The Broward County DMV is run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Broward County does not have a single DMV office. Instead, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) operates multiple driver license offices throughout the county. Each office handles the same services — license renewals, replacements, address changes, and written tests — but they have different hours and wait times. You can visit any of them; you do not have to go to the one nearest your home.
The largest and busiest office is in Fort Lauderdale, located at 1001 NW 31st Avenue. Other offices serve Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Dania Beach. The DHSMV website lists all locations, hours, and which services each office offers on any given day. Some offices close for lunch or operate on shortened schedules on certain days of the week.
Before you go, check the office's current hours online. Broward offices sometimes close for staff training or state holidays without advance notice on social media. The official DHSMV website is the only reliable source for real-time status.
Key Takeaways
- Broward County has four driver license offices run by the Florida DHSMV, and you can visit any of them for the same services.
- The Fort Lauderdale office at 1001 NW 31st Avenue is the largest but also the busiest, with waits often exceeding two hours during peak times.
- Check the DHSMV website before you go to confirm the office is open and to see which services are available that day.
- Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents related to the transaction you need (such as a lease or utility bill for an address change).
- Walk-in service is available at all offices, but you can also make an appointment online through the DHSMV website to reduce wait time.
Which Broward offices serve which cities
The Fort Lauderdale office is the main hub and handles all services. It is located at 1001 NW 31st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. This office is open Monday through Friday and serves residents from across the county, but it is also the most crowded. Typical wait times range from 45 minutes to over two hours, depending on the time of day and day of the week. Mornings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be less busy than Mondays or Fridays.
The Deerfield Beach office is at 1300 South Powerline Road and serves the northern part of the county. The Pompano Beach office is at 1900 North Federal Highway. The Dania Beach office is at 100 Chesterfield Boulevard. These three offices typically have shorter wait times than Fort Lauderdale, often 20 to 45 minutes, but they may not offer every service on every day. Call ahead or check the website to confirm the service you need is available.
You do not need to visit the office in your city. If you live in Deerfield Beach but prefer the Fort Lauderdale office, you can go there. However, if you want a shorter wait, the smaller offices are usually a better choice.
What documents to bring for common transactions
For a driver license renewal, bring your current Florida driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your license is expired by more than six months, you may also need to pass a vision test or written exam. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
For an address change, bring your current driver license and a document showing your new address. The DHSMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, or government mail. The document must be dated within 90 days and show your name and new address. You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the office will issue you a new card with the updated information at no extra cost.
For a license replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring your current ID, proof of residency, and a report number if your license was stolen. If you do not have a current ID, bring two documents that prove your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. The replacement fee is typically around $25, but fees vary by transaction type.
For a written driving test, bring your current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will also need to bring a completed process form, which you can fill out at the office or read from the DHSMV website before you arrive. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving.
How to make an appointment and reduce wait time
The DHSMV allows you to schedule an appointment online through its website. Go to the DHSMV homepage, select your county (Broward), choose the office you want to visit, and pick a date and time. Appointments are usually available within one to two weeks. When you arrive at your appointment time, you will still check in at the counter, but you will be called ahead of walk-in customers.
If you cannot find an appointment slot online, the office may be fully booked for that week. Check back the next day or try a different office. Some offices release new appointment slots at midnight or early morning. If you need to renew your license urgently, the Fort Lauderdale office sometimes has same-day walk-in slots available early in the morning, though you should arrive before 8 a.m.
Walk-in service is available at all offices during business hours, but expect to wait. The DHSMV does not publish real-time wait times, so you cannot check how busy an office is before you go. Calling the office directly may give you a sense of current traffic, but staff may not answer during peak hours.
Scams and safety warnings for Broward DMV transactions
Do not use third-party websites or services that claim to renew your license or change your address for you. These sites charge fees (often $50 to $150) for work you can do yourself for free or for the official DHSMV fee alone. The DHSMV does not partner with these services, and using them does not speed up your transaction. The only official way to renew your license or change your address is to visit a driver license office in person or use the official DHSMV website for online renewals (available for some transactions).
Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from the DHSMV asking you to verify your information or pay a fee. The DHSMV does not contact customers by email or text to request personal information. If you receive such a message, do not click any links or provide any information. Report it to the Florida Attorney General's office.
Do not give your Social Security number, date of birth, or license number to anyone who calls claiming to be from the DMV. The DHSMV will never call you asking for these details. If someone calls you about your license, hang up and call the DHSMV directly using the phone number on their official website.
Online services available without visiting an office
The DHSMV allows you to renew your driver license online if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. You can renew online at the DHSMV website if you are renewing for the first time in four years and your address has not changed. The online renewal costs the same as an in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot change your address online; you must visit an office in person for that transaction. You also cannot take a written driving test online. If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, you can start the process online, but you will need to visit an office to complete it and pay the fee.
The DHSMV also offers a service called REAL ID, which is a federal standard for identification. If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license. You can upgrade your current license to REAL ID at any driver license office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate). The fee is the same as a regular renewal.
What to expect when you arrive at the office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk or kiosk. If you have an appointment, tell the staff member. If you are a walk-in, you will be given a number and directed to wait in the seating area. The office will call your number when it is your turn. Do not leave the office while you are waiting; if your number is called and you are not there, you may lose your place.
When you reach the counter, the staff member will review your documents, ask you questions about your transaction, and take your photo and fingerprints if needed. The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter. You will pay the fee at the end. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
If you are renewing your license, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. If you are changing your address, you will receive a new card on the spot. If you are replacing a lost license, you will also receive a temporary paper license and a permanent card by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, but you may need to take a vision test or written exam. If your license expired more than six months ago, you will likely need to pass both. Bring your glasses or contacts and be prepared to spend extra time at the office. The staff will tell you what tests you need when you check in.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You will need to bring a document dated within 90 days that shows your name and address. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can bring a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. If you have none of these, ask the office what alternative documents they accept before you go.
How long does it take to get a new license by mail?
Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days after your transaction. During that time, you can use the temporary paper license the office gave you. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV office where you applied.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in, but an appointment will reduce your wait time significantly. If you do not have time to wait, make an appointment online before you go. Appointments are usually available within one to two weeks.
What if I need to change my address but my license is not expiring soon?
You can change your address at any time without renewing your license. Visit a driver license office with your current license and proof of residency. The office will issue you a new card with your updated address at no extra cost.