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, and you can visit any of them — you do not have to go to the one closest to your address. The main offices are in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs, though smaller satellite offices operate in other cities as well.
You can find the exact address and hours of each office on the official DHSMV website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days. Saturday hours are limited and vary by location, so check ahead if you plan to visit on a weekend.
Walk-ins are accepted at all DHSMV offices, but wait times can be long, especially in the afternoon and on Fridays. Many people find it faster to take a number when they arrive and check the estimated wait time on the office's display board before deciding whether to stay or return later.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your Florida driver's license at any DHSMV office in Broward County, and you do not need an appointment.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- Standard renewals cost $75 for an eight-year license, and the new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam, depending on your age and how long it has been expired.
- You can renew online through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions, such as having a valid Social Security number and no medical restrictions.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current Florida driver's license to the DHSMV office. If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to report it and pay an additional fee to get a replacement before you can renew. You will also need one form of proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current Broward County address will work.
Have your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ready. The DHSMV will verify this information during the renewal process. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
If you wear corrective lenses while driving, bring your glasses or contacts. You will be asked to read a vision chart, and if you cannot meet the standard without correction, the DHSMV will note that on your license.
Renewal fees and how long it takes
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal in Florida costs $75. If you choose to renew for four years instead, the fee is $45. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DHSMV office. Some locations may accept checks, but cash and cards are always accepted.
After you complete your renewal at the office, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent license arrives, the temporary license is sufficient proof that you have a valid license.
If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than six months, processing may take longer because you may need to pass a vision test or written exam. In those cases, you will not receive a temporary license at the office, and you should plan for the renewal to take up to two weeks.
Renewing online instead of in person
You can renew your Florida driver's license online through the DHSMV website without visiting an office. Online renewal is faster — your new license ships within 3 to 5 business days — and you avoid waiting in line. However, you can only renew online if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, you have no medical restrictions noted on your license, and you have not changed your address.
To renew online, go to the DHSMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is the same as in-person renewal: $75 for eight years or $45 for four years. You will pay by credit or debit card.
If you do not meet the conditions for online renewal, you must visit an office in person. This includes anyone whose license has expired, anyone with a medical condition code on their license, or anyone who has moved and needs to update their address.
What happens if your license has been expired for a long time
If your Florida driver's license has been expired for six months or longer, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a DHSMV office in person. The office staff will ask you to pass a vision test, and depending on your age and how long the license has been expired, you may also need to pass a written exam on Florida traffic laws.
The written exam covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. It is the same test that new drivers take, and you can study for it using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DHSMV website. Most people who have been driving for years pass it without studying, but reviewing the handbook beforehand can help you feel more confident.
If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to bring a letter from an eye doctor stating that you can see well enough to drive safely. You can then return to the office with that letter and complete your renewal. If you fail the written exam, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra charge.
Renewing by mail if you live outside Florida
If you live outside Florida but still hold a Florida driver's license, you can renew by mail instead of visiting a Broward County office. To renew by mail, you must request a renewal form from the DHSMV. You can do this by calling the DHSMV customer service line or by visiting the DHSMV website and ordering the form online.
Once you receive the form, fill it out completely, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back to the address shown on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency — even though you live out of state, the DHSMV still needs to see that you have a valid address on file. Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks, so plan ahead if you need your license by a certain date.
Mail-in renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than six months, if you need to update your address, or if you have medical restrictions on your license. In those cases, you will need to visit an office in person or contact the DHSMV to discuss your options.
Special situations: Address changes, name changes, and medical restrictions
If you have moved to a new address in Broward County since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works best. The DHSMV will update your address in their system at no extra charge.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will issue a new license with your current legal name. There is no extra fee for a name change during renewal.
If your license has medical restrictions — such as "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only" — those restrictions will carry over to your renewed license unless you have a doctor's letter stating that the restriction no longer applies. If you want to remove a restriction, bring the letter from your doctor to the DHSMV office, and they will update your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you must visit a DHSMV office in person and pass a vision test. You may also need to pass a written exam on Florida traffic laws. The renewal fee is the same as a standard renewal, but the process takes longer because of the testing requirement.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?
You will need to report the lost license and pay a replacement fee (usually around $25) before you can renew. The DHSMV will issue a replacement license with your current information, and you can renew it at the same visit. The total cost will be the replacement fee plus the renewal fee.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Broward County DHSMV office?
No, walk-ins are accepted at all offices. However, you can check the DHSMV website to see current wait times at each location, which may help you decide when to visit. Some offices have longer waits during lunch hours and on Fridays.
How long is my temporary license valid after I renew?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you renew. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that time, contact the DHSMV to check the status.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Yes, an outstanding ticket or fine does not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to clear it.