Where to go and what to bring

In Broward County, you get your driver's license from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The county has multiple license offices, but the main locations are in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs. You can find the full list and hours on the DHSMV website or call your nearest office to confirm they handle the type of license you need.

Bring your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. Florida accepts a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth as identity documents. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. If you are a U.S. citizen, your birth certificate or passport covers lawful presence; if you are not a citizen, you will need an immigration document like a valid visa or work permit.

You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test on traffic laws. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for a set period before taking the road test. Bring your learner's permit or current license if you have one.

Key Takeaways

  • Broward County DHSMV offices are in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs, and you can call ahead to confirm hours and wait times.
  • You need proof of identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful presence in the United States before you visit.
  • All applicants must pass a vision test and written knowledge test; drivers under 18 must also complete driver education and hold a learner's permit first.
  • Fees vary by license type and age, and Florida offers both standard and Real ID compliant licenses, which have different document requirements.
  • If you have a suspended license or an out-of-state license, you may face additional steps or restrictions before you can renew or transfer in Florida.

Standard license versus Real ID in Broward County

Florida offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID compliant license. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you plan to fly within the United States or visit a federal facility after May 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another approved federal ID.

Both types require the same basic documents, but Real ID adds one extra step: you must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport, not just a copy. The fee for a Real ID license is higher than a standard license. Most people in Broward County now choose Real ID because the extra cost is small and the document works for federal purposes.

You can renew either type by mail or online if your license is not suspended and you have not had a major change in your vision or medical status. If you are renewing in person at a Broward County office, bring your current license and proof of residency.

Fees and how long the process takes

A standard Florida driver's license costs less than a Real ID license. Exact fees depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost one, and they change periodically. Call your local Broward County DHSMV office for current pricing, or check the DHSMV website.

If you pass your tests on the first visit, you can walk out with a temporary license the same day. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you fail the written or road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

Wait times at Broward County offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs tend to be busier than smaller branches. Many people report shorter waits early in the morning or on weekday afternoons. You can call ahead to ask about current wait times.

If you are moving to Florida from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to a Florida license without retaking the written or road test. You must do this within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency, and your Social Security number documentation.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to retake the written test and road test as if you were a new driver. If your license is suspended or revoked in another state, Florida will likely honor that suspension, and you will not be able to get a Florida license until the suspension is lifted in the original state.

Some states have reciprocal agreements with Florida that make the transfer faster. Ask the DHSMV office whether your state has one when you call to confirm what documents to bring.

Suspended or revoked licenses in Broward County

If your Florida license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive in the state. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, driving under the influence convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. You must resolve the underlying issue before you can reinstate your license.

To find out why your license is suspended, visit the DHSMV website and use the license status check tool, or call a Broward County office. Once you have paid fines, completed required courses, or resolved the other issue, you can explore for reinstatement. Some suspensions require you to file an SR-22 form with your insurance company, which proves you carry the minimum required coverage. Your insurance company can file this for you.

Reinstatement fees explore on top of any fines or course costs. The process usually takes one to two weeks after you have resolved the underlying issue and paid all fees.

Learner's permits and under-18 requirements

If you are under 18, you must get a learner's permit before you can take a road test. To get a learner's permit, you need to pass a vision test and written knowledge test. You do not need to take a road test yet. Bring the same documents as you would for a full license: proof of identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful presence.

You must also show proof that you have completed a state-approved driver education course. Many high schools in Broward County offer this course for free or low cost. Private driving schools also offer it. Once you have the permit, you must hold it for a minimum of three months and practice driving with a licensed adult before you can take the road test.

The learner's permit is valid for one year. If you do not pass your road test within that year, you will need to renew the permit and pay the fee again.

Renewing your license in Broward County

Florida driver's licenses are valid for eight years for adults and four years for drivers under 21. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Broward County DHSMV office. Online and mail renewal are faster and cheaper if your license is not suspended and you have not had a major change in your medical or vision status.

To renew online, visit the DHSMV website and use the online renewal tool. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is lower for online renewal than in-person renewal. Your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

If you renew in person, bring your current license and proof of residency. You will need to pass a vision test. If you are renewing a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you must bring your original birth certificate or passport and pay the higher Real ID fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Broward County driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Florida requires proof of a valid Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an ID card instead, which serves some of the same purposes but is not a driver's license. Ask a Broward County DHSMV office about ID card options.

What happens if I fail the written test or road test?

You can retake either test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. There is a fee each time you retake a test. You can study using the DHSMV practice test online or get a study guide from any Broward County office. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need an appointment to get a driver's license in Broward County?

Most Broward County DHSMV offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website. Appointments often have shorter wait times, especially at busy locations like Fort Lauderdale. Call your local office to ask whether appointments are available.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You can update your address online through the DHSMV website without paying a fee or getting a new license. If you want a new license with your updated address printed on it, you can request a replacement at a Broward County office for a small fee.

Can I get a Real ID license if I was born outside the United States?

Yes, if you are a lawful permanent resident or have a valid visa or work permit. You will need to bring your immigration document along with your birth certificate or passport. The DHSMV office can tell you which documents they accept for your specific immigration status.