Where to renew your license in Broward County
In Broward County, you can renew your driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, but the county has several locations to choose from. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale, but there are also offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other cities throughout the county. You do not have to go to the office closest to your home — any DHSMV office in Florida will process your renewal.
Before you go to any office, check the DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm current hours and whether the location is accepting walk-ins or requires an appointment. Some offices have moved or changed their schedules, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines than afternoons or Fridays.
You also have the option to renew by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must be at least 80 years old, or you must have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office. Mail renewal takes longer but saves you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew at any DHSMV office in Broward County; the main Fort Lauderdale office is not your only choice.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or proof of it.
- In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, but wait times depend on how busy the office is that day.
- If you are 80 or older, or if your license expired more than five years ago, you may be able to renew by mail instead of visiting an office.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit; you can drive on your old license until it arrives.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your current Florida driver's license. If you have lost it or it was stolen, tell the DHSMV staff when you arrive — they will process your renewal differently and may charge an additional fee for a replacement card.
You will also need proof of your current address in Broward County. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A government-issued ID from another state does not count as proof of residency, even if it shows your current address. If you have recently moved and your utility bill is not yet in your name, bring a lease or rental agreement instead.
Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it — your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized and do not have a document with it, the DHSMV office can look it up if you provide your date of birth and other identifying information, but this may slow down your visit.
What happens during your renewal visit
When you arrive, 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, ask you to verify your address and other information, and take a new photo if your current license photo is more than eight years old. If your photo is recent enough, they may not take a new one.
You will pay the renewal fee — the cost depends on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The staff member will tell you the fee before you pay. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.
After you pay, you will receive a receipt. Your new physical license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can legally drive on your old license until your new one arrives, so you do not need to wait at the office for anything else.
Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office
If you are 80 years old or older, your license expired more than five years ago, or you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office, you may renew by mail. read the process form from the DHSMV website (form HSMV 82053) or request one by calling the DHSMV customer service line.
Mail the completed form along with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency — the original will not be returned to you. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your packet, so send it well before your license expires if you plan to drive.
If you are renewing by mail because of a medical condition, you will need a statement from a licensed physician on official letterhead explaining why you cannot visit an office in person. This adds time to the process, so plan ahead.
If your license is already expired
You can still renew an expired license at any DHSMV office in Broward County. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal — your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or proof of it. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, so do not delay if you need to drive before your new license arrives.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may have to take a written test or a driving test in addition to the renewal process. The DHSMV staff will tell you whether this applies to you when you arrive. If you do have to test, plan for a longer visit — testing can add 30 minutes to an hour to your time at the office.
Renewing online or through third-party services
Florida does not offer online renewal of driver's licenses through the DHSMV website. You must renew in person at an office or by mail. Some third-party websites advertise that they can help you renew your license, but these services charge extra fees and straightforward submit your paperwork to the DHSMV on your behalf — they do not speed up the process or change the requirements.
The official DHSMV website is the only free source for renewal forms and information. If you have questions about your specific situation, call the DHSMV customer service line or visit an office in person. Staff can answer questions about whether you are may be able to access for mail renewal or whether you will need to take a test.
What to do if you lose your license before the new one arrives
If your old license is lost or stolen after you have renewed, you can request a duplicate of your new license by visiting a DHSMV office or by mail. Bring a police report if your license was stolen, or straightforward explain that it was lost. There is a fee for a duplicate, which is less than a full renewal fee. Your duplicate will be mailed to you in the same timeframe as a regular renewal.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at the DHSMV office. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your new license. Ask the staff member about this option when you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renew my license in Broward County?
The renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact amount changes periodically, so call the DHSMV or check their website for the current fee. You will be told the cost before you pay at the office.
Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address on my current license?
No. You must update your address to a Broward County address before you renew. Bring proof of your current Broward County address to the office, and the staff member will update your address and then process your renewal in one visit.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Broward County DHSMV office?
Some offices require appointments and some accept walk-ins, and this changes based on current demand. Check the DHSMV website or call the office you plan to visit to find out whether you need an appointment. If appointments are required and you cannot get one soon, try a different office location in the county.
What if my name has changed since my current license was issued?
Bring your current license and a document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will update your name and process your renewal. This does not cost extra; it is part of the standard renewal process.
Can I drive while I wait for my new license to arrive in the mail?
Yes. You can legally drive on your old license until your new one arrives. Keep your receipt from the renewal visit in your vehicle in case you are stopped by police — it shows that your renewal is in progress.