Where to renew your Broward driver license
In Broward County, you renew your driver 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 process your renewal. The main offices are in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs, though smaller satellite offices exist in other cities.
You can find the exact address and hours of the office nearest you on the DHSMV website. Each location keeps different hours, and some close for lunch, so check before you go. Walk-in service is available at all locations, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week — mornings and weekdays typically have shorter lines than afternoons and weekends.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew at any DHSMV office in Broward County, and you do not need an appointment, though one can reduce your wait time.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- Standard renewals take about 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is expired by more than a certain period, you may need to retake the written test or vision test, so renew before expiration when possible.
- You can also renew online through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions, such as having a valid Social Security number and no medical restrictions.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your current driver license to the DHSMV office. If you cannot find it, bring a government-issued photo ID instead. You also need proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and current Broward address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Have your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ready. The DHSMV will verify it during your renewal. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The renewal process at the office
When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine or check in at the front desk. You will wait until your number is called. At the window, hand the clerk your current license and proof of residency. They will ask you to confirm your address, vision correction needs, and whether anything on your license has changed.
You will have your photo taken for the new license. The clerk will also ask you to sign a form confirming the information on your license is correct. If your vision has changed significantly or if your license has been expired for a long time, you may need to take a vision test or written test — the clerk will tell you if this applies. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
You will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail at your Broward address within 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
Renewing online instead of in person
The DHSMV allows some people to renew online through its website without visiting an office. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number, you have no medical restrictions noted on your license, and you have not changed your address. You will need a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You upload a new photo, confirm your information, and pay the fee. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, just as it would after an in-person renewal. If you do not meet the online requirements, you must renew in person at a Broward DHSMV office.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a standard four-year or eight-year license varies depending on which type you hold and whether you are renewing online or in person. Check the DHSMV website for the exact current fee, as it changes periodically. At the office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. Online, you must use a debit or credit card.
If you are renewing early — before your current license expires — you may be able to extend the expiration date of your new license to align with your original expiration date, which can save you money. Ask the clerk about this option when you renew.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for less than six months, you can renew it at any DHSMV office in Broward using the same process as a standard renewal. If it has been expired for more than six months, you will need to retake the written test and vision test, and you may need to provide additional documents. The process takes longer and costs more.
If your license expired more than a year ago, you may need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which involves a full process process including a road test. To avoid this, renew before your expiration date or within six months after it passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Broward DHSMV office?
No, walk-ins are accepted at all locations. However, you can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website to reduce your wait time. Appointments are often available within a few days.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes, an outstanding ticket does not prevent renewal. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Check your license status on the DHSMV website first.
What if I moved to Broward from another state and need to convert my out-of-state license?
You must explore for a new Florida license rather than renew. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Broward, proof of Social Security number, and proof of legal presence in the United States. The process is similar to renewal but includes a written test and vision test.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
The temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary gives you time to receive it. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV office where you renewed.
Can I renew my license if I wear corrective lenses?
Yes. If you wear glasses or contacts, tell the clerk during your renewal. Your license will be marked to show that corrective lenses are required for driving. You must wear them whenever you drive.