Where to renew your Broward driver license

You can renew your Broward County driver license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, but the closest one to you is likely in Broward itself. The main Broward office is located at 1801 W. Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, which we cover below.

Before you go to an office or mail anything, check the DHSMV website or call 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) to confirm current hours and any wait times. Office hours vary by location, and some offices have reduced hours on certain days. Going early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any DHSMV office in Broward, or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; the process takes about 15 minutes once you are seen.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but you cannot renew by mail if your license is expired by more than five years or if you have had a DUI or drug conviction.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval if you renew in person, or within the timeframe above if you mail your process.
  • Broward offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards; bring your documents in originals or certified copies, not photocopies.

What documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current Florida driver license and two forms of identification that prove your current Broward address. Acceptable proofs of residency include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. A bank statement or insurance bill also works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport as well. All documents must be originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your name, you may need to renew in person rather than by mail.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended, you have not been convicted of a DUI or drug offense in the past five years, and your license is not expired by more than five years. You also cannot have had certain traffic violations or medical suspensions. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.

To renew by mail, request an process form from the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-357-3639. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (which varies depending on how many years you are renewing for), and mail it to the address on the form along with proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. Do not send original documents—send copies only, because the DHSMV will not return them.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

The cost of renewal depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. As of 2024, a four-year renewal costs around $48 and an eight-year renewal costs around $75, but these amounts change periodically. Call the DHSMV or check their website for the exact current fee before you go.

Your new license will be valid for either four or eight years from the date of issue, depending on which term you choose. If you are over 80 years old, your renewal is valid for only four years. If you are renewing by mail, the fee is slightly lower because you are not using office resources.

What happens after you renew in person

Once you submit your documents and pay the fee at an office, the DHSMV takes a new photo and processes your process on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Keep the temporary license with you until your new card arrives. It is valid for driving and is accepted as proof of your license status. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, call the DHSMV to check the status of your process.

Special situations: name changes, address changes, and vision requirements

If you have changed your name since your last license, you must renew in person and bring the document proving the change. The DHSMV will not process a name change by mail. If you have moved within Broward or to a different Florida county, you can renew in person or by mail, but your address on file will be updated to match the address on your proof of residency.

If you are over 80 years old or have certain medical conditions, the DHSMV may require you to pass a vision test or medical exam before renewing. The office will tell you if this applies to you. If you fail a vision test, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, and this will be noted on your license.

If your license is suspended or expired by more than five years

You cannot renew a suspended license by mail or in person. If your license is suspended, you must first resolve the reason for the suspension—usually by paying a fine, completing a required course, or paying a reinstatement fee. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then renew. Call the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. This requires taking a written test and a driving test. You can find information about explore for a new license on the DHSMV website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Broward license at an office outside Broward County?

Yes. You can renew at any DHSMV office in Florida, not just in Broward. However, the closest office is usually the fastest option because wait times vary by location. Check the DHSMV website to see which offices are near you and their current wait times.

What if I do not have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days?

You will need to get one. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government mail with your current address will work. If you cannot get one before your appointment, you can reschedule. Do not go to the office without it—you will not be able to renew.

How long can I drive on the temporary paper license?

The temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your new plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you will have it before the temporary expires. If it does not arrive, contact the DHSMV when ready.

Do I have to renew in person if my license is about to expire?

No. If you meet the requirements for mail renewal, you can renew by mail even if your license is about to expire. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks, so mail your process before your current license expires to avoid a gap. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive on the temporary paper license for 30 days.

What if I moved to Broward from another state?

You cannot renew a license from another state in Florida. You must explore for a new Florida license. You will need to pass a written test and a driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Broward, and proof of your Social Security number to an DHSMV office to start the process.