Broward County Driver License Office Locations

Broward County has multiple driver license offices run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The main office is located in Fort Lauderdale, but satellite offices operate in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Plantation. Each office handles standard transactions: license renewals, replacements, address changes, and initial license issuance. Not all offices offer the same services, so knowing which one handles your specific need saves a trip.

The Fort Lauderdale office at 1000 Broward Boulevard is the largest and handles the widest range of transactions. Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Plantation offices handle routine renewals and replacements but may refer you to Fort Lauderdale for commercial licenses, CDL (Commercial Driver License) services, or complex cases. Hours vary by location, and many offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.

Walk-in service is available at all locations, but wait times can exceed two hours during peak periods (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). You can also schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website, which typically reduces wait time to 15–30 minutes. Appointments fill up quickly, especially near renewal important date.

Key Takeaways

  • Broward County has four driver license offices: Fort Lauderdale (main), Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Plantation, each with different hours and service levels.
  • The Fort Lauderdale office handles all transaction types, while satellite offices primarily handle renewals and replacements; commercial and CDL services may require the main office.
  • Scheduling an appointment online through the DHSMV website reduces wait time significantly compared to walk-in service.
  • Bring your current license or ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction (renewal notice, court order for name change, etc.).
  • Office hours vary by location and many close for lunch; check the DHSMV website or call ahead before visiting.

Fort Lauderdale Main Office

The Fort Lauderdale Driver License Office is located at 1000 Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. This is the primary office for Broward County and the only location that handles all transaction types without referral. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a lunch closure from noon to 1 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.

This office processes standard renewals, duplicate licenses, address changes, name changes (with court documentation), initial license issuance, and CDL services. It also handles vision tests, written exams, and road tests for new drivers. Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building, though spaces fill quickly during mid-morning hours. Public transit access is available via Broward County Transit (BCT) bus routes 1 and 40.

Wait times at the main office average 45 minutes to 2 hours during walk-in service. Appointment slots typically fill 2–3 weeks in advance, especially near the end of each month when renewal important date approach. If you arrive without an appointment, take a number at the entrance and check the digital display for your turn.

Satellite Offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Plantation

Broward County operates three satellite offices to reduce congestion at the main location. The Deerfield Beach office is at 1200 East Hillsboro Boulevard; Pompano Beach is at 1960 North Federal Highway; and Plantation is at 500 South University Drive. All three are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lunch closure from noon to 1 p.m. None are open weekends or state holidays.

Satellite offices handle routine transactions: license renewals (by mail or in person), duplicate licenses, address changes, and vision tests. They do not issue new licenses to first-time drivers, process CDL applications, or conduct road tests. If your transaction requires services not available at a satellite office, staff will direct you to Fort Lauderdale or provide information on mailing your renewal instead.

Wait times at satellite offices are typically shorter than the main office—usually 20–45 minutes for walk-ins. Appointment availability is generally better at these locations, with slots often open 1–2 weeks out. Parking is available at all three locations, though Plantation and Pompano Beach have smaller lots than Deerfield Beach.

What Documents to Bring

The documents you need depend on your transaction type, but all visits require proof of identity and residency. Bring your current Florida driver license or ID card if you have one. If you do not have a current Florida ID, bring a valid out-of-state license or passport.

Proof of residency must be a document dated within the past 60 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. A mail piece from a government agency (tax bill, voter registration card) also works. Bring the original or a certified copy—photocopies are not accepted.

For specific transactions, bring additional documents: a renewal notice (if you received one by mail), a court order (for name changes), a bill of sale or title (for vehicle-related services), or proof of legal presence (if you are a non-citizen). If you are renewing by mail instead of in person, include a check or money order for the renewal fee—credit cards are not accepted by mail.

Scheduling an Appointment vs. Walk-In Service

The DHSMV website allows you to schedule appointments up to 30 days in advance. Go to the DHSMV online services portal, select your county (Broward), choose your office location, and pick an available time slot. Appointments are typically available in 15-minute increments throughout the day. You will receive a confirmation number via email; bring this number or your confirmation email when you arrive.

Appointment holders are called in order of their scheduled time, though the office may run 5–10 minutes behind during busy periods. Arriving 10 minutes early gives you time to check in and locate the correct window. If you miss your appointment time by more than 15 minutes, you may lose your slot and be asked to reschedule or join the walk-in queue.

Walk-in service does not require advance scheduling. Arrive during office hours, take a number at the entrance, and wait for your turn. Walk-in wait times are longest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays. If you cannot schedule an appointment and must walk in, arriving before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. typically means shorter waits.

Renewal by Mail or Online

If your license is not expired and you have no changes to your address or name, you may renew by mail or online without visiting an office. Mail renewal is available for standard driver licenses and ID cards; CDL and commercial licenses must be renewed in person. Online renewal is available for standard licenses only and requires a valid email address.

To renew by mail, complete the renewal process (Form HSMV 82101), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on your renewal notice. Processing takes 7–10 business days after receipt. To renew online, visit the DHSMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. Online renewal is processed when ready, and your new license is mailed within 7–10 business days.

Mail and online renewal are not available if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you have medical conditions that require a vision test or medical certification. In those cases, you must visit an office in person.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license renewal fees in Florida are $75 for an eight-year license or $25 for a four-year license. Duplicate licenses cost $25. Address changes and name changes have no separate fee if done during renewal; if done alone, they cost $10. Initial license issuance for new drivers costs $75 for an eight-year license.

At the office, payment is accepted by cash, debit card, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. By mail, only checks or money orders are accepted; credit cards cannot be processed through the mail. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only.

Fees do not include the cost of vision tests or written exams if you are a new driver. Vision tests cost $15 and are required for all new licenses and some renewals. Written exams (for new drivers or those with certain violations) are included in the license fee and have no additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Florida allows renewal up to six months before expiration. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for the full term (four or eight years) from the date of issue, not from your old expiration date. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid a rush near your expiration date.

What if I need a real ID compliant license?

Real ID compliant licenses are standard in Florida as of May 2025. All new licenses and renewals issued now are Real ID compliant. You do not need to request it separately. Bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) along with your standard documents. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses.

Do I need an appointment if I am renewing by mail?

No. Mail renewal does not require an appointment or office visit. Complete the process, include payment, and mail it to the address on your renewal notice. Processing takes 7–10 business days. You do not need to visit an office unless you have changes to your address or name, or your license has expired.

What is the fastest way to get a replacement license if mine is lost or stolen?

Schedule an appointment at the Fort Lauderdale main office or any satellite office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and tell staff your license was lost or stolen. A duplicate license is issued on the spot and costs $25. If you cannot visit an office, you can request a duplicate by mail, but processing takes 7–10 business days.

Are there any offices open on weekends or evenings?

No. All Broward County driver license offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lunch closure from noon to 1 p.m. They are closed weekends, state holidays, and some federal holidays. Check the DHSMV website for holiday closures before you visit.