Where to Get Your Driver License in Lauderdale Lakes
Lauderdale Lakes does not have its own Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (FDMV) office. The nearest full-service DMV location is in Fort Lauderdale, about 5 miles south at 1350 W. Sunrise Boulevard. This office handles all license types — standard Class D, commercial (CDL), motorcycle, and renewals — and accepts walk-ins, though wait times often exceed one hour during peak hours.
If you need to renew only and have no violations or medical restrictions, you can renew online through the Florida FDMV website without visiting an office. You can also renew by mail if you submit the correct form and documents. However, if you are getting your first license, upgrading to a commercial license, or renewing after a suspension, you must appear in person at a DMV office.
A second option is the Broward County Tax Collector's office in nearby Plantation or Deerfield Beach, which handles some license services but not all. Call ahead to confirm they offer the specific service you need before making the trip.
Key Takeaways
- The Fort Lauderdale DMV office at 1350 W. Sunrise Boulevard is the nearest full-service location and handles all license types and renewals.
- First-time licenses and commercial licenses require an in-person visit; standard renewals can be done online or by mail if you have no violations or medical flags.
- Bring a valid Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of lawful presence such as a passport or birth certificate.
- The Fort Lauderdale office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., but wait times are longest mid-morning and mid-week.
- If you fail the written or road test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment; there is no waiting period between attempts in Florida.
Documents You Need for a First-Time License
Florida requires six documents or document combinations to issue a first-time driver license. You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). A P.O. box does not count as proof of residency.
You also need proof of lawful presence in the United States. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate satisfies this. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you need a valid visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card. Temporary or expired documents are not accepted.
Bring the originals, not copies. The DMV will not accept notarized copies or faxes. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document showing the legal name change.
The Written Test and Road Test in Broward County
The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can study using the official Florida Driver License Handbook, available free on the FDMV website or in print at the DMV office.
If you pass the written test, you schedule a road test on the same day or book one for a later date. The road test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and working headlights, brake lights, and turn signals.
If you fail either test, you can retake it when ready or schedule another appointment. Florida does not impose a waiting period between attempts. However, if you fail the road test three times, you must wait 30 days before your fourth attempt.
Fees and Payment Methods at the Fort Lauderdale Office
A standard Class D driver license costs $75 for an eight-year license or $48 for a four-year license. The Fort Lauderdale DMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept personal checks or money orders.
If you are renewing by mail, you must include a check or money order payable to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. Online renewals accept debit and credit cards only. If you are upgrading to a commercial license (CDL), the fee is higher and varies depending on the endorsements you need; ask the DMV staff for the exact amount when you arrive.
The fee covers the license itself and the written test. The road test is included in the license fee; there is no separate charge. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $25.
Hours, Parking, and What to Expect on the Day
The Fort Lauderdale DMV office is located at 1350 W. Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building; there is no fee.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early if you are taking a test, because you must complete the written test before the office closes. If you arrive after 4:30 p.m. on a weekday, you may not have time to finish. Mid-week mornings (Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.) are the busiest times. Early morning (8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m.) or late afternoon (3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) typically have shorter waits.
Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope. The DMV staff will review them before you take the written test. If any document is missing or invalid, you will not be able to test that day and will need to reschedule.
Renewing Your License by Mail or Online
If your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not renewing after a conviction for certain traffic offenses, you can renew by mail or online. Online renewal is faster and costs the same as in-person renewal.
To renew online, visit the Florida FDMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will need a valid debit or credit card. The new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
To renew by mail, request the renewal form from the DMV office or read it from the FDMV website. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit in Lauderdale Lakes?
No, Lauderdale Lakes has no DMV office. You must go to the Fort Lauderdale DMV at 1350 W. Sunrise Boulevard. A learner's permit costs $20 and requires the same documents as a full license. You must pass the written test but not the road test. The permit is valid for one year.
What if I have an out-of-state license and just moved to Lauderdale Lakes?
You must exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number. You do not need to retake the written or road test; the DMV will issue your Florida license based on your valid out-of-state license.
How long does it take to get a license after I pass the road test?
Your temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license is mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license when ready while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test the same day if time permits, or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts in Florida. Each road test attempt costs $20 if you retake it after your first failure.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?
No. You must resolve the suspension first by paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DMV. Contact the Fort Lauderdale DMV office to find out what steps are required to lift your suspension before you attempt to renew.