How to Get and Renew Your Broward County Driver's License

Where to Go for a Broward Driver's License

Broward County driver's licenses are issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You cannot get a Broward license at a county office — you must visit a DHSMV Driver License office. Broward has multiple locations, and you can choose any of them; you do not have to go to the one nearest your home or where you registered your vehicle.

The main DHSMV offices in Broward County are located in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs. Each office handles standard license issuance, renewals, and replacements. Hours vary by location, but most open at 8:00 a.m. and close between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some locations have reduced Saturday hours. Check the DHSMV website or call ahead before you go, because hours change seasonally and offices occasionally close for training.

Key Takeaways

Florida driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue, and renewal can begin six months before expiration.
You must bring a valid Social Security card or official document showing your SSN, proof of Florida residency, and proof of identity to any DHSMV office.
First-time Florida license holders must pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening; renewals do not require a test unless your license was suspended or you are over 79 years old.
Broward DHSMV offices do not accept walk-ins for most transactions — you must schedule an appointment online or by phone, and wait times for same-day appointments are common during peak hours.
Fees for a standard eight-year license are $75.00, and replacement licenses cost $25.00; fees are paid at the office and accepted by card, check, or cash.

Documents You Need to Bring

Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a military ID, a certified birth certificate, or a valid foreign passport with an I-94 arrival/departure record. If you are renewing and your current Florida license is not expired, you can use that as proof of identity.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your SSN. A Social Security statement from ssa.gov also works. You cannot use a driver's license or ID card as proof of SSN.

For proof of Florida residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current name and address: a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document such as a vehicle registration. A mail piece from a government agency counts if it shows your address.

Getting Your First Broward License

If you are a new Florida resident or have never held a Florida license, you must pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening at the DHSMV office. The knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DHSMV website. The test is 50 questions; you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit.

You will also have your photograph taken and your vision checked at the office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day; you will need to see an eye care professional and return with documentation of your corrected vision.

Schedule your appointment online at the DHSMV website or by calling the Broward office directly. Appointments fill quickly, especially in the morning. If no appointments are available, some offices maintain a small number of walk-in slots, but these are not may provide and waits can exceed two hours.

Renewing Your Broward License

You can renew your Florida license up to six months before it expires. Renewal by mail is available if your license is not suspended, you have not had a medical suspension, and you are under 80 years old. To renew by mail, complete the process form (HSMV 82053), include a check or money order for $75.00, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks.

If you prefer to renew in person, visit any Broward DHSMV office with your documents and schedule an appointment. In-person renewal is faster — you walk out with your new license the same day. You do not need to retake the knowledge test unless your license was suspended or you are renewing after age 79.

If your license has expired, you cannot renew by mail; you must go to an office in person and may be required to retake the knowledge test. Expired licenses can be renewed up to two years after expiration, but the longer you wait, the more likely you will face additional requirements.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit a Broward DHSMV office to request a replacement. Bring your documents (proof of identity, SSN, and residency) and tell the clerk your license is damaged or missing. You will have your photograph taken again. The replacement fee is $25.00, and you receive your new license when ready.

If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report, though it is not required by DHSMV. Some people file a report for their records in case the stolen license is used fraudulently. The police report is separate from the replacement process and does not affect your ability to get a new license.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard eight-year Florida driver's license costs $75.00. A replacement license costs $25.00. A duplicate (an extra copy of your current license) costs $10.00. All fees are paid at the DHSMV office on the day of your transaction.

Broward DHSMV offices accept payment by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, cash, and check. If you pay by check, write it to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. There are no additional processing fees, and no discounts are available for paying in cash versus card.

Scheduling and Wait Times

You must schedule an appointment to visit a Broward DHSMV office. Appointments are scheduled online at the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639). The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Online scheduling is available 24 hours a day.

Appointment availability varies by location and time of day. Morning slots (8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.) fill first and are often booked weeks in advance. Afternoon slots typically have shorter waits. If you cannot find an appointment in Broward, check offices in neighboring counties — you can use any DHSMV office in Florida.

Even with an appointment, you may wait 30 to 60 minutes during peak times. Bring your documents, your appointment confirmation, and your current license if you have one. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Broward license online?

No. Florida does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you are under 80 years old, or you can renew in person at any DHSMV office. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks; in-person renewal is same-day.

What if I moved to Broward from another state?

You must get a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, along with proof of your Social Security number and proof of Florida residency. You will take the knowledge test and vision screening. Your out-of-state license remains valid until you receive your Florida license.

Do I need an appointment if I only need a replacement?

Yes. All DHSMV transactions in Broward require an appointment. Schedule online or by phone. Replacement appointments are usually shorter than first-time license appointments because you do not take a test.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test at your next appointment. Schedule a new appointment and return to the office. There is no additional fee for retaking the test, but you will need to pay for another appointment slot if the office charges for rescheduling (policies vary by location).

Can I get a REAL ID at a Broward DHSMV office?

Yes. A REAL ID-compliant license costs the same as a standard license ($75.00) and requires the same documents, plus additional proof of your Social Security number and residency. Ask for a REAL ID when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the office. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.