Where to go for your driver's license in Broward County
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs all driver's license services in Broward County. You cannot get a license from Broward County government itself — you must go to a DHSMV office, and the county has multiple locations spread across Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other cities. Each office handles the same services, so you can choose whichever is closest to you or has shorter wait times.
DHSMV also lets you handle some tasks online or by mail, depending on what you need. A renewal for someone with a valid license works differently from a first-time license, and a replacement for a lost or stolen card works differently again. The route you take depends on your situation.
Key Takeaways
- DHSMV offices in Broward County handle all driver's license services; you can visit any location in the county regardless of where you live.
- You will need to bring a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any in-person visit.
- License renewals can often be done online or by mail if your license is still valid and you have no medical restrictions.
- First-time licenses and replacements for lost or suspended licenses require an in-person visit and a written test.
- Wait times at DHSMV offices vary by location and time of day; calling ahead or checking online can tell you current wait times.
What documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on whether you are getting a license for the first time, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost card. For any in-person visit, bring a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license), proof that you live in Florida, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. A document dated within the last 60 days works best. If you are renewing by mail or online, you typically need only your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number — no documents required upfront, though DHSMV may ask for more later.
For a first-time license, you will also need to show proof of your date of birth (birth certificate, passport, or certified court record) and proof of your legal name if it differs from your birth certificate (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
Renewing your license online or by mail
If your current Florida driver's license is still valid and you have no medical restrictions or suspensions, you can renew online through the DHSMV website without visiting an office. You will need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you prefer to renew by mail, read the process form from the DHSMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, if you have medical restrictions that need updating, or if you want to change your address, name, or organ donor status. In those cases, you must visit an office in person.
Getting a first-time license or replacing a lost one
A first-time driver's license requires an in-person visit to a DHSMV office in Broward County. You will take a written test covering Florida traffic laws and road signs, then a vision test, and finally a photo. Bring all the documents listed above — proof of identity, residency, date of birth, and legal name. The office will verify your information against state records before you test.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must also visit in person. You do not retake the written test for a replacement, only the vision test and photo. Bring your ID and proof of residency. The replacement fee is lower than a renewal fee. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension through the court or DHSMV (depending on the reason), then visit an office to reinstate it. Call the DHSMV customer service line or visit the website to find out what you owe or what steps you must take before you can get a new license.
DHSMV office locations and hours in Broward County
Broward County has DHSMV offices in Fort Lauderdale (the main office), Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs. Hours vary by location but most open at 8:00 a.m. and close between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some offices have reduced Saturday hours. The DHSMV website lists all locations, hours, and current wait times.
Wait times can range from 30 minutes to over two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning visits (right when the office opens) and mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) tend to have shorter waits. Friday afternoons and the first and last days of the month are typically busier. You can check wait times online before you go, or call the office directly.
You do not need an appointment at most DHSMV offices — you walk in and take a number. However, some locations offer online appointment scheduling through the DHSMV website. Booking a time slot can save you from waiting in line, though appointment slots fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year driver's license costs $75 in Florida. A four-year license (for certain age groups or circumstances) costs $45. A replacement for a lost or stolen license costs $25. Renewal fees are the same as the original license fee. DHSMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order.
If you cannot afford the fee, ask the DHSMV office whether a fee waiver or reduction is available in your situation. Some offices have hardship programs, though availability varies. Call ahead to ask before you visit.
What happens after you pass the test
Once you pass the written and vision tests, the DHSMV office will take your photo and print your temporary license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail. Your permanent license will come within 7 to 10 business days.
Check your mail carefully — the license arrives in a plain envelope and is straightforward to miss. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact DHSMV to report it. If your address changes before the license arrives, update it through the DHSMV website or at an office so the card is not sent to the wrong place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes. Florida allows you to renew an expired license for up to five years after expiration. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you must get a new license instead, which means taking the written test again. Visit a DHSMV office to find out whether your license can be renewed or must be replaced.
Do I need to take the written test again if I renew my license?
No. Renewals do not require a new written test. You only take the vision test and have a new photo taken. First-time licenses and licenses that have been suspended or revoked do require the written test.
What if I move to a different county in Florida?
You do not have to update your license when ready, but you should update your address within 30 days of moving. You can update your address online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or at any DHSMV office. Updating your address does not cost extra and does not require a new photo or test.
Can I get a Real ID license in Broward County?
Yes. A Real ID is a federal standard that lets you use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Getting a Real ID requires an in-person visit and additional documents (proof of citizenship or legal residency). The fee is the same as a regular license. Ask at any DHSMV office whether you need a Real ID or whether your current license already meets the standard.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay a retest fee. Study the Florida Driver Handbook (available free on the DHSMV website) before your next attempt. The handbook covers all topics on the test.