Where to renew your license in Broward County
The Broward County Tax Collector's office handles driver license renewals for Broward County residents. You can renew in person at any of their driver license service centers, by mail, or online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website — though the Tax Collector's office is the physical location you'll visit if you choose the in-person route.
Broward County has multiple Tax Collector service centers spread across the county. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale, but satellite locations exist in Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and other areas. Each location handles renewals, so you can visit whichever is most convenient for you.
Before you go to any location, check the Broward County Tax Collector website for current hours and any wait time estimates. Some offices get busier than others, and knowing what to expect helps you plan your visit.
Key Takeaways
- Broward County Tax Collector service centers handle in-person renewals, but you can also renew by mail or online through the DHSMV website without visiting an office.
- You will need your current driver license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the specific documents depend on whether you are renewing a standard license or a REAL ID.
- Standard renewals cost around $75 for an eight-year license, while REAL ID renewals cost more and require additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.
- The Tax Collector's office processes renewals on the spot for in-person visits, so you can leave with your temporary license the same day.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
What documents you need to bring
For a standard driver license renewal at a Broward County Tax Collector office, bring your current driver license, one form of proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.
If you are renewing a REAL ID — the federal ID required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings — you will need additional documents. Bring your current REAL ID license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and one document proving your identity and date of birth. A birth certificate, passport, or passport card works. You will also need to prove your legal name if it has changed since your last license.
Bring originals or certified copies of documents. The Tax Collector's office will not accept photocopies for most documents. If you are unsure whether a document counts as proof of residency or identity, call the Broward County Tax Collector office before your visit.
How to renew in person at a Tax Collector office
Walk into any Broward County Tax Collector service center during business hours with your documents. Take a number and wait to be called. When you reach the window, hand over your current license and supporting documents. The staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot.
You will pay the renewal fee at the window — $75 for a standard eight-year license or more for a REAL ID. The office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. After payment, you receive a temporary license printed on paper that is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Arriving early in the morning or on weekday afternoons tends to mean shorter waits than midday or Friday afternoons.
Renewing by mail or online instead
If you do not want to visit an office, you can renew by mail or online. To renew online, go to the DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov), log into your account, and follow the renewal steps. You will answer questions about your current license, pay the fee online, and your new license ships to your address. This method works only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or changes to your address.
To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the DHSMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your current license and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Processing takes two to four weeks from the time the office receives your packet.
Online renewal is faster and requires no trip to an office. Mail renewal is slower but also requires no visit. Choose based on how soon you need your new license and whether you prefer to handle it from home.
Renewal fees and what they cover
A standard eight-year driver license renewal costs around $75. A REAL ID renewal costs more — typically $20 to $30 extra — because it requires additional verification and a new card design. Fees can change, so confirm the exact amount on the Broward County Tax Collector website or by calling before you visit.
The renewal fee covers the new license card and processing. It does not cover any additional services like name changes, address corrections beyond what is on file, or replacement of a lost license. If you need a name change or are replacing a lost or stolen license, you will pay a separate fee and may need to bring additional documents.
The Tax Collector's office accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order only — do not send cash through the mail.
When your license expires and renewal important date
Your driver license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Florida allows you to renew up to six months before your license expires. You can also renew after it expires, but an expired license cannot be used to drive — renew before the expiration date if you plan to drive.
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may not be able to renew by mail or online. You will need to visit a Tax Collector office in person, and the office may require you to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired. Renewing before expiration avoids this complication.
Check your license now to see when it expires. If it expires within the next month or two, plan your renewal visit or online submission soon. The Tax Collector's offices can get busy around renewal important date, so visiting early means shorter waits.
What to do if you cannot visit in person
If you live out of state temporarily, are unable to travel to Broward County, or have a disability that makes visiting an office difficult, online or mail renewal may work for you. Both methods are available to most Florida residents whose licenses are not expired and who have no recent violations or address changes.
If online and mail renewal are not options for you — for example, if your license is expired by more than six months — contact the Broward County Tax Collector office to ask about alternatives. Some offices can refer you to a mobile service or provide guidance on what to do in your specific situation. Call before making assumptions about what is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes, but the process depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired fewer than six months ago, you can renew by mail, online, or in person. If it expired more than six months ago, you must visit a Tax Collector office in person, and the office may require you to retake the written or vision test. Renew before expiration to avoid this requirement.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail in two to four weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.
Do I need a REAL ID, or can I renew a standard license?
A REAL ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in 2025. If you fly or visit federal facilities, renew as a REAL ID. If you do not fly domestically or visit federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient. You can renew whichever type you currently have, or upgrade from standard to REAL ID at renewal.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or government mail — to your renewal visit. The Tax Collector's office will update your address during renewal. If you are renewing by mail or online, include a copy of your proof of residency with your process.
Can I renew my license online if I have never done it before?
You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you have no recent violations, and your address has not changed. First-time online renewal requires you to create an account on the DHSMV website. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access, try starting the online process — the system will tell you if you cannot complete it that way and will direct you to in-person or mail renewal instead.