How to Renew Your Driver's License in Broward County

Where to go and what to bring in Broward County

In Broward County, you renew your driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The county has multiple locations — the main office is in Fort Lauderdale, but there are also offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other cities. You can find the full list and hours on the DHSMV website or by calling 1-888-487-4357.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing by mail or online, the requirements are slightly different, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

Broward County DHSMV offices are located in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other cities throughout the county.
You will need your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number to renew in person.
Florida allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired more than five years, which is faster than visiting an office.
If you renew online or by mail, you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Vision tests are required in person but waived if you renew online, so choose the method that works best for your schedule.

Renewing online instead of in person

The fastest way to renew in Broward County is online through the DHSMV website, if you are not may be able to access to renew by mail. You can renew online if your license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and you are not changing your address. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.

Go to the DHSMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail from Broward County

You can renew by mail if your license is not expired more than five years and you meet the same conditions as online renewal — no medical conditions, no address change, and no name change. Mail renewal takes longer than online but requires no trip to an office.

Call the DHSMV at 1-888-487-4357 or visit the website to request a renewal form. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency. Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 to 15 business days from the date DHSMV receives your process. Keep your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a Broward County office

If you cannot renew online or by mail — for example, if your license expired more than five years ago, you have a medical condition, or you are changing your address — you must visit a DHSMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number. You will also take a vision test and have your photo taken.

Arrive early or check wait times on the DHSMV website before you go. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This means you will need to take the written test and the driving test again, not just the vision test. You will also need to provide proof of residency and your Social Security number, the same as renewal.

Contact a Broward County DHSMV office to schedule a test appointment. The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs. The driving test is conducted by an examiner who rides with you in your own vehicle. Both tests must be passed before you receive your new license. This process takes longer than renewal and costs more, so if your license is close to five years expired, renewing now is faster.

Fees and what to expect after renewal

The renewal fee for a standard driver's license in Florida is $75 for an eight-year license. If you are over 80 years old, the fee is lower and the license is valid for a shorter period. Payment methods vary by location — in-person offices take cash, check, and card; online renewal takes credit or debit card only; mail renewal requires check or money order.

After you renew, your new license will arrive by mail. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary license when ready and the permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed online or by mail, you will receive only the permanent license by mail. Do not throw away your old license until the new one arrives — you may need it as proof of identity. Once the new license arrives, destroy the old one or return it to a DHSMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Broward County license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You will need to report the loss and get a replacement before you can renew. Contact a Broward County DHSMV office to request a replacement license. You will need proof of identity and residency. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it when ready if you wish, or wait until closer to the expiration date.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Broward County office?

Most DHSMV offices in Broward County do not require appointments for license renewal. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling — check the DHSMV website for your nearest location to see if appointments are available.

How long does my temporary license last if I renew in person?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license is a backup in case the permanent one is delayed. Once the permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid.

What if my address changed since my last license?

If you changed your address, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a Broward County DHSMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number. The office will update your address and issue your new license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.