Where to go for your driver license in Pompano Beach

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs all driver license services in Pompano Beach. You cannot get a license at City Hall or the police department — you must visit a DHSMV office or an authorized third-party location.

Pompano Beach has one DHSMV office located at 1350 South Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, FL 33062. This office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. Hours vary by day, so check the DHSMV website or call ahead before you go — wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon.

If the Pompano Beach office has a long wait, you can visit any other DHSMV office in Broward County or Florida. Your location does not matter; the system is statewide. Some people find shorter waits at smaller offices in nearby cities, though you will still need to bring the same documents.

Key Takeaways

  • The DHSMV office in Pompano Beach is at 1350 South Federal Highway, and it is the only place in the city that issues driver licenses.
  • You will need a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the exact documents depend on whether you are getting a new license or renewing.
  • Renewals by mail are available if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations, so you may not need to visit in person.
  • The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and take a number; arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.
  • Fees vary by license type and whether you choose a standard or REAL ID license, which affects whether you can use it for federal travel.

Documents you need for a new license

Florida requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot use the same document for more than one category, so bring at least three separate items.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver license. A birth certificate alone is not enough — it must be paired with another ID. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents like a school ID plus a bank statement, but the DHSMV website lists the exact combinations that work.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current Pompano Beach address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card bill counts if it shows your address. A post office mail forwarding notice does not count.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. A birth certificate does not prove your Social Security number.

Documents you need to renew by mail

If your Florida driver license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations in the past five years, you can renew by mail without visiting the office. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 6 months before your license expires.

To renew by mail, complete the form that came with your notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. You do not need to bring documents to prove your identity or residency — the DHSMV already has that information on file.

You cannot renew by mail if you need to change your name, address, or if your license was suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew by mail if you have had a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or certain other violations. If any of these explore, you must visit the office in person.

The difference between a standard license and a REAL ID

Florida offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The difference matters only if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building.

A standard license costs less and works for driving and most everyday purposes. Starting May 2025, you cannot use a standard license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal courthouse or military base — you will need a REAL ID or a passport instead.

A REAL ID license meets federal security standards and works for all of those purposes. It costs more than a standard license and requires you to bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency — the same documents listed above. The REAL ID license looks like a standard license but has a small star in the upper right corner.

If you are not sure which one you need, ask yourself: will I fly domestically or enter a federal building in the next five years? If yes, get the REAL ID. If no, the standard license is fine.

What to expect when you arrive at the office

The DHSMV office does not take appointments. You arrive, take a number from the ticket machine, and wait for your number to be called. Bring all your documents and be ready to wait — typical wait times range from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week.

When your number is called, a clerk will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. You will also take a vision test and a written test if you are getting a new license (not a renewal). The written test covers road signs and traffic laws; you can study using the DHSMV handbook, which is free online.

If you pass the vision and written tests, you will receive a temporary license on paper that day. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait.

Fees and payment methods

Driver license fees vary by license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard license valid for 8 years costs one amount; a REAL ID license valid for 8 years costs more. A 4-year license costs less than an 8-year license. The DHSMV website lists the exact current fees, as they change periodically.

The Pompano Beach office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order — the office cannot process credit cards by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Florida does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or you must visit the office in person. Some third-party vendors offer to handle the paperwork for you, but they charge a fee on top of the state fee.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Visit the DHSMV office and request a replacement. Bring the same documents you would need for a renewal. You will pay a replacement fee, which is usually less than a full renewal. You will receive a temporary license that day and the permanent one by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need an appointment?

No. The Pompano Beach DHSMV office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You arrive, take a number, and wait. Arriving early in the morning, on weekday mornings, or mid-week usually means a shorter wait than afternoons or Fridays.

What if I just moved to Pompano Beach?

You must update your address on your license within 30 days. Visit the DHSMV office with your current license and proof of your new Pompano Beach address. You do not need to take a new photo or retake the written test — the clerk will update your information and issue a new license with the same expiration date.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number to get a Florida driver license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. Bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration to the DHSMV office.