How to Renew Your Driver's License in Broward County

Where to renew your Broward driver's license

In Broward County, you renew your driver's license at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The county has multiple locations, so you do not have to go to a specific branch — any DHSMV office in Broward will handle your renewal. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale, but there are also locations in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other cities throughout the county.

You can find the exact address and hours of each office on the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). Hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch, so check before you go. Many offices get busy in the afternoon and on Fridays, so arriving early in the morning typically means a shorter wait.

If you want to avoid going in person, Florida also allows online renewal for some drivers. You can renew online through the DHSMV website if your license is not suspended, you have not had certain violations, and your license is not expiring for a medical reason. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

Key Takeaways

You can renew at any DHSMV office in Broward County, not just one specific location.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or an ITIN.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website is faster and cheaper if your license meets the requirements, but not all drivers are may be able to access.
Renewing before your license expires keeps you legal to drive and avoids the need to pay a late fee if you let it lapse.
Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept credit cards, and some have ATMs on-site if you need cash.

What documents you need to bring

You will need your current driver's license as your primary form of identification. If your license has been lost or stolen, bring a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead. The DHSMV staff will not accept a photo from your phone or a digital copy on your computer.

You also need proof that you live in Florida. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement is not accepted as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring a card — you can straightforward tell the staff your number. If you do not have either, you will need to bring additional documents, so call ahead to ask what the DHSMV office needs.

The cost and how long it takes

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal in Florida costs $75 if you renew in person at a DHSMV office. If you renew online, the cost is $48. If you are 65 or older, renewal costs $10 for four years in person or $7 online. Military members on active duty can renew for free.

In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 45 minutes from the time you arrive, depending on how busy the office is. You will get a temporary paper license to drive home with, and your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an extra fee for expedited mail, though this is rarely necessary.

Online renewal is faster — you finish in about 10 minutes and receive your new license by mail in the same timeframe. You can drive legally while you wait for the plastic card to arrive because the online system updates your record when ready.

When you cannot renew online

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have unpaid traffic violations or criminal convictions on your record, or if your license is expiring because of a medical condition or court order. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information beyond what the online system allows.

If you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed significantly, you may need to renew in person so the DHSMV can verify your vision. Drivers who are renewing after a suspension or revocation should call the DHSMV before going in person to confirm what documents they need to bring.

What happens at your appointment

When you arrive at the DHSMV office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called, then go to a window where a staff member will review your documents. They will ask you to verify your address and confirm that the information on your current license is still correct.

You will have your photo taken for your new license unless you are renewing online. The photo is taken at the DHSMV office, so you cannot bring your own. You will also take a vision test — the staff will ask you to read letters on a chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test.

After your photo and vision test, you will pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license. The staff will tell you when to expect your plastic license in the mail. If there are any issues with your process, the staff will let you know before you leave.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your driver's license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early does not cost extra — you pay the same fee whether you renew one month early or on the day it expires. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew (or four years if you are 65 or older), not from the date your old license would have expired.

Renewing early is useful if you know you will be busy or out of state when your license is about to expire. It also means you will not accidentally drive with an expired license if you forget the expiration date. If you let your license expire and then drive, you can be stopped and cited, even if you were only driving for a day or two after the expiration date.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at a DHSMV office in Broward. You cannot renew an expired license online — you must go in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

There is no penalty fee for renewing an expired license in Florida, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you were stopped while driving with an expired license, you would be cited. Once you renew, your new license is valid for the full eight-year term (or four years if you are 65 or older).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Broward driver's license by mail?

No. Florida does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must either renew online through the DHSMV website or go in person to a DHSMV office in Broward County. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access.

What if I moved to Broward from another state?

You will need to get a Florida driver's license rather than renew your out-of-state license. This is a new license, not a renewal, so you will need to bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Florida, your Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of your legal name (such as a birth certificate if your name has changed). Go to any DHSMV office in Broward to start the process.

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

Most DHSMV offices in Broward do not require appointments for driver's license renewal. You can walk in during business hours and take a number. However, some offices offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the DHSMV website or call ahead to see if your local office has appointments available.

What if I have a commercial driver's license?

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different renewal rules than regular licenses. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office and may need to pass additional tests. Call the Broward DHSMV office or visit the website to confirm what documents and tests you need before you go.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must be present in person to renew your driver's license in Florida. The DHSMV needs to take your photo and conduct a vision test, which only you can do. If you are unable to go to an office, online renewal may be an option if you meet the requirements.

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.