Where to go and what to bring in Broward County

In Broward County, you renew your driver's license at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, not at a local courthouse or sheriff's office. The county has multiple locations, and you can visit any of them — you do not have to go to the one nearest your home. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale, but there are also offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other cities throughout the county.

Bring your current Florida driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). 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. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office, so bring any glasses or contacts you wear while driving.

If you are renewing by mail or online instead of in person, the documents you need are different. The DMV website for Broward County lists which renewal method works for your situation and what each one requires.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew at any DMV office in Broward County, and the process takes about 30 minutes once you arrive.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • If your name has changed, bring the certified document that shows the change — a marriage certificate or court order.
  • You will take a vision test at the office, so bring glasses or contacts if you use them while driving.
  • Broward County DMV offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting.

How long the renewal takes and when your new license arrives

If you renew in person at a Broward County DMV office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use to drive when ready. Your permanent plastic license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, keep the temporary license with you while driving — it is valid and counts as proof of your license status.

The actual time you spend at the DMV office is usually 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the location is. If you arrive early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon, you are more likely to have a shorter wait. If you schedule an appointment online through the Florida DMV website, you can reduce the wait time further.

Broward County DMV office locations and hours

The main DMV office in Broward County is located in Fort Lauderdale at 1350 East Las Olas Boulevard. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Deerfield Beach office is at 1200 East Hillsboro Boulevard, and the Pompano Beach office is at 1900 North Federal Highway. Each location has slightly different hours, so check the Florida DMV website before you go.

All Broward County DMV offices are closed on Sundays and state holidays. If you cannot visit during regular hours, you may be able to renew online or by mail instead, depending on whether your license meets the requirements for those methods.

Renewing online or by mail instead of in person

Florida allows some drivers to renew by mail or online without visiting a DMV office. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, your name has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a temporary paper license, so if your current license is about to expire, plan ahead so your new one arrives before you need to drive.

Mail renewal is also an option for some drivers. You fill out the renewal form, include copies of your documents, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — usually 2 to 3 weeks — because the DMV has to process your documents and then mail your new license back to you.

What happens if your license is expired or about to expire

If your Florida driver's license has already expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DMV office in Broward County or another county in Florida. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal, plus your expired license.

If your license expires within 30 days, you can still renew online if you meet the other requirements. However, if you are waiting for your new license to arrive by mail and your current one expires before it gets there, you will not be able to drive legally. For this reason, renew at least 4 to 6 weeks before your expiration date if you are using mail or online renewal.

The cost of renewing in Broward County

The cost of a Florida driver's license renewal depends on how long you want the license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs one amount, and an eight-year renewal costs more. The exact fee varies slightly by year, so check the Florida DMV website for the current price. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office.

If you renew online, the fee is slightly lower than renewing in person because the state does not have to print and mail a temporary license. If you renew by mail, the fee is the same as in-person renewal.

What to do if you have a commercial driver's license or special endorsement

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with special endorsements — such as a motorcycle endorsement or hazmat endorsement — the renewal process is different. You cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Broward County DMV office and may need to take a written test or skills test depending on your endorsement type.

Bring all the documents listed above, plus any documents related to your endorsement. If you are unsure whether your license requires a test, call the Broward County DMV office before you go, or check the Florida DMV website for your specific endorsement type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. To renew a Florida driver's license, you must have a current Florida address. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state instead. If you have moved within Florida but to a different county, you can still renew at any DMV office in the state, including Broward County.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need the card itself — you just need proof of your Social Security number. A W-2, 1099, or tax return with your Social Security number on it counts as proof. You can also bring a letter from the Social Security Administration if you have one.

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

No, walk-ins are accepted at all Broward County DMV offices. However, scheduling an appointment online through the Florida DMV website usually means a shorter wait. You can schedule an appointment up to 30 days in advance.

What if my temporary paper license gets lost or damaged before my new one arrives?

You can request a replacement temporary license at any Broward County DMV office. Bring your identification and explain that your temporary license was lost or damaged. There is usually a small fee for a replacement.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must be present at the DMV office to renew your license in person because you need to take a vision test and have your photo taken. If you cannot visit in person, your only option is to renew online or by mail, if you meet the requirements for those methods.