs money that varies depending on whether you are getting a standard license or a REAL ID, and how long you want it to be valid.
  • Renewals by mail are possible if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, which saves you a trip to the office.
  • If you are moving to Florida from another state, you have 30 days to get a Florida license, and you will need to surrender your old license.

Documents you need to bring

Bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, the DHSMV accepts a valid passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or a naturalization certificate. A passport is the easiest because it covers both identity and citizenship in one document.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your Fort Lauderdale address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a signed lease is usually accepted.

Cost and how long the license lasts

A standard Florida driver license costs less than a REAL ID. A REAL ID is a federally compliant license that you can use to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings — it has a gold star in the upper right corner. The DHSMV charges more for a REAL ID because of the extra security features and verification required.

Both types come in different validity periods. You can get a license valid for 4 years, 6 years, or 8 years, and the longer the validity, the higher the cost. Most people choose the 8-year option because the per-year cost is lower.

The DHSMV website lists current fees, and they can change. Bring cash, debit card, or credit card — the Fort Lauderdale office accepts all three.

Renewing by mail instead of going in person

If your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. You are may be able to access if you are a Florida resident, your license was not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name, and you do not need to update your photo.

To renew by mail, fill out the process form (available on the DHSMV website), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail.

If you need to change your photo, update your address, or your license is expired, you must go to an office in person.

What to do if you are moving to Florida from another state

Florida law gives you 30 days from the date you become a resident to get a Florida driver license. You do not have to wait until your out-of-state license expires. Bring your current out-of-state license to the DHSMV office — they will take it and issue your Florida license in exchange.

You will also need the same documents listed above: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Your lease or utility bill with your new Florida address counts as proof of residency.

If you are moving for work or school and your residency status is temporary, ask the DHSMV staff about how to document that, because it may affect which documents they accept.

Getting a replacement if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the DHSMV office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license: proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. You do not need to bring your old license because it is lost.

A replacement license costs less than a new license and is usually ready the same day or within a few days. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police and bring the report number with you, though it is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a REAL ID or is a regular driver license enough?

A regular Florida driver license works for driving and most everyday uses. You need a REAL ID only if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you are unsure whether you will need it, getting a REAL ID costs a little more but gives you the option.

Can I renew my license online?

Florida does not offer full online renewal, but you can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo or address. For all other renewals, you must visit an office in person or use the mail-in option if you meet the conditions.

What if I fail the vision test at the office?

If you fail the vision screening, the DHSMV will not issue your license until you bring a vision test result from an eye doctor. You can get this test at an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results back to the office to complete your license.

How long does it take to get my license after I explore?

If you explore in person, your license is usually issued the same day or within a few days. If you renew by mail, it takes about two weeks for processing plus mail delivery time. Check the DHSMV website for current processing times, as they can vary.

What if I moved but have not updated my address yet?

You can update your address at the DHSMV office when you renew or get a replacement. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) along with your other documents. You can also update your address online through the DHSMV website without getting a new license, though a new license with your current address is usually easier.