Renew at a Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office or online from home

You can renew your Broward County driver's license at any Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, or you can renew online through the Florida DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster and requires no trip — you pay the fee, upload a photo if needed, and your renewed license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The in-person route at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and you leave with a temporary license the same day.

Broward County has five DMV offices spread across the county. Which one you visit does not matter — you can go to any of them. The choice usually comes down to which location is closest to your home or work, and which has the shortest wait time on the day you plan to go.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your current license is not damaged or lost.
  • Broward County has five DMV offices: Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, and Margate, and you can visit any one of them.
  • In-person renewal requires your current driver's license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee, which varies depending on how many years you are renewing for.
  • You can check wait times at each Broward DMV office online before you go, and many offices let you reserve a time slot in advance.
  • If your license is suspended or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a DMV office, not online.

The five Broward County DMV office locations

The Deerfield Beach DMV is located at 1901 East Hillsboro Boulevard. The Fort Lauderdale DMV is at 5900 West Oakland Park Boulevard. The Pompano Beach DMV is at 1401 North Federal Highway. The Tamarac DMV is at 5901 Commercial Boulevard. The Margate DMV is at 5821 West Sample Road.

Each office handles the full range of DMV services, including driver's license renewal. Hours vary slightly by location, but most are open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offer limited Saturday hours. You can find the exact hours for each office on the Florida DHSMV website by searching for the specific location.

Wait times change throughout the day and by day of the week. Tuesday through Thursday mornings typically have shorter waits than Monday or Friday. You can check current wait times on the Florida DHSMV website before you leave home. Some offices also let you reserve a time slot online, which can cut your wait time significantly.

What you need to bring for in-person renewal

Bring your current driver's license, one form of proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee. Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Broward County address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

The renewal fee depends on how long you are renewing for. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The DMV office will tell you the exact amount when you arrive, or you can find the current fee schedule on the Florida DHSMV website. Payment is accepted by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If your current license is damaged, lost, or stolen, you cannot use the standard renewal process. You will need to explore for a replacement license instead, which requires additional steps and documentation. Contact the DMV office directly or check the Florida DHSMV website for the replacement process.

Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website

Online renewal is available if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions or endorsements that require a vision test, and your current license is not damaged or lost. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You enter your information, pay the renewal fee, and upload a new photo if your current one is more than 10 years old. If you do not upload a photo, the DMV will use your existing photo from file. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file, and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are not sure whether you are may be able to access for online renewal, the Florida DHSMV website has a tool that checks your status. You enter your license number and date of birth, and it tells you whether online renewal is available for you. If it is not, you will need to renew in person at a DMV office.

When you must renew in person at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions or endorsements, if your current license is damaged or lost, or if you need to change your name or address. You also must renew in person if you are renewing for the first time after turning 80 years old, because Florida requires an in-person vision test at that age.

If your license is suspended, the DMV office can tell you the reason and what you need to do to get it reinstated. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. Reinstatement often requires payment of a fee and proof that you have resolved the underlying issue. The DMV office staff can walk you through the steps.

How to prepare before your visit

Check the Florida DHSMV website to confirm the office hours and current wait times. If the office you plan to visit has a time slot reservation system, book a slot in advance — this can save you 30 minutes or more. Gather your current license and proof of residency before you go, so you do not have to search for them when you arrive.

If you are renewing in person and need a new photo, wear clothing that contrasts with the background and avoid wearing sunglasses or a hat. The photo will be taken at the DMV office, so you do not need to bring one. If you are renewing online, you can take your own photo at home using your phone or computer, as long as it meets the DMV's requirements — the website shows examples of acceptable photos.

If you have questions before your visit, you can call the specific DMV office or use the Florida DHSMV website's chat feature. Having answers to your questions before you arrive will make your visit faster.

What happens after you renew

If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew online, you will not receive a temporary license — your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can still drive using your current license.

Your new license will have the same number as your current one unless you requested a change. The expiration date will be printed on the front. Keep your temporary license or current license with you while you wait for the new one to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license at any DMV office in Florida, or does it have to be in Broward County?

You can renew at any Florida DMV office, not just one in Broward County. However, if you live in Broward County, it is usually most convenient to visit one of the five offices there. If you are traveling or prefer a different location, any DMV office in the state can handle your renewal.

What if I cannot find my current license before my renewal appointment?

Call the DMV office before your appointment and let them know. You can still renew, but you will need to bring additional proof of identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. The office staff can tell you exactly what documents they need.

How long does my renewed license take to arrive if I renew online?

Your renewed license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Florida DHSMV to check the status. You can drive using your current license while you wait.

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?

No, you cannot renew online if your license is suspended. You must visit a DMV office in person. The office can tell you why it is suspended and what steps you need to take to reinstate it before you can renew. Reinstatement often requires payment of a fee or proof that you have resolved the underlying issue.

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

Appointments are not required, but they are recommended. Many Broward DMV offices let you reserve a time slot online, which can significantly reduce your wait time. You can also walk in without an appointment, but you may wait longer during busy times.