How to Renew Your Broward Driver's License

Renewing Your License in Broward County

In Broward County, you renew your driver's license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You can renew in person at a Broward County Tax Collector's office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the DHSMV website — but not all renewal types work for all renewal methods. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to change information like your address.

Most Broward residents renew at a Tax Collector's office because it is the most straightforward route and handles almost every renewal situation. Mail and online renewal are faster if you are may be able to access, but they have strict limits on who can use them. Understanding which method works for your situation saves you a trip or a rejected process.

Key Takeaways

Broward County Tax Collector's offices handle in-person renewals and are located throughout the county; you can renew up to six months before your license expires.
Online renewal through the DHSMV website works only if your license is still valid, you have not changed your address, and your license was not suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal, but processing takes longer than in-person or online.
You will need your current license, proof of residency if you changed your address, and payment for the renewal fee, which varies based on how many years you renew for.
Broward County Tax Collector's offices do not require an appointment for most renewals, but you should check wait times on their website before you go.

Renewing in Person at a Broward Tax Collector's Office

In-person renewal at a Broward County Tax Collector's office is the most common method because it works for nearly every renewal situation. You can renew up to six months before your license expires, and you can do it the same day you visit. Bring your current driver's license, your Social Security number, and payment — the office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

There are Tax Collector's offices throughout Broward County. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale, but satellite locations exist in Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Margate, and other cities. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Broward County Tax Collector's website before you go to see current wait times at each office.

If you have changed your address since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The office will issue your new license on the spot if everything is in order.

Renewing Online Through the DHSMV Website

The DHSMV website allows you to renew online if your license meets specific conditions. Your license must still be valid (not expired), you cannot have changed your address, your license cannot have been suspended or revoked, and you must not need to update your photograph. Online renewal takes about 10 business days from the time you submit, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

To renew online, go to the DHSMV website, select the renewal option, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The system will confirm whether you are may be able to access; if you are not, it will tell you which requirement you do not meet and direct you to renew in person or by mail instead.

Online renewal is the fastest method if you are may be able to access, but the restrictions are tight. If you have moved, changed your name, or want a new photo, you must use in-person or mail renewal instead. Many people find that the in-person method at a Tax Collector's office is worth the trip because it handles address changes and photo updates without extra steps.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal: no address change, no name change, no suspension or revocation, and no new photograph. You request a mail renewal form from the DHSMV, complete it, and mail it back with your current license and payment. Processing takes longer than in-person or online — typically three to four weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

To start a mail renewal, contact the DHSMV or visit their website to request the renewal form. Some Tax Collector's offices in Broward can also provide the form in person. Once you receive it, fill it out completely, include your current license, and mail everything to the address shown on the form along with your payment. Your new license will be mailed to you when processing is complete.

Mail renewal makes sense if you cannot visit an office in person and your situation meets all the may be able to access rules. If you have any doubts about whether you may have access to, renewing in person at a Tax Collector's office is a safer choice because staff can answer questions and handle complications on the spot.

What You Need to Bring and How Much It Costs

For any renewal method, you will need your current driver's license and your Social Security number. If you are renewing in person, bring a payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you have changed your address, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change.

The renewal fee depends on how many years you renew for. Florida offers four-year and eight-year renewal periods. The eight-year renewal costs more upfront but is cheaper per year. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the DHSMV website or call a Broward Tax Collector's office for the current price before you go. If you are over 80 years old, you may be may be able to access for a reduced fee — ask at the office or check the DHSMV website.

Renewing Before Your License Expires

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or because they are planning a trip and want a fresh license. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new license will still be valid for the full four or eight years from the date it is issued, not from the date your old one expired.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at a Tax Collector's office, but you cannot renew online or by mail. An expired license is treated differently from a valid one, so go in person to avoid delays. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal.

What to Do if Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Revocation is more serious and usually results from serious violations like DUI.

Contact the DHSMV directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license through any of the standard methods. Do not attempt to renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked — the system will reject your process, and you will have wasted time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Broward driver's license if I just moved to the county?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a Tax Collector's office and bring proof of your new address. Online and mail renewal do not work if you have changed your address. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your new Broward address.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

In-person renewal at a Tax Collector's office gives you your new license the same day. Online renewal takes about 10 business days, and mail renewal takes three to four weeks. If you need your license quickly, renew in person.

What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?

You will need to report it lost and request a replacement before you can renew. Go to a Tax Collector's office with proof of identity and pay the replacement fee. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it when ready if you wish, or wait until closer to the expiration date.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Broward Tax Collector's office?

Most Tax Collector's offices do not require an appointment for standard renewals, but you can check wait times on the Broward County Tax Collector's website before you go. Some offices may offer appointment scheduling during busy periods, so it is worth checking your local office's information.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed since I got it?

Yes, but you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes, so you must visit a Tax Collector's office.

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.