Where to go for a driver license in Sunrise
Sunrise does not have its own Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office. The nearest location is the Broward County DMV office in Fort Lauderdale, about 10 miles away. You can visit in person at 1350 W. Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, or you can handle some transactions online through the official Florida DHSMV website.
If you need a replacement license, a renewal, or a name change, you may be able to complete the transaction without visiting an office. The Florida DHSMV website lets you renew online if your license is not expired by more than six months and you meet other conditions. For a first-time license or a test, you must visit a DMV office in person.
Key Takeaways
- The nearest DMV office to Sunrise is in Fort Lauderdale at 1350 W. Cypress Creek Road, about 10 miles north.
- You can renew an expired license online through the Florida DHSMV website if your license expired less than six months ago.
- A first-time driver license or a driving test requires an in-person visit to a DMV office.
- Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to your appointment.
- The Fort Lauderdale office accepts walk-ins, but wait times are shorter if you schedule an appointment online first.
What documents you need to bring
Florida requires specific documents for a driver license. Bring one form of primary identification — a passport, military ID, or birth certificate — plus one proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. You will also need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
If you are explore for the first time, bring proof that you have completed a driver education course if you are under 18. Bring your current out-of-state license if you are transferring from another state. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
How to schedule an appointment at the Fort Lauderdale office
You can schedule an appointment online through the Florida DHSMV website without calling. Go to the appointment scheduling page, select the Fort Lauderdale location, choose the service you need (renewal, replacement, first-time license), and pick an available date and time. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance, especially on weekends and after 2 p.m. on weekdays.
Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait two to four hours during peak times. If you cannot schedule online or need help, you can call the DMV customer service line at 1-844-435-7352. Have your driver license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and submit your documents. A staff member will verify your identity and residency, take your photograph, and collect your fee. For a first-time license, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and then a driving test with an examiner. For a renewal or replacement, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Your temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to your address. The permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.
Fees and payment methods
A first-time driver license costs $48 and is valid for eight years. A renewal costs $48 for eight years or $20 for four years. A replacement license (if yours is lost or damaged) costs $25. The Fort Lauderdale office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted.
If you are over 65, you may be charged a lower renewal fee. If you are a military member or veteran, you may be charged a reduced fee for certain transactions. Ask the staff member at the counter whether you may have access to for any discount.
Renewing your license online instead
If your license expired less than six months ago, you can renew it online through the Florida DHSMV website without visiting an office. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online renewal costs $48 and takes about 10 minutes.
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than six months ago, if you need to change your address, or if you have medical conditions that require a vision or medical exam. In those cases, you must visit the Fort Lauderdale office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver license in Sunrise itself?
No. Sunrise has no DMV office. The nearest location is the Broward County office in Fort Lauderdale, about 10 miles away. You can renew online if your license expired less than six months ago, but a first-time license or test requires an in-person visit to Fort Lauderdale.
How long does it take to get a driver license after my visit?
Your temporary license is printed when ready and is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card is mailed to your address and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV to check the status of your order.
What if I moved to Sunrise from another state?
Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Sunrise dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number. The Fort Lauderdale office will transfer your license to Florida. You do not need to take a written or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times are often two to four hours during peak times. Scheduling an appointment online through the Florida DHSMV website is faster and free. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. Each retake costs $10. You have up to three attempts within a certain period before you must wait and reapply. Ask the examiner about the rules for retesting when you fail.