Renew Your License at a Broward County DMV Office or Online

You can renew your Florida driver's license in Broward County in two ways: online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website, or in person at a local DMV office. Online renewal is faster and costs less, but you can only use it if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your current license was not issued for a Real ID purpose. If any of those conditions explore, you must renew in person.

Broward County has five DMV offices: in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Dania Beach, and Coral Springs. Each office handles renewals, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The Fort Lauderdale office on West Broward Boulevard typically has longer lines than smaller branch locations.

Your renewal timeline depends on whether you renew online or in person. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal at a DMV office can be completed the same day, though you will receive a temporary paper license and the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DHSMV website costs $47.50 and takes 7 to 10 business days, but only works if your license is not suspended and has no medical restrictions.
  • In-person renewal at a Broward County DMV office costs $48 and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day, though the plastic card arrives by mail.
  • You must bring your current Florida driver's license and proof of Social Security number to renew in person; online renewal requires your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Broward County has five DMV offices, and smaller branches like Deerfield Beach and Coral Springs often have shorter wait times than the main Fort Lauderdale location.
  • If your license has been suspended, you have medical restrictions, or you need a Real ID, you cannot renew online and must go to a DMV office in person.

Online Renewal: Documents and Steps

To renew online, go to the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your current Florida driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using these details and information already on file with the state.

Online renewal costs $47.50 and must be paid by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your request. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash online. After you complete the transaction, the DHSMV will mail your new license to the address on file. If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address through the online system before you renew, or your new license will go to your old address.

You are not required to take a new photo for online renewal. The DHSMV will use the photo from your current license. However, if you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office instead.

In-Person Renewal at a Broward County DMV Office

To renew in person, bring your current Florida driver's license and one document that shows your Social Security number. Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. You do not need to bring proof of residency or citizenship if you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a Real ID).

The renewal fee at a DMV office is $48. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. When you complete your renewal, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license for driving purposes. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The five Broward County DMV offices are located at:

  • Fort Lauderdale: 1350 West Broward Boulevard
  • Deerfield Beach: 1701 South Federal Highway
  • Pompano Beach: 1900 North Federal Highway
  • Dania Beach: 100 East Dania Beach Boulevard
  • Coral Springs: 2601 North University Drive

All five offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The DMV is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means shorter wait times than midday or Saturday mornings.

When You Cannot Renew Online

You must renew in person if your current license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. The online system will reject your request if the DHSMV has flagged your license for any reason. You must resolve the suspension or revocation through the DMV before you can renew.

You also cannot renew online if your current license has medical restrictions noted on it, such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only. These restrictions must be reviewed and updated by a DMV examiner in person. Additionally, if your current license was issued as a Real ID (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), you cannot renew it online. Real ID renewal requires in-person verification and additional documents.

If you need a new photo because your appearance has changed significantly, or if you want to change your name, address, or other information beyond what the online system allows, you must renew in person.

Real ID Renewal in Broward County

If your current license is a Real ID (indicated by a gold star), you can renew it in person at any Broward County DMV office. Real ID renewal requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current address.

The Real ID renewal fee is $48, the same as a standard license renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new Real ID card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The new card will have the gold star indicating Real ID status.

Real ID is required for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you do not have a Real ID and want to obtain one during renewal, you must bring additional documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The fee remains $48.

What Happens If Your License Expires Before You Renew

Florida allows you to renew your license up to 18 months before it expires. If you wait until after your license expires, you can still renew it at a DMV office, but you cannot renew online. An expired license is not valid for driving, so if your license has already expired, you should renew in person as soon as possible.

If you are renewing an expired license in person, bring the same documents: your expired license and proof of Social Security number. The fee is still $48. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if you have already submitted a renewal request. The temporary paper license you receive at the DMV office is proof that you have renewed, so keep it with you while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail in Broward County?

No. Florida does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online through the DHSMV website or in person at a DMV office in Broward County. Online renewal is the closest option to mail-in renewal, since you do not have to visit an office.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the DMV office. Your permanent plastic license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that timeframe, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DHSMV-FL (1-844-347-6835) to report the delay.

What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?

Update your address with the DHSMV before your new license is mailed. If you renewed online, you can update your address on the DHSMV website. If you renewed in person, contact the DMV office where you renewed or call 1-844-DHSMV-FL. If your new license is mailed to your old address, you can request a replacement at your new address, though this may incur an additional fee.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Broward County DMV office?

Appointments are not required for license renewal at Broward County DMV offices, but you can schedule one online at flhsmv.gov to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are typically served first. During busy periods, walk-in wait times can exceed one hour.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine?

Yes. Outstanding traffic tickets or court fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an active suspension due to unpaid fines or failure to appear in court, your license will be flagged and you cannot renew online. You must resolve the suspension first by paying the fine or resolving the court case, then renew in person at a DMV office.