Where to Go for Your Driver License in Broward County

Broward County has six Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices where you can explore for, renew, or replace your driver license. The locations are Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Margate, and Tamarac. Each office handles the same services, so you can visit whichever is most convenient. You do not need an appointment at most Broward offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day — mornings and weekday visits typically have shorter lines than afternoons and weekends.

Before you go, check the Florida DMV website for current hours at your chosen location, as holiday schedules and staffing changes can affect when offices are open. The Fort Lauderdale office on Federal Highway is the largest and busiest; if you want a faster visit, the smaller offices in Margate or Tamarac often have shorter waits. Bring all required documents with you on your first visit — going back because you forgot something costs you another trip and another wait.

Key Takeaways

  • Broward County has six DMV offices; you can visit any of them, and no appointment is required at most locations.
  • A standard driver license costs $48 for an eight-year renewal and $75 for a first-time license; a Real ID costs $20 more.
  • You must bring a valid Social Security card or tax return, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) to any visit.
  • Renewals by mail are available if your license is not suspended and you have no medical conditions that require testing, but the process takes four to six weeks.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it — you must resolve the suspension first through the Florida DMV.

Documents You Need for a First-Time License

Florida requires six types of documents for a first-time driver license. You must bring proof of identity (a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, or foreign passport), proof of Social Security number (your actual Social Security card or a tax return showing your number), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), proof of Florida residency (a second document if your first one does not show a Florida address), your current out-of-state license if you have one, and a completed process for Florida Driver License or ID Card (Form DHSMV 14). You also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office.

The residency documents must show your name and current address. A utility bill in your name, a signed lease, or a recent bank statement all work. If you just moved to Florida and your documents still show an out-of-state address, bring two documents — one showing your name and the other showing your Florida address, such as a lease signed after you arrived. Bring originals, not copies; the DMV staff will examine them and return them to you.

Renewing Your License in Person or by Mail

If your license is not suspended and you have no medical conditions that require a vision or knowledge test, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal process from the Florida DMV website or call 1-888-769-2778. Mail your completed process, your current license, and a check or money order for $48 (for an eight-year renewal) to the address on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks; your new license will arrive by mail. This option is fastest if you do not need a Real ID and your vision and driving record are clear.

If you prefer to renew in person or if you need a Real ID, visit any Broward DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment. You do not need to retake the knowledge test unless your license has been expired for more than six months or you have a medical condition flagged in your record. A standard eight-year renewal costs $48; a Real ID costs $68. If your license expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Real ID and REAL ID Compliant Licenses

A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. Florida offers two versions: a standard driver license and a Real ID compliant license. The Real ID costs $20 more than a standard license ($68 for an eight-year renewal instead of $48). You do not have to get a Real ID — a standard license is still valid for driving — but if you plan to fly domestically or visit a federal facility, the Real ID saves you from carrying a passport.

To get a Real ID, bring the same documents as a standard license renewal, plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. The birth certificate must be an official document from the vital records office in the state where you were born, not a hospital record. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or naturalization papers. The Real ID process takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal — you will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks of your visit.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Broward DMV office. Bring proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number (your card or a tax return), and proof of residency (utility bill or lease). The replacement fee is $25. You do not need to retake the written or vision test — the DMV will issue a new card with the same information as your old one. If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to the police for your records, though this is not required to get a replacement.

A replacement license takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. If you need to drive before then, ask the DMV staff for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary document allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees in Broward County vary by the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard eight-year driver license costs $48 for a renewal or $75 for a first-time license. A Real ID compliant license costs $68 for a renewal or $95 for a first-time license. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs $25. All fees are set by the state of Florida and are the same at every DMV office in the state.

The Broward DMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices also accept money orders. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order — credit and debit cards are only accepted in person. Do not send cash by mail. If your payment is rejected or incomplete, the DMV will return your process and you will need to resubmit it with correct payment.

What to Do If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your Florida driver license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions happen for reasons such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. Revocations are more serious and usually result from DUI convictions or habitual traffic offender status. You must resolve the underlying issue before the DMV will allow you to renew.

To find out why your license is suspended, visit the Florida DMV website and use the license status check tool, or call 1-888-769-2778. The DMV will tell you what you need to do — this might be paying a fine, completing a traffic school course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Once you have completed the required steps, you can renew your license in person at a Broward office. Bring proof that you have resolved the issue, such as a receipt showing a fine was paid or a certificate of completion from traffic school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Florida does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you have no medical conditions requiring a test, or you can renew in person at any Broward DMV office. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks; in-person renewal takes two to three weeks.

Do I need an appointment at a Broward DMV office?

Most Broward offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some locations may offer appointment slots during busy times. Check the Florida DMV website for your specific office location to see if appointments are available or recommended.

What if I moved to Broward County from another state?

You must get a Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Florida residency (such as a lease and a utility bill). You will take a vision test and a written knowledge test. The fee is $75 for a new license.

How long does it take to get my license after my visit?

Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of your visit to the DMV office. If you need to drive before then, ask for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Do not assume your license has been lost if it has not arrived within four weeks — contact the DMV to confirm it was mailed.

Can I get a REAL ID at any Broward DMV office?

Yes, all six Broward DMV offices issue Real ID compliant licenses. Bring your standard renewal documents plus an original or certified birth certificate. The Real ID costs $20 more than a standard license and takes the same amount of time to arrive.