The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has one full-service Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office where you can renew, replace, or obtain a driver license. It is located at 1350 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. This office handles all standard driver license transactions, including new licenses, renewals, replacements for lost or damaged licenses, and address changes.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so calling ahead at (954) 765-4000 before you go is worth the time. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and early in the week tend to be less crowded than afternoons and Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fort Lauderdale DMV office is at 1350 East Las Olas Boulevard and handles all driver license services during business hours Monday through Friday.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to obtain or renew a license.
  • Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most transactions.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you can renew your license online through the Florida DMV website if you meet certain conditions, such as having a valid license that is not expired by more than six months.

What documents to bring

The documents you need depend on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one. For a new license, bring a valid form of identification (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing, you typically need your current license and proof of address if your address has changed.

For a replacement license due to loss or damage, bring a valid ID and proof of address. All documents must be originals or certified copies; the DMV does not accept photocopies. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring the court order or marriage certificate along with your other documents.

Fees and payment methods

Driver license fees in Florida vary by the type of transaction and the length of validity you choose. A standard eight-year license costs one amount, while a four-year license costs less. Renewal fees are lower than fees for a new license. The DMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards; call ahead to confirm current payment methods if you have questions.

If you are a Florida resident over 65, you may be may be able to access for a reduced-fee license. Bring proof of age and residency to learn whether you may have access to.

Online renewal and alternatives

If your current license is valid and not expired by more than six months, you can renew online through the official Florida DMV website without visiting an office. Online renewal is faster and requires no documents to be mailed. You will receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.

Online renewal is not available if your license is expired by more than six months, if you need to change your address, if you are getting a license for the first time, or if you have certain medical conditions that require in-person review. In those cases, you must visit the Fort Lauderdale office or another DMV location.

Parking and location details

The Fort Lauderdale DMV office is located on East Las Olas Boulevard, a major east-west street in the downtown area. Street parking is available but can be limited during business hours. A nearby parking garage or lot may be easier; the office staff can direct you to the closest paid parking when you call.

Public transportation is also an option; Broward County Transit buses serve the Las Olas Boulevard corridor. Check the Broward County Transit website or call 511 for current bus routes and schedules to the office.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine near the entrance. You will wait until your number is called, then proceed to a window to submit your documents and complete your transaction. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach a window, though the wait to be called can be longer during peak hours.

Bring all required documents in one place so you do not have to search through bags or pockets at the window. If any document is missing or unclear, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back. You cannot complete the transaction without all required paperwork, so it is better to verify everything before you go.

If you cannot visit the Fort Lauderdale office

Broward County has other DMV offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Plantation if the Fort Lauderdale location is inconvenient. Each office handles the same services and has similar hours. You can visit any Florida DMV office to conduct your business; you do not have to use the one closest to your home.

If you live outside Broward County but need to renew your license while in the area, you can use the Fort Lauderdale office. Bring the same documents you would bring in your home county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Fort Lauderdale DMV office?

No appointment is required. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis using a ticket number system. However, you can call (954) 765-4000 to ask about current wait times before you go, which may help you choose the best time to visit.

Can I get a Real ID at the Fort Lauderdale DMV office?

Yes. A Real ID is a federally compliant form of identification required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs more than a standard license and requires additional documents, such as proof of citizenship. Bring your passport or birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have my number memorized?

Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or to confirm your number. You will need your number or a replacement card to obtain a driver license. The Social Security office can mail you a new card, though it takes one to two weeks.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No, you cannot renew an expired license online. You must visit the Fort Lauderdale DMV office in person to renew a license that has been expired for more than six months. Bring all documents as if you were obtaining a new license.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I visit the office?

You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, ask the staff whether expedited mail service is available for an additional fee.