Where to Go and What to Bring in Broward County
In Broward County, you obtain your driver's license at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The county has multiple locations, but the main office is in Fort Lauderdale. You cannot renew or obtain a license at a local police station or courthouse — you must go to a DHSMV office.
Before you go, gather these documents: a valid passport or birth certificate (proof of identity and citizenship), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your current out-of-state license if you have one. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.
The DHSMV offices in Broward County operate by appointment and walk-in, though appointment availability varies by location and time of year. You can schedule online through the Florida DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm wait times. Bring all documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof documents.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Florida DHSMV office in Broward County in person; there is no online or mail-in option for a new driver's license.
- Bring original proof of identity, Social Security number, and Florida residency — photocopies do not count.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you and sign the process.
- The written test and driving test are both administered on the same day if you pass the written exam first.
- Standard processing takes one to two weeks; you receive a temporary paper license at the office and the plastic card by mail.
The Written Test and Driving Test in Broward County
After you submit your documents, you take the written knowledge test at the DHSMV office. The test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, available free on the DHSMV website. The test is 50 questions; you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.
If you pass the written test the same day, you can take the driving test when ready — or schedule it for another day if you prefer more time to prepare. The driving test is conducted by a DHSMV examiner in your own vehicle (or a rental). The examiner evaluates your ability to start the car, use mirrors, turn, brake, park, and follow traffic laws. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers both city streets and highway driving in Broward County.
If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee again. Most people pass the written test on the first attempt; the driving test has a higher failure rate, particularly for parallel parking and lane changes.
Fees and Timeline for Broward County Licenses
The fee for a Florida driver's license varies by license type and age. A standard Class D license (the most common type) costs between $48 and $75 depending on whether you are a new driver, renewing, or replacing a lost license. Broward County DHSMV offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards.
You receive a temporary paper license at the office when ready after passing both tests. The plastic card is mailed to your address within one to two weeks. If you need the card faster, some DHSMV offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations in Broward County.
If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot carry passengers under 20 unless a parent or guardian is present. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you hold the license for six months, whichever comes first.
Specific DHSMV Office Locations in Broward County
The main DHSMV office in Broward County is located in Fort Lauderdale at 1350 West Sunrise Boulevard. This office handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements. There are also satellite offices in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs, though hours and services vary by location.
Not all offices offer the same services. Some satellite locations handle renewals and replacements but not new license tests. Before you go, check the DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm that your specific office offers written and driving tests. The Fort Lauderdale location is the most reliable for first-time applicants.
Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices open on Saturday mornings. Lunch closures vary. Arrive early or schedule an appointment online to avoid long waits, especially on Fridays and at the beginning of the month.
What Happens If You Fail the Driving Test
If you fail the driving test, the examiner will tell you what you did wrong — for example, improper lane change, failure to yield, or unsafe parking. You can retake the test as soon as the next day, and you do not need to retake the written test. You pay the driving test fee again.
Most people pass on the second or third attempt. Common reasons for failure include not checking mirrors, speeding, improper turns, and panic during parallel parking. If you fail multiple times, consider taking a professional driving lesson before your next attempt; many instructors in Broward County specialize in test preparation.
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving while you wait to retake the test. You do not lose your right to drive after a failed test — you straightforward cannot pass the test until you try again.
Renewing or Replacing Your License in Broward County
If you already have a Florida driver's license and need to renew it, you can do so online through the DHSMV website if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations. Online renewal costs less and takes about one week. You do not need to visit an office or retake any tests.
If you cannot renew online — for example, if your license is expired by more than five years or you have a medical condition flagged by the system — you must visit a DHSMV office in Broward County in person. Bring your current license and proof of residency.
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DHSMV and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee and provide proof of identity and residency. A replacement license is mailed to you within one to two weeks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at the Broward County DHSMV
The most common mistake is bringing photocopies instead of original documents. The DHSMV will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate or passport, even if it is notarized. Bring the original, or you will be turned away and must reschedule.
The second mistake is not bringing proof of residency dated within 90 days. A utility bill or lease must show your current address and be recent. An old bill will not work. If you just moved, bring a lease or a letter from your landlord on official letterhead.
The third mistake is arriving without an appointment during peak hours and expecting a short wait. Broward County DHSMV offices are busy, especially on Fridays and early in the month. Schedule online or call ahead. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait two to four hours.
A fourth mistake is not studying the Florida Driver's Handbook before the written test. The test is not difficult, but it covers specific rules and sign meanings. Spend 30 minutes reviewing the handbook before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online in Broward County?
No. Both the written test and driving test must be taken in person at a DHSMV office in Broward County. You cannot take either test online or by mail.
What if I fail the written test — can I retake it the same day?
Yes. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most Broward County DHSMV offices. You pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the second attempt.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Florida driver's license?
Yes. You must provide proof of your Social Security number — either your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot obtain a Florida driver's license.
How long does the plastic card take to arrive after I pass the test?
One to two weeks. You receive a temporary paper license at the office when ready after passing both tests. The plastic card is mailed to your address. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DHSMV to request a replacement.
Can someone else pick up my license for me if I cannot go to the office?
No. You must be present in person to take the written and driving tests. A parent or guardian can accompany you if you are under 18, but you must be there yourself.