How to Renew Your Driver License in Fort Lauderdale

Where to go and what to bring in Fort Lauderdale

In Fort Lauderdale, you renew your driver license at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The main office serving Fort Lauderdale is located at 1000 Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064, which is about 10 miles north. You can also visit the office at 2601 East Oakland Park Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale itself, though hours and services vary by location.

Before you go, bring your current driver license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing online or by mail, the requirements are different, which we cover below.

You do not need an appointment at most DHSMV offices in Broward County, but you can reserve a time online through the DHSMV website to skip the walk-in line. Walk-in wait times vary widely depending on the day and time; early morning on a weekday is usually faster than afternoon or weekend visits.

Key Takeaways

Florida lets you renew your driver license in person at a DHSMV office, online through the state website, or by mail if you meet certain conditions.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not renewed online in the past four years, and you do not need to change your address or name.
By-mail renewal works only if your license expires more than three months away and you have not renewed by mail in the past four years.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after in-person renewal, or within 10 to 14 days after online or mail renewal.

Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the official DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.

You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if you have renewed online within the past four years, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are under 21. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked. The fee is $47.50 for a four-year renewal or $76.25 for an eight-year renewal, paid by credit or debit card during the process.

After you complete the online form, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail from Fort Lauderdale

Mail renewal is an option if your license does not expire for at least three more months, you have not renewed by mail in the past four years, and you do not need to change your address or name. You cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended, revoked, or already expired.

Request a mail renewal form by calling the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) or visiting a DHSMV office in person. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $47.50 (four-year) or $76.25 (eight-year), and mail it to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing takes 10 to 14 business days after the DHSMV receives your form. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid running out of time. You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one.

Renewing in person at a Fort Lauderdale DHSMV office

In-person renewal is the most straightforward option and works for anyone, regardless of when your license expires or how many times you have renewed online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number. If your name or address has changed, bring the document that proves it.

The DHSMV office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $47.50 for a four-year license or $76.25 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before the new license reaches you and your current license has expired, you can ask the DHSMV office for a temporary paper license to carry with you.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. Bring the same documents as for a regular renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

An expired license renewal costs the same as a regular renewal ($47.50 for four years or $76.25 for eight years) and takes the same amount of time. There is no penalty fee for renewing after expiration, though you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before then, ask the DHSMV office for a temporary paper license.

Renewing if your name or address has changed

If your name has changed since your last license, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office will update your records and issue a new license with your current name.

If only your address has changed, you can renew in person or by mail, but you cannot renew online. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days. If you renew by mail, include a copy of the proof of residency with your form.

How long the process takes and when to expect your new license

The timeline depends on which method you choose. In-person renewal is fastest: you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online and mail renewal take longer — your new license arrives within 10 to 14 business days after the DHSMV processes your request.

You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one, even if it has expired (as long as you have applied for renewal). If your current license expires before the new one arrives and you need to drive, ask the DHSMV office for a temporary paper license when you renew in person, or call 1-844-DL-RENEW to request one if you renewed online or by mail.

Check the status of your renewal online through the DHSMV website by entering your license number and date of birth. The system updates within one business day of the DHSMV receiving your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Fort Lauderdale driver license at any Florida DHSMV office?

Yes. You can renew at any DHSMV office in Florida, not just in Broward County. However, the office must be open and offering renewal services. Call ahead or check the DHSMV website to confirm hours and services at your chosen location.

What if I lost my current driver license?

You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must go to a DHSMV office in person and request a replacement license instead of a renewal. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The replacement costs $20 and takes the same time as a renewal.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew in person, yes — the DHSMV will take a new photo. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo stays on your license unless you request a new one. You can request a new photo at any time by visiting a DHSMV office.

What if my renewal is rejected online?

The online system will tell you why your renewal was rejected — usually because your information does not match state records, your license is expired, or you have already renewed online recently. If you cannot fix the issue, go to a DHSMV office in person to renew instead.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew normally.

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.