Where to go for your Sunrise driver's license
Sunrise does not have its own Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. You will need to visit a nearby location in Broward County to get your driver's license. The closest full-service office is in Fort Lauderdale, about 10 miles away, or you can go to the Deerfield Beach office, which is roughly 8 miles north.
Both offices handle new licenses, renewals, and replacements. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Early morning on weekdays typically has shorter lines than afternoons or Saturdays.
If you want to check current wait times before you go, the DHSMV website shows estimated wait times for each office location updated throughout the day. You can also call ahead to ask about staffing or any temporary closures.
Key Takeaways
- Sunrise residents must visit a DHSMV office in Fort Lauderdale or Deerfield Beach, as there is no office in Sunrise itself.
- You will need to bring a valid Social Security card, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity like a passport or birth certificate.
- Florida offers both the standard Real ID-compliant license and the non-compliant version; the Real ID version costs more but works for federal purposes like air travel.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test and a driving test at the same office location on the same day or in separate visits, depending on the office.
- You can renew your license online through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions, such as having a valid license and no medical restrictions.
Documents you need to bring
Florida requires specific documents no matter which office you visit. Bring your original Social Security card or a certified copy. You will also need proof of your current address in Sunrise—a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days all work.
For proof of identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, or a previous Florida driver's license. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization. Do not bring copies unless the DHSMV specifically asks for them; bring originals.
If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. Bring all documents in their original form—the office staff will make copies if needed.
Real ID versus standard Florida license
Florida offers two types of driver's licenses: one that meets Real ID standards and one that does not. The Real ID version has a gold star in the upper right corner and costs about $10 more than the standard license. The standard license does not have the star.
The Real ID license works for federal purposes: boarding domestic flights, entering military bases, and accessing certain federal buildings. If you plan to fly within the United States, you will need either a Real ID license or a passport. The standard license does not meet these federal requirements.
If you only need a license for driving and state identification, the standard license is cheaper. If you travel by air or need federal ID, the Real ID version is worth the extra cost. You choose which type when you explore at the office.
Written test and driving test requirements
If you are getting your first Florida license or your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you must pass a written test covering traffic laws and road signs. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study using the official DHSMV handbook, which is free online.
After passing the written test, you must also pass a driving test with a DHSMV examiner. The examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you bring) and score your ability to handle basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
Some offices allow you to take both tests on the same day; others schedule the driving test for a later appointment. Ask when you arrive which schedule applies. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you may have to wait a few days or schedule another appointment.
Fees and payment methods
A standard Florida driver's license costs $48 and is valid for 8 years. A Real ID license costs $58 for the same 8-year period. If you are under 21, the license costs less and expires when you turn 21. Replacement licenses for lost or damaged cards cost $25.
The Fort Lauderdale and Deerfield Beach offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have temporary payment restrictions, so call ahead if you want to confirm. Bring enough cash or a card to cover the fee plus any test retake fees if needed.
If you renew online through the DHSMV website, you pay the renewal fee through their find payment system. Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions the website will check for you.
Hours and what to expect on the day you visit
The Fort Lauderdale DHSMV office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Deerfield Beach office has similar hours. Both offices close on Sundays and state holidays. Hours can change, so check the DHSMV website before you go.
Arrive early if possible. Bring all your documents in a folder so you do not lose anything while waiting. The process from check-in to photo and license printing usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how busy the office is and whether you need to take tests.
Your temporary license will be printed on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the office staff whether they offer rush processing; some locations do for an extra fee.
Online renewal if you are may be able to access
If your Florida license is still valid and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew online through the DHSMV website without visiting an office. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, or if you want to switch from a standard to a Real ID license.
Check the DHSMV website to see whether you are may be able to access before you start. The system will tell you when ready if you can renew online or whether you must visit an office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license the same day I explore?
You will receive a temporary license printed on the spot that day. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need the permanent card faster, ask about rush processing when you visit; some offices offer it for an additional fee.
What if I fail the written or driving test?
You can retake either test, usually within a few days or at your next appointment. There is no extra fee to retake a test. You do not have to start the entire process over; you only repeat the test you failed.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
Both the Fort Lauderdale and Deerfield Beach offices accept walk-ins. No appointment is required. However, you can check estimated wait times on the DHSMV website before you go, and calling ahead can tell you whether the office is experiencing delays.
What if my address in Sunrise recently changed?
Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. You can update your address when you renew your license or visit an office to change it on your current license without renewing.
Is the Real ID license worth the extra cost?
If you fly domestically or need federal ID, yes—you will need either a Real ID license or a passport. If you only drive and use your license for state ID, the standard license is sufficient and costs less. The choice is yours when you explore.