Where to get your Broward County driver's license
In Broward County, you get a driver's license from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The county has multiple offices where you can explore in person, but you cannot mail in an process for a new license — you must appear at a DHSMV office with your documents and pass the written and driving tests.
The main Broward County DHSMV office is located in Fort Lauderdale, but satellite offices operate in other cities including Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Dania Beach. Each office handles the same services: written exams, road tests, and license issuance. Wait times vary by location and time of day, with early morning and weekday visits typically shorter than afternoons or weekends.
You can check current wait times and make an appointment through the DHSMV website before you go. Appointments are not required but reduce your time in the office. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours during peak times.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Broward County DHSMV office in person with original documents — there is no mail-in option for new driver's licenses in Florida.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; the DHSMV website lists exactly which documents count for each category.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a road test with a DHSMV examiner in your own vehicle or a rental.
- Making an appointment through the DHSMV website reduces wait time but is not required; walk-ins are accepted at all Broward offices.
- A standard Florida driver's license costs a set fee that covers a four-year renewal period; the exact amount depends on your age and license type.
Documents you need to bring
Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The DHSMV is strict about this, so verify your documents before you go.
For proof of identity, acceptable documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Florida driver's license. A state ID card from another state also works. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain one first — the DHSMV cannot issue a license without it.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current Broward County address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works if it shows your address. If you are homeless or living with family, you can bring a signed affidavit from the property owner or resident.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before explore for a license.
The written test and road test
The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 15 of 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DHSMV website.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Many people pass on the first try if they study the handbook beforehand.
The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A DHSMV examiner will sit in your vehicle while you drive on local streets. They will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parallel parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not own a vehicle, you can rent one or borrow a friend's car — the vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must be legal to drive.
If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one week before retaking it. You can schedule your next attempt at the same office or a different Broward location.
Age-specific requirements for teen drivers
If you are under 18, Florida has additional rules. You must hold a learner's permit for at least three months before taking the road test. You can get a learner's permit at age 15 by passing the written test and bringing your documents. While holding a permit, you must drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.
Teen drivers also face restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits during the first six months after getting a license. These restrictions are printed on your license and enforced by law enforcement. The restrictions ease after six months of violation-free driving.
If you are 16 or 17 and have held your permit for three months, you can take the road test. You do not need to wait until you turn 18.
Renewing or replacing a Broward County license
If your Florida license is expiring soon or you have lost it, the process differs from getting a new license. License renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office, depending on your situation. If your license was lost or stolen, you must report it to the DHSMV and get a replacement in person or by mail.
For a standard renewal with no changes to your information, you can renew online through the DHSMV website if your license is not expired by more than five years. You will not need to take the written or road test again. The fee is lower for online renewals than in-person ones.
If you need a replacement because your license is damaged, lost, or stolen, you must visit a Broward DHSMV office with your documents. Bring proof of identity and residency again, even though you already have a Florida license on file.
Costs and how long it takes
A new Florida driver's license costs a set fee that covers a four-year renewal period. The exact amount varies slightly depending on your age and whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing. Check the DHSMV website for the current fee, as it can change.
You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at any Broward DHSMV office. Online renewals accept credit and debit cards only.
Your license is issued the same day you pass the road test, though the physical card may take a few days to arrive by mail. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the plastic card. The temporary license is valid for 30 days.
If you are renewing by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing. Online renewals are faster — your new license ships within one week in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DHSMV offers the written test in English, Spanish, French, Creole, Portuguese, and several other languages. Tell the staff member at the office which language you need before you start the test. You do not need to request this in advance.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You must wait at least one week before retaking it. You can schedule your next test at any Broward DHSMV office. You will pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pass the written test again if more than one year has passed since your last attempt.
Do I need an appointment to take the written and road tests?
No, but making an appointment through the DHSMV website will reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at all Broward offices. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day or on a weekday to avoid the longest waits.
Can I use a rental car for the road test?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition, but it does not have to be registered in your name. Make sure the rental company allows the car to be used for a driving test, as some do not. Bring proof of insurance in the vehicle.
How long is a Florida driver's license valid?
A standard driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. Renewing before your license expires is easier than renewing after it has expired.