Where the Oakland Park Boulevard office is and what it handles

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) operates a driver license office on Oakland Park Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. This office issues new driver licenses, renews existing ones, handles license suspensions and reinstatements, and processes name changes on licenses. It does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those services are at separate offices.

The exact address and current hours are available on the DHSMV website under "Office Locator" or by calling the main DHSMV customer service line. Hours change seasonally and occasionally for maintenance, so confirming before you go saves a trip. The office typically operates during business hours Monday through Friday, with limited or no weekend service.

Key Takeaways

  • The Oakland Park Boulevard office handles driver license issuance, renewal, and reinstatement, but not vehicle registration or title services.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to get a new license.
  • The office uses a ticket system — you take a number when you arrive, and wait times vary from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the time of day and day of week.
  • You can renew your license online or by mail if you are not changing your address or license class, which is faster than visiting in person.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies; photocopies and digital photos on your phone are not accepted.

What documents you need to bring

Florida requires specific documents for a new driver license. You must bring one primary identification document — a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. A photocopy or image on your phone does not work; the office must see the original or a certified copy from the issuing agency.

You also need proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current Florida address. The document must be dated within 60 days of your visit. A bank statement or insurance bill counts if it shows your name and address.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the change.

How to prepare before you go

Complete the driver license process form (HSMV 80039) before you arrive. You can read it from the DHSMV website and bring it filled out, or fill it out at the office — but bringing it completed saves time. The form asks for your address, date of birth, medical history, and driving history.

Gather your documents in one place and check that they meet the requirements above. Expired documents do not work for primary identification, and documents older than 60 days do not work for residency proof. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, call the office before your visit rather than arriving unprepared.

Check the DHSMV website for any temporary closures or schedule changes. The Oakland Park Boulevard office occasionally closes for system maintenance or staffing adjustments, and the website is the fastest way to confirm it will be open when you plan to visit.

What happens when you arrive at the office

Take a ticket from the dispenser when you enter. The ticket shows your number and the current service number on the wall display. Wait in the seating area until your number is called. Depending on the time of day and how busy the office is, this can take 30 minutes or several hours — mornings on weekdays are typically faster than afternoons or Fridays.

When your number is called, go to the window and hand over your documents and completed process form. The staff member will verify your documents, ask you to confirm your information, and take your photograph and signature digitally. You will also take a vision test at the window.

If everything is in order, you will pay the license fee — the amount depends on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or reinstating, and how long you want the license to be valid. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Your temporary license prints when ready; your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

When to renew online or by mail instead

You can renew your driver license online through the DHSMV website if your license is not expired, you are not changing your address or license class, and you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer mail renewal, read the renewal form from the DHSMV website, complete it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but you do not have to visit an office.

You cannot renew online or by mail if you are getting a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time, if you are changing your address, if you are upgrading to a commercial license, or if you have a medical condition that requires review. In those cases, you must visit the Oakland Park Boulevard office or another DHSMV location in person.

If your license is suspended or revoked

A suspended or revoked license cannot be renewed — it must be reinstated. Reinstatement requires you to resolve the reason for the suspension first. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. You must contact DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you owe or what conditions you must meet.

Once you have resolved the issue, bring proof of resolution to the Oakland Park Boulevard office. This might be a receipt showing fines paid, a court order, or a letter from the agency that suspended your license. The staff will verify the suspension has been lifted and process your reinstatement. Reinstatement fees vary depending on the reason for the suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment instead of taking a ticket?

The Oakland Park Boulevard office does not offer appointment scheduling. You must arrive and take a ticket. However, DHSMV locations in other parts of Florida do offer appointments through the DHSMV website. If you want to avoid a long wait, check whether a nearby office with appointments is practical for you.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation showing your ITIN, such as a tax return or letter from the IRS. If you have neither, contact DHSMV before your visit to learn what alternatives may be available.

How long does a new driver license take to arrive in the mail?

Your permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you visit the office. You receive a temporary license to use when ready. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact DHSMV to check the status.

Can I get a REAL ID at the Oakland Park Boulevard office?

Yes. A REAL ID-compliant license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). The fee is slightly higher than a standard license. Your REAL ID license works for domestic air travel and federal building access.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Report the loss or theft to DHSMV and bring a police report if you have one. You can get a replacement at the Oakland Park Boulevard office by bringing your primary ID, proof of residency, and the replacement fee. A replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.