Where to renew your license in Broward County
In Broward County, you renew your driver's license at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The county has multiple locations, but the main office is in Fort Lauderdale. You can also renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — but in-person renewal is the most straightforward route if your license is expiring soon or has already expired.
The DHSMV office locations in Broward County include the Fort Lauderdale office (1000 NW 20th Street) and satellite offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and other cities. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours. You can find the exact address and hours for your nearest office on the DHSMV website or by calling 1-888-627-3446.
Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long during peak hours. Many people find it faster to book an appointment online through the DHSMV website, which lets you choose a specific date and time at your preferred location.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at any DHSMV office in Broward County, by mail if your license is not suspended, or online if you have not had a name change or medical condition update.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or an ITIN.
- A standard driver's license renewal costs $75 for an eight-year license in Florida, though the fee may vary if you are renewing early or upgrading to a Real ID.
- If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.
- Booking an appointment online through the DHSMV website typically reduces your wait time compared to walking in without one.
Documents you need to bring
For a standard renewal in Broward County, bring your current Florida driver's license and one form of proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The DHSMV will verify this information electronically, so you do not need to bring a separate document for it — just be ready to state it when you explore.
If you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license (the kind with a gold star in the upper right corner), the document requirements are the same. If you are upgrading from a standard license to a Real ID for the first time, you will need additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, plus proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).
Renewal fees and license validity
A standard Florida driver's license renewal costs $75 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you renew online or by mail, the fee is the same. If you are upgrading to a Real ID at the same time, add $10 to the cost, making it $85 total.
The fee covers the license itself and the background check the DHSMV runs. Payment methods vary by location — most offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards, but some may have restrictions. Call ahead or check the DHSMV website if you want to confirm payment options at your specific office.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license as proof of identity until the new one arrives, even if it has expired.
Online and mail renewal options
If your license is not suspended and you have not had a name change, you can renew online through the DHSMV website. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same $75. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal is also an option if you meet the same conditions. You can request a renewal form from the DHSMV website or call 1-888-627-3446 to have one mailed to you. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $75, and mail it to the address provided. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks by mail, longer than online or in-person renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go in person to retake the written and vision tests. The same applies if you have a medical condition that requires a vision or medical examination, or if your license was suspended.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods: in person, online, or by mail. You do not need to retake any tests. However, driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you are in the process of renewing.
If your license expired more than six months ago, the DHSMV treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You will need to go in person, pass the written test and vision test, and pay the full process fee (around $75 to $85, depending on license type). You will also need to bring proof of residency and your Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. The office staff will tell you what steps are required to restore your driving privileges — this may include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a driver improvement course, or providing proof of insurance (an SR-22 form if you had a DUI or serious violation).
Real ID and standard license differences
Florida offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID during your renewal, you will need to bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or U.S. passport, and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). The upgrade costs $10 extra, making the total $85 instead of $75.
If you renew your standard license without upgrading, your new license will still be standard. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time, not just during renewal — you do not have to wait until your current license expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked status?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DHSMV office in person. The staff will explain what you need to do to restore your driving privileges, which may include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a course, or providing an SR-22 insurance form. Once your status is cleared, you can renew.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person or online, your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, it takes 2 to 3 weeks. You can use your old license as proof of identity until the new one arrives, even if it has expired.
Do I need to take a vision test or written test to renew?
Not for a standard renewal if your license expired fewer than six months ago. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you must take both tests in person. If you have a medical condition that affects your vision or driving ability, the DHSMV may require a medical examination or vision test.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) when you renew. The DHSMV will update your address on file. If you renew online, you can update your address during the process.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to upgrade to Real ID. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue, not from the expiration date of your old license.