Renewing your Broward driver license in person or by mail

In Broward County, you can renew your Florida driver license at any Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is fastest — most renewals are processed the same day — but requires a visit to a licensing office during business hours. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and works only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address match your current records.

Broward County has five DHSMV offices: in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Margate. Each handles standard renewals, but the Fort Lauderdale office on Sistrunk Boulevard is the busiest. Arriving early or using the online appointment system at flhsmv.gov can cut your wait time significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any of the five Broward DHSMV offices and receive your license the same day, or renew by mail if your license is not suspended and your records are current.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
  • Florida driver licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to 18 months before expiration without losing your renewal date.
  • If your license is suspended or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or provide a medical certificate.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses require proof of citizenship or lawful presence and a Social Security number, and cost $5 more than a standard license.

What documents you need to bring

For any renewal in Broward, bring your current Florida driver license and proof of your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. A bank statement or insurance bill will not work.

If you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star), you will also need to show proof of citizenship or lawful presence — a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa — and your Social Security number. Standard licenses do not require this documentation at renewal, but Real ID licenses do, even if you renewed them before.

Bring a payment method: cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The renewal fee is $48 for a standard eight-year license, or $53 for a Real ID license. If you are over 79, the fee is lower and the license is valid for five years instead of eight.

Renewing by mail from Broward

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions or special endorsements, and your name and address on file are correct. You cannot renew by mail if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct any other information on your license.

To renew by mail, request an process form from the DHSMV website or call 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). Mail the completed form, your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of your proof of residency to the address provided on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file.

Mail renewal is useful if you cannot visit an office during business hours, but it carries a risk: if your process is incomplete or your records have changed, you will not know until weeks later. In-person renewal avoids this delay because staff can spot and fix problems when ready.

In-person renewal at a Broward DHSMV office

Walk in during business hours or book an appointment online at flhsmv.gov. The Fort Lauderdale office (1801 Sistrunk Boulevard) is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Margate offices have similar hours but may close earlier on Saturdays or be closed one day per week — check the DHSMV website for your preferred location.

Bring your documents, complete the process (DL 44), and submit them at the counter. You will take a new photo and, if required, a vision test. Most renewals are approved and printed the same day. If you are over 80, you may be asked to pass a vision test or provide a medical certificate from your doctor confirming you are safe to drive.

If your license is suspended or you have medical restrictions, in-person renewal is required. The office will tell you whether you need to pass a vision test, provide a medical form, or resolve the suspension before your license can be renewed.

Real ID versus standard license: what changes at renewal

Florida offers two types of driver licenses: standard and Real ID-compliant. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025.

At renewal, you can choose either type. Real ID requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa) and costs $5 more. Standard renewal requires only your current license and proof of residency. If you already have a Real ID license, you must provide citizenship proof again at renewal — the DHSMV does not keep that document on file.

If you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings after May 2025, Real ID is the better choice. If you rarely fly or enter federal buildings, standard is sufficient for driving in Florida.

When your license is suspended or has restrictions

If your license is suspended — for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI conviction, or other reasons — you cannot renew by mail and must visit a DHSMV office in person. The office will tell you whether the suspension can be lifted at renewal or whether you must resolve the underlying issue first.

If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only), you must renew in person. You may be asked to pass a vision test or provide a medical certificate. If you are over 80, a vision test is routine. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, your doctor may need to complete a form confirming you are safe to operate a vehicle.

Suspensions and restrictions delay renewal. Contact the DHSMV before visiting an office to learn what you need to bring or resolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Broward license online?

No. Florida does not offer online renewal for driver licenses. You can renew in person at any Broward DHSMV office or by mail if you meet the requirements. You can book an appointment online at flhsmv.gov to reduce your wait time at the office.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days). You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed. Bring your current license and the address proof to any Broward DHSMV office.

How long is a renewed Florida driver license valid?

A standard Florida driver license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. If you are over 79, the license is valid for five years. You can renew up to 18 months before your current license expires without losing your renewal date.

Do I need to take a new photo at renewal?

Yes, if you renew in person. The DHSMV takes a new photo at the office. If you renew by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail without your current license. You must visit a Broward DHSMV office in person and bring proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement license with a new expiration date.