How to Renew Your Driver's License in Broward County, Florida

Where to renew and what documents you need

In Broward County, you can renew your driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, but the fastest route is usually your county's express renewal office or an online renewal if you're may be able to access. The main DHSMV office in Broward is located in Fort Lauderdale, but satellite offices operate in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other municipalities throughout the county.

Before you go, gather your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing a license that has been expired for more than six months, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening, so check your renewal notice or call ahead.

Florida allows online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions. You can renew online at the official DHSMV website if your license is still valid and you don't need to change your address, name, or medical information. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes a few minutes, but you'll still receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Broward County has multiple DHSMV offices, and the express renewal office in Fort Lauderdale typically has shorter wait times than satellite locations.
You must bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number to renew in person.
If your license expired more than six months ago, you'll need to pass a vision test and written exam, not just pay the renewal fee.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website is available if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name, address, or medical status.
Renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid, typically ranging from $48 to $75 for a standard license.

In-person renewal at Broward County DHSMV offices

The main DHSMV office in Fort Lauderdale is located at 1000 NE 16th Avenue and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This office handles all types of driver's license transactions and usually has an express renewal window for drivers who only need to renew without other changes. Satellite offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs operate on similar schedules but may have shorter lines during off-peak hours.

Walk-in service is available at all locations, but wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning visits, typically before 10 a.m., and visits on Tuesday or Wednesday tend to have shorter waits. You can also check current wait times at some offices through the DHSMV website before you go.

When you arrive, take a number at the entrance and wait for your turn. The process itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window. You'll have your photo taken, sign your new license, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the window.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

To renew online, visit the official DHSMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and confirm whether you're may be able to access for online renewal.

Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired, you haven't changed your name or address, and you don't have any medical conditions that require a new vision test or medical review. If any of these explore to you, you'll need to renew in person. The online process takes about 5 to 10 minutes, and you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.

After you complete the online renewal, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your current address within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the confirmation number to track your license status on the DHSMV website. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary license from the website, though not all law enforcement officers accept printed temporary licenses — call the local police non-emergency line in your area if you're unsure.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

The cost of renewing your driver's license in Florida depends on how long you want the license to be valid. A standard four-year renewal costs $48, a six-year renewal costs $75, and an eight-year renewal costs $101. Senior drivers (age 80 and older) pay a reduced fee of $10 for a four-year license. These fees are the same whether you renew online or in person.

When you renew, you can choose how long you want your new license to be valid. Most drivers choose the longest option available to avoid renewing again soon, but you can select a shorter period if you prefer. The renewal fee is non-refundable, so choose carefully before you submit your payment.

If you renew online, you'll pay by credit or debit card. If you renew in person, the DHSMV office accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card. Some offices may have ATMs on-site if you need cash.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than six months

If your Florida driver's license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you'll need to pass the written knowledge test, the vision screening, and the driving test. You'll also need to provide proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States (a passport, birth certificate, or visa).

The reapplication process takes longer than a standard renewal and costs more. You'll need to schedule an appointment at a DHSMV office rather than walk in, and the appointment may not be available for several weeks depending on how busy the office is. You can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website or by calling the Broward County office directly.

To prepare for the written test, you can study the Florida Driver's Handbook, which is available free on the DHSMV website. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You'll have 30 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions and must score at least 80 percent to pass.

Temporary licenses and driving while you wait for renewal

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you have two options. If you renewed in person at a DHSMV office, ask the clerk for a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

If you renewed online, you can print a temporary license from the DHSMV website using your confirmation number. However, not all law enforcement officers recognize printed temporary licenses as valid proof of driving privileges. Before you rely on a printed temporary license, call your local police non-emergency line to confirm whether officers in your area will accept it. If they won't, you should plan to renew in person instead to get a paper temporary license.

Your temporary license is only valid for 30 days. If your permanent license hasn't arrived within that time, contact the DHSMV to check the status. Licenses are typically mailed within 7 to 10 business days, but delays can occur during busy periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. To renew a Florida driver's license, you must be a Florida resident and provide proof of residency in Florida. If you've moved out of state, you'll need to get a license from your new state. If you've moved within Florida but haven't updated your address yet, bring proof of your new Florida address to the DHSMV office when you renew.

What if my renewal notice says I need a medical review?

If your renewal notice mentions a medical review or medical examination, you cannot renew online or at the express window. You'll need to schedule an appointment with a DHSMV office and may need to provide a medical form completed by your doctor. Call the Broward County DHSMV office to find out what documents your doctor needs to complete.

How long does it take to get my new license by mail?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you renew. If you don't receive your license within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to check the status. Delays can happen during peak renewal periods or if there's an issue with the address on file.

Can I change my address when I renew?

If you renew in person, you can update your address at the DHSMV office. If you renew online, you cannot change your address — you'll need to renew in person or update your address separately through the DHSMV website before you renew online.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online. You'll need to go to a DHSMV office in person to report it lost and get a replacement. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The replacement license costs the same as a renewal and will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

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.