Broward County Driver's License Offices and Their Locations
Broward County has multiple Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices where you can get a driver's license, renew one, or handle other license-related tasks. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale, but the county also operates satellite locations in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Dania Beach. Each office handles the same services, so you can visit whichever is most convenient to your home or work.
The Fort Lauderdale office is at 6000 Cypress Road and is typically the busiest. The Deerfield Beach location is at 1350 East Hillsboro Boulevard. Pompano Beach is at 1401 North Federal Highway. Dania Beach is at 100 East Dania Beach Boulevard. Hours vary slightly by location, but most open at 8:15 a.m. and close between 4:30 and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some locations have limited Saturday hours.
You do not need an appointment at most Broward offices, but wait times can be long during peak hours—typically mid-morning and early afternoon. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday often means shorter waits than Friday afternoons.
Key Takeaways
- Broward County operates four DMV offices in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Dania Beach, all offering the same services.
- You can walk in without an appointment at any location, but wait times are longest mid-morning and on Fridays.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of identity, and any required medical or vision documentation before you go.
- The Florida DMV website shows real-time wait times for each Broward office so you can choose the shortest line.
- If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to visit an office unless your license is suspended or you need a Real ID upgrade.
What Documents to Bring to a Broward DMV Office
Before you visit, gather your proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security number. Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or a previous Florida driver's license. Proof of residency must show your current address and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you are getting your first Florida license or renewing after it expired more than five years ago, you will also need to pass a vision test at the office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving—such as seizures, diabetes, or certain vision problems—bring documentation from your doctor stating whether you can safely drive.
For a Real ID, which is required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025, bring one additional document proving citizenship or lawful presence: a passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or visa. Real ID costs the same as a standard license but takes longer to process at the office.
How to Check Wait Times Before You Go
The Florida DMV website displays live wait times for each Broward County office. Visit the DMV's office locator tool, select Broward County, and you will see the current wait time for each location. This updates throughout the day, so you can check before leaving home and pick the office with the shortest line.
Wait times are usually shortest first thing in the morning—between 8:15 and 9:30 a.m.—and on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Avoid mid-morning rushes (10 a.m. to noon) and Friday afternoons. If the wait time shown is over 90 minutes, consider coming back another day or trying a different location.
Getting Your License Without Visiting an Office
If your Florida driver's license is still valid and not suspended, you can renew it online or by mail without going to an office. Online renewal is available if your license expires within the next six months and you have not renewed online in the past four years. You will need your license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Mail renewal takes longer—typically two to three weeks—but requires only filling out a form and mailing it with your old license and a check. You can read the renewal form from the Florida DMV website. Neither online nor mail renewal works if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years ago; in those cases, you must visit an office in person.
If you need a Real ID upgrade, you cannot do it online or by mail. You must visit a Broward DMV office and bring proof of citizenship or lawful presence.
What Happens During Your First Visit for a License
When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. A clerk will check your documents, verify your information against state records, and ask you to sign a form confirming you understand Florida traffic laws. You will then go to a separate station for a vision test and a photo. The vision test is straightforward—you look into a machine and read letters or numbers on a screen.
After the photo, you will pay the license fee. A standard Florida driver's license costs $75 and is valid for eight years. A Real ID costs the same but requires additional citizenship documentation. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address. The plastic card usually arrives within two weeks.
Handling Suspensions, Revocations, and High-Risk Status at the Office
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a Broward office in person. A clerk will tell you why your license was suspended—common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or DUI conviction. You will need to resolve the underlying issue before your license can be reinstated.
For a suspension due to unpaid tickets or fines, you must pay the debt or set up a payment plan with the court. For a DUI suspension, you may need to complete a substance abuse course and pay reinstatement fees. For a medical suspension, you must provide a doctor's letter stating you are safe to drive again. The office staff can explain what you need to do, but they cannot process your reinstatement until the condition is met.
If you have been labeled high-risk—usually because of multiple violations or a serious conviction—your license may carry restrictions such as an ignition interlock device requirement or a requirement to carry an SR22 insurance form. The DMV office will explain these restrictions, but you will need to handle the insurance or device separately through your insurance company or a certified installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment at a Broward DMV office?
No. All four Broward offices accept walk-ins. You take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times, and the DMV website shows live wait times so you can pick the shortest line.
Can I renew my license online if I live in Broward County?
Yes, if your license is still valid and not suspended, and you have not renewed online in the past four years. You can renew online through the Florida DMV website in about 10 minutes. If your license is expired, suspended, or you need a Real ID, you must visit an office.
How long does it take to get a driver's license at the office?
The wait time varies by location and time of day, but typically ranges from 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times. Once you are called, the actual process—documents check, vision test, photo, and payment—takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.
What if my license is suspended and I need to drive for work?
You cannot legally drive on a suspended license. You must resolve the suspension first by paying fines, completing required courses, or providing medical clearance. Once the suspension is lifted, you can visit a Broward office to reinstate your license. Some suspensions can be lifted the same day; others take longer depending on the reason.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to the DMV?
No. You need to know your Social Security number, but you do not need to bring the card itself. Bring your birth certificate, passport, or other proof of identity instead. The DMV will verify your Social Security number through state records.