Where to renew your Broward driver license

You can renew your Florida driver license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, but Broward County has multiple locations. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale, and there are also satellite offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other parts of the county. You do not have to go to the office nearest your home — any DHSMV location in Florida will process your renewal.

Before you go, check the DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm current hours and wait times. Some offices have longer waits than others, and hours can change seasonally. You can also renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, which may save you a trip entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any DHSMV office in Broward County, by mail if your license is not suspended, or online if your license is not expired more than five years.
  • Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • In-person renewal takes about 15 to 45 minutes depending on the office and time of day, and you will get a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed.
  • The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license or $25 for a four-year license, and you can pay by cash, debit, or credit card at the office.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of your visit or approval.

What documents you need to bring

You will need your current Florida driver license, proof of your current address in Broward County, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. For proof of address, bring one of these: a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If your current license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an office in person. Bring whatever identification you have instead: a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card will work. The staff will help you through the process, but it will take longer than a standard renewal.

Renewing online or by mail instead of in person

You can renew online through the DHSMV website if your current license has not expired more than five years ago and you have no suspensions or restrictions. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $75, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.

You can also renew by mail if your license is not suspended and has not expired more than five years ago. Request a renewal form from the DHSMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for $75 and a copy of your proof of address. Mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail, which is slower than in-person or online, so plan ahead if you need your license soon.

What happens during an in-person renewal visit

When you arrive at the DHSMV office, take a number and wait to be called. You will give the clerk your documents and answer questions about your address, medical conditions, and whether you have any traffic violations or suspensions. The clerk will take a new photo and ask you to sign a form confirming your information is correct.

The whole process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the renewal fee ($75 for eight years or $25 for four years) by cash, debit, or credit card. Before you leave, the clerk will give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Use this temporary license to drive legally until your new one arrives.

When your new license will arrive

After your in-person renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed online or by mail, add 4 to 6 weeks for mail processing before the license is even mailed to you.

If your license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DHSMV to check the status. You can use your temporary paper license to drive during this wait. Do not throw away your old license until the new one arrives — keep both until you have the new one in hand.

Fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver license renewal costs $75. If you choose a four-year license instead, the fee is $25. You pay at the DHSMV office during your visit if you renew in person. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card on the website. If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order with your form.

The DHSMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards for in-person payments. Some offices may have limits on cash transactions, so bringing a card is safer. There are no additional fees for renewal — the price you see is the total cost.

What to do if your license is suspended or expired more than five years

If your Florida driver license is suspended, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. Bring all the documents listed above, plus any paperwork related to the suspension (court documents, proof of payment, or proof that the suspension has been lifted). The office staff will check your status and tell you what you need to do before you can renew.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to take a written test and vision test in addition to the renewal process. You can still do this at any DHSMV office in Broward. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal, and plan for a longer visit — usually 45 minutes to an hour. You will not be able to renew online or by mail in this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Broward driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew (or four years if you choose the shorter term). There is no penalty for renewing early, and it can be useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.

What if I moved to Broward from another state?

You will need to exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida license rather than renew it. Go to any DHSMV office in Broward with your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Broward, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. The process is similar to renewal, but you will take a new written test and vision test. The fee is the same: $75 for eight years or $25 for four years.

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

Most Broward DHSMV offices do not require appointments for renewal — you take a number and wait. However, some offices offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DHSMV website for your preferred office location to see if appointments are available. Even with an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

What if I have a commercial driver license (CDL)?

CDL renewals follow different rules and cannot be done online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and may need to take a written test depending on your endorsements. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee varies based on your endorsements, so ask the office for the exact cost when you arrive.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must be present in person to renew your driver license in Florida. The DHSMV requires your signature and a new photo. You cannot mail someone else's license or send a family member to renew it on your behalf. If you are unable to visit an office, your only option is to renew online if you meet the requirements.