Where the Lauderdale Lakes DMV office is located and what it handles
The Lauderdale Lakes DMV office is a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) location that issues driver licenses, handles renewals, and processes ID cards. It is located in Lauderdale Lakes, a city in Broward County in South Florida. This office serves residents of Lauderdale Lakes and surrounding areas who need in-person DMV services.
Not all DMV transactions can be done at every office. The Lauderdale Lakes location handles standard driver license issuance, renewals, replacements, and address changes. Some services — like commercial driver license (CDL) testing or certain specialized permits — may require you to visit a different DHSMV office, so it is worth confirming what you need before you go.
Key Takeaways
- The Lauderdale Lakes DMV office issues and renews Florida driver licenses and ID cards for residents in that area.
- You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to most transactions.
- Hours and wait times vary by day and season; calling ahead or checking the DHSMV website before you visit saves time.
- You can renew your license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions, which may be faster than visiting in person.
- The office address and phone number are available on the official Florida DHSMV website, not through third-party sites.
What documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one. For a new driver license, you will need proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office.
For a renewal, the requirements are simpler if you are renewing by mail or online — you typically only need your current license and a payment method. If you are renewing in person at the Lauderdale Lakes office, bring your current license and proof of residency. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address as well.
Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, for identity and residency documents. The DHSMV website lists the full set of acceptable documents for each type of transaction, so check there before you visit to avoid a wasted trip.
How to find the exact address and phone number
The official Florida DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) has a location finder tool where you can search for the Lauderdale Lakes office by city or zip code. This tool shows the street address, phone number, hours of operation, and which services are available at that location. Using the official website ensures you have the correct, current information.
You can also call the Lauderdale Lakes DMV office directly to ask about wait times, confirm that the service you need is available that day, or ask what documents you should bring. Many offices post estimated wait times on their websites or through the DHSMV app, which can help you decide whether to go when ready or return at a quieter time.
When to visit and how long to expect to wait
DMV offices are typically busiest on weekday mornings and early afternoons. Mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) and late afternoon hours often have shorter waits than Monday or Friday. If you can visit during off-peak times, you will likely spend less time waiting.
Wait times at the Lauderdale Lakes office vary by season and day. During back-to-school season (July and August) and around license renewal important date, waits can be longer. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times, or checking the DHSMV website or mobile app for real-time estimates, helps you plan your visit.
Many people wait 30 minutes to an hour at busy times, though some transactions move faster than others. Bringing all required documents the first time is the single biggest factor in keeping your visit short — incomplete applications send people back home to get paperwork.
Renewing your license without visiting the office
If your Florida driver license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions, you may be able to renew online or by mail without going to the Lauderdale Lakes office. Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest option and takes a few minutes. By-mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit.
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your photo, if you are changing your name, or if you are over a certain age (the age limit varies). The DHSMV website has a tool that tells you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal before you start the process.
If you are may be able to access and choose to renew online, you will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card and receive your new license by mail within a few weeks. This route avoids the office visit and the wait time entirely.
What to do if you cannot visit in person
If you live outside Broward County or cannot reach the Lauderdale Lakes office, you can visit any other Florida DHSMV office. Every county has at least one office, and many have multiple locations. The DHSMV location finder shows all offices near you, regardless of which county you live in.
If you are out of state or unable to visit any office, online or mail renewal (if you are may be able to access) is your option. Some transactions — like a name change or a suspension clearance — may require an in-person visit to any DHSMV office, not just Lauderdale Lakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment at the Lauderdale Lakes DMV office?
Most Florida DMV offices, including Lauderdale Lakes, operate on a first-come, first-served basis without appointments. However, some offices have begun offering appointment slots during certain hours. Check the DHSMV website or call the Lauderdale Lakes office directly to see whether appointments are available and how to request one.
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes, you can renew an expired license, but you must do so in person at a DMV office — you cannot renew online or by mail once it has expired. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will also need to pass the vision test again.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You can bring other proof of your Social Security number instead, such as a W-2, tax return, or bank statement showing your full SSN. You do not need the card itself. The DHSMV website lists all acceptable documents for proof of Social Security number.
How much does a driver license cost at the Lauderdale Lakes office?
The fee for a Florida driver license varies depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one, and how long the license is valid for. The DHSMV website shows current fees. Bring cash, check, or a debit or credit card — accepted payment methods may vary by office, so call ahead if you want to confirm.
Can I get a Real ID at the Lauderdale Lakes DMV office?
Yes, the Lauderdale Lakes office issues Real ID-compliant driver licenses and ID cards. Real ID requires additional documentation beyond a standard license — typically a passport, birth certificate, and proof of residency. The DHSMV website lists all Real ID requirements and the additional fee involved.