Where to get your driver license in Tamarac

Tamarac does not have its own Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office. To get a driver license, you will need to visit a DMV office in a nearby city. The closest options are in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, or Deerfield Beach — all within 10 to 15 minutes of Tamarac depending on traffic and which part of the city you are in.

You can find the exact address and hours of each office on the Florida DMV website at flhsmv.gov. The site also shows wait times at each location, updated throughout the day. Some offices are busier than others, so checking the wait time before you drive can save you time.

You can also renew your license online through the Florida DMV website if you are renewing (not getting your first license), your license is not suspended, and you meet other basic requirements. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than going in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Tamarac has no DMV office, so you will visit one in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, or Deerfield Beach instead.
  • The Florida DMV website shows wait times at each office, updated throughout the day, so you can choose the shortest line.
  • You will need to bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity — the exact list depends on whether you are getting your first license or renewing.
  • If you are renewing your license and it is not suspended, you may be able to renew online without visiting an office at all.

Documents you need to bring

What you bring depends on whether you are getting your first Florida license or renewing one you already have. For a first-time license, you will need your Social Security card (the physical card, not a number written down), proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address in Florida (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

You will also need to pass a vision test and a written test about traffic laws. The written test is offered in multiple languages. If you have a valid license from another state, you may not have to take the written test — ask at the counter when you arrive.

For renewal, the requirements are simpler: bring your current license and proof of your current address if your address has changed. If your license expired more than six months ago, you may have to take the written test again.

Getting your first Florida driver license

If you do not have a Florida license yet, you will start with a learner's permit. To get the permit, you go to the DMV office, pass the vision test, and pass the written test on traffic laws. The permit costs around $7 and lasts for one year. You can then drive with a licensed adult in the car.

After you have held the permit for at least one month, you can return to the DMV to take the driving test. Bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and have someone else drive it to the office (since you cannot drive there alone with just a permit). The driving test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic skills like parking, turning, and stopping.

Once you pass the driving test, you pay the license fee (currently around $48 for an eight-year license) and receive your license on the spot. The whole process from permit to license usually takes four to six weeks if you pass the driving test on your first try.

Renewing your license

If your Florida license is still valid or expired less than six months ago, you can renew it online through the Florida DMV website. Online renewal takes about five minutes, costs less than in-person renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in about one to two weeks.

To renew online, you will need your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, if you have unpaid traffic tickets, or if you are over 79 years old (drivers 80 and older must renew in person).

If you cannot renew online, go to the DMV office with your current license and proof of your current address if it has changed. In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs slightly more than online renewal.

What to expect at the DMV office

When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine near the entrance. The wait time shown on the screen is usually accurate within 10 to 15 minutes. Bring all your documents in a folder so you do not have to search through your bag when it is your turn.

The staff member at the counter will check your documents, ask you to sign forms, and take your photo. If you are getting your first license or your license is expired, they may ask you to step to the vision testing station. The whole visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes from the time you take your number, though it can be longer during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).

If you fail the vision test or written test, you can usually retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is a fee to retake the test, usually around $7 to $10.

Fees and payment

Driver license fees vary depending on what you are doing. A new eight-year license costs around $48. A renewal costs around $48. A learner's permit costs around $7. A duplicate license (if yours is lost or damaged) costs around $25. These prices can change, so check the Florida DMV website for the current fee schedule.

The DMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may not accept checks. If you are paying online for renewal, you can use a debit or credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID at the Tamarac DMV?

Tamarac has no DMV office, so you will get your Real ID at a DMV office in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, or Deerfield Beach. A Real ID costs a bit more than a standard license and requires extra documents (usually a passport or birth certificate plus proof of address). The process takes the same amount of time as a regular license.

How long does it take to get a license if I am moving to Tamarac from out of state?

If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can exchange it for a Florida license without taking the written test (in most cases). Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address in Tamarac. The exchange takes about 30 minutes and costs around $48. Your new license arrives by mail in one to two weeks.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is a fee to retake it, usually around $10. Most people pass on the second try. You keep your learner's permit while you practice and schedule the next test.

Can I renew my license by mail?

Florida does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the Florida DMV website, or you can renew in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is faster and cheaper than going to the office.

What if my address changed since I got my last license?

Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) when you renew. If you are renewing online, you will enter your new address during the process. If you are renewing in person, show the proof to the staff member at the counter.