Where to get your Miramar driver license

If you live in Miramar, Florida, you'll get your driver license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Miramar itself doesn't issue licenses — you'll need to visit a DHSMV office in Broward County, the county where Miramar is located.

The closest DHSMV office to Miramar is typically in Fort Lauderdale or another nearby Broward County location. You can find the exact address and hours on the official DHSMV website or by calling their customer service line. Some offices require you to make an appointment in advance, while others operate on a walk-in basis — check before you go.

You'll need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Florida requires an original or certified birth certificate, a passport, or a state ID card as proof of identity. For proof of residency in Miramar, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and current address.

Key Takeaways

  • Miramar residents get their driver license from a DHSMV office in Broward County, not from a city office in Miramar itself.
  • You must bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Miramar address to the DHSMV office.
  • Florida offers different license types depending on your age and driving history, and you may need to pass a written test and road test before receiving your license.
  • Many DHSMV offices in Broward County now require appointments, so check the office's website or call ahead to avoid a wasted trip.
  • If you're a new driver under 18, Florida's graduated licensing system means you'll start with a learner's permit and progress through restricted licenses before full licensure.

What documents you need to bring

Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Miramar address. For identity, bring an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a military ID. A photocopy won't work — it must be the original document or an official certified copy.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you don't have your card, a recent tax document works just as well. For proof of residency in Miramar, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address on it.

If you're renewing a license or replacing one, you may not need all three categories — bring your current or expired Florida license if you have one. The DHSMV office staff can tell you exactly what you need when you call to schedule your appointment.

License types available in Florida

Florida offers a standard driver license for drivers 18 and older with no restrictions. If you're under 18, you'll go through Florida's graduated licensing system, which starts with a learner's permit, moves to a restricted license, and then to a full license once you meet the age and experience requirements.

Florida also issues a commercial driver license (CDL) if you plan to drive a truck or bus for work. This requires additional testing and medical certification. A motorcycle endorsement can be added to your standard license if you want to ride a motorcycle legally.

If you're not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Florida driver license if you have a valid visa or immigration status. You'll need to bring your passport and immigration documents to the DHSMV office along with the standard identity and residency documents.

The written test and road test in Broward County

Before you get your license, you'll take a written test at the DHSMV office covering Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Florida Driver Handbook, which is free on the DHSMV website.

If you pass the written test, you'll schedule a road test at the same office or at a separate testing location in Broward County. During the road test, an examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and watch you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. The test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

If you fail either test, you can retake it after a waiting period. The DHSMV office will tell you when you're may be able to access to test again and what you need to bring when you return.

Graduated licensing if you're under 18

If you're a teenager in Miramar, Florida's graduated licensing system requires you to progress through three stages before you get a full driver license. You start with a learner's permit, which lets you drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat next to you. You must be at least 15 to get a learner's permit.

After holding your learner's permit for at least three months and practicing with a supervising driver, you can take the road test and move to a restricted license. With a restricted license, you can drive alone during the day, but you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless you're driving to work, school, or a medical appointment. You must be at least 16 to get a restricted license.

Once you turn 17 and have held your restricted license for at least six months without serious violations, you can return to the DHSMV office and get your full, unrestricted driver license. The office will issue it on the spot if you meet all the requirements.

Renewing or replacing your Miramar license

Florida driver licenses are valid for eight years. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same DHSMV office where you got it. You'll need to bring your current license and proof of your current Miramar address if you've moved since your last renewal.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the DHSMV office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. The office will issue a replacement with the same license number and expiration date as your original.

Some renewals can be done online or by mail if you meet certain conditions — the DHSMV website will tell you whether you're may be able to access. If you're not, you'll need to visit the office in person.

Fees and payment

The cost of a Florida driver license varies depending on the type of license and how long it's valid for. A standard eight-year license costs one amount, while a four-year license costs less. A learner's permit costs less than a full license. The DHSMV office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive or when you call to schedule your appointment.

The DHSMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have restrictions on which payment methods they take, so ask when you call ahead. If you're paying for a road test, that fee is separate from the license fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my driver license in Miramar without going to Fort Lauderdale?

No. Miramar is part of Broward County, and all driver licenses in Broward County are issued by DHSMV offices in the county. The closest office to Miramar is usually in Fort Lauderdale, but there may be other Broward County DHSMV locations closer to your home. Check the DHSMV website to find all offices in your area.

Do I need an appointment at the Broward County DHSMV office?

Most DHSMV offices in Broward County now require appointments, but some still take walk-ins. Call the office or check its website before you go. If appointments are full, the office can usually tell you when the next opening is or direct you to another nearby office with sooner availability.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID instead of a birth certificate for proof of identity. If you don't have any of these, you can order a certified birth certificate from the Florida Department of Health or the state where you were born. This takes time, so start the process early if you need a license soon.

How long does it take to get a driver license after passing the road test?

If you pass the road test, the DHSMV office will issue your license on the same day or within a few days. You'll receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your Miramar address, which usually takes one to two weeks.

Can I use a lease agreement as proof of residency if I'm renting in Miramar?

Yes. A lease agreement with your name and current Miramar address is acceptable proof of residency. It must be dated within the last 60 days. If your lease doesn't show your current address, bring a utility bill or other recent document with your name and address instead.