Where to Go for Your Driver License in Hollywood

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs the driver license program in Hollywood. You cannot renew or obtain a license at a private vendor or kiosk — you must visit an official DHSMV office. Hollywood has one dedicated location: the Hollywood Driver License Office, located at 3001 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33020. This office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and most other license transactions.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Hours can change without notice, so call ahead at (954) 967-3800 to confirm before you go. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; early morning visits typically have shorter lines than mid-afternoon.

If you cannot reach the Hollywood office or need to find an alternative location, the DHSMV website has a location finder tool. Nearby offices in Broward County include locations in Fort Lauderdale and Deerfield Beach, though the Hollywood office is usually the most convenient for residents in that area.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hollywood Driver License Office is at 3001 Hollywood Boulevard and is the only DHSMV location in Hollywood where you can obtain or renew a driver license.
  • You must bring a valid proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency — documents vary depending on whether you are getting a new license or renewing.
  • New driver licenses cost $48 for an eight-year license; renewals cost $48 for eight years or $20 for a four-year license if you are over 80.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test; renewals do not require testing unless your license has been expired for more than six months.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN, because Florida law requires verification before the office can issue a license.

Documents You Need for a New License

Florida requires three categories of documents for a new driver license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. You cannot substitute one category for another, so you must bring at least one document from each group.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a valid military ID, a valid state ID from another state, a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, or a valid Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A photocopy or digital image is not acceptable — the document must be original.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your original Social Security card, a W-2 form from the current or previous year, a 1099 form, a pay stub showing your full SSN, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

For proof of Florida residency, bring one document dated within the past 12 months showing your name and current Florida address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Documents You Need to Renew Your License

Renewing a license requires fewer documents than obtaining a new one. If your license is still valid or expired less than six months ago, you need only your current or expired Florida driver license and proof of your current address.

Proof of address for renewal follows the same rules as for new licenses: one document dated within the past 12 months showing your name and current Florida address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. You do not need to bring proof of identity or Social Security number again unless the DHSMV office requests it during your visit.

If your license has been expired for more than six months, the DHSMV treats it as a new process, not a renewal. You will need to bring the full set of documents listed above: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You will also have to retake the written knowledge test and the driving skills test.

Testing Requirements for New Drivers

First-time applicants in Florida must pass two tests: a written knowledge test and a driving skills test. You cannot skip either one, and you cannot take the driving test until you have passed the written test.

The written knowledge test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, but you must pay the test fee again. The fee for the knowledge test is included in your license fee.

The driving skills test is a practical test where an DHSMV examiner rides with you in your vehicle and evaluates your ability to operate it safely. The test includes basic maneuvers such as parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and pass a safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering). If the examiner finds a safety defect, you cannot take the test that day.

You can schedule the driving test in advance or take a walk-in slot if available. Scheduling ahead is recommended because walk-in slots fill quickly. The driving test fee is $10 and is separate from the license fee.

Fees and Payment Methods

A new eight-year driver license in Florida costs $48. If you are renewing and choose a four-year license (available only if you are 80 years old or older), the cost is $20. The driving skills test is an additional $10 if you are a new driver. Payment must be made at the time of your visit.

The Hollywood Driver License Office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Checks are not accepted. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — you cannot pay over the phone or online for an in-person transaction.

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement fee is $25. A replacement does not require retesting; you straightforward provide your old license number or identifying information, and the office issues a new card with the same license number.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive at the Hollywood Driver License Office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. Bring all required documents and have them ready to show the clerk.

The clerk will review your documents, verify your information against state records, and ask you to sign the process form (Form HSMV 80039). You will also be photographed for your license. If you are a new driver, the clerk will direct you to the testing area for the written knowledge test. You must pass this test before you can schedule or take the driving skills test.

If you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test for a future date or ask if a slot is available the same day. If a slot is available and you have a vehicle present, you can take the driving test when ready. The examiner will meet you in the parking lot, inspect your vehicle, and conduct the test on local roads near the office.

Once you pass both tests (or if you are renewing and do not need to test), you will pay your fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not drive without either the temporary license or your old license until the new one arrives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common reason for rejection at the Hollywood office is bringing incomplete or incorrect documents. Photocopies of your Social Security card are not accepted — you must bring the original card. Similarly, a birth certificate without a raised seal will be rejected. Before you go, verify that every document is original, current (within 12 months for address documents), and shows the information the office requires.

Another frequent mistake is not bringing a vehicle for the driving test. If you are a new driver and plan to take the driving test the same day as your written test, you must have a registered, insured, and mechanically sound vehicle in the parking lot. If your vehicle fails the safety inspection, you cannot test that day and will have to return later.

Applicants also sometimes arrive without proof of their current address. If you moved recently and your documents still show an old address, bring a new document dated after your move. A utility bill or lease dated within the past 12 months is the fastest way to prove your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online instead of going to the office?

Florida allows online renewal only if your license is still valid and you meet specific requirements: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must have a valid email address on file, and you must not need to update your photo. If you meet these conditions, you can renew at the DHSMV website without visiting the Hollywood office. If you do not meet these conditions, you must visit in person.

What if I fail the written knowledge test?

You can retake the written test the same day at the Hollywood office. You will pay the test fee again ($10 is included in your license fee). Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the Florida Driver Handbook before returning. The handbook is free and available on the DHSMV website.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you pass your tests. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary license until the permanent one arrives. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV at (954) 967-3800.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

The Hollywood Driver License Office accepts both walk-ins and appointments. Walk-in slots are available but wait times can be long, especially during mid-day hours. You can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website or by calling (954) 967-3800. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait.

What if my address changed since I got my last license?

You must update your address when you renew. Bring a document dated within the past 12 months showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. If you are renewing by mail or online, you cannot update your address — you must visit the office in person to change your address on your license.