Fort Lauderdale Drivers: Your FL License Expires Soon! Renew Now!

Fort Lauderdale Drivers: Your FL License Expires Soon! Renew Now!

"Is your birthday coming up? Check your wallet before you hit I-95."

In Florida, your driver's license expires at midnight on your birthday. If you live in Fort Lauderdale, you know that dealing with Broward County traffic is bad enough—you don't want to add a $15 delinquent fee or a mandatory driving test to your problems.

This guide explains the "MyDMV Portal" shortcut, which Broward service centers have the shortest lines, and why the "Gold Star" Real ID is non-negotiable for 2025.

Table of Contents

  • 1. The "Midnight Deadline" & Delinquent Fees
  • 2. MyDMV Portal: The "GoRenew" Shortcut
  • 3. Fort Lauderdale (Broward) Service Centers
  • 4. Real ID: The Gold Star Requirement

1. The "Midnight Deadline" & Delinquent Fees

Florida is strict about expiration dates. While you can renew up to 18 months in advance, missing the deadline has immediate consequences:

  • Delinquent Fee: If you renew even one day late, you must pay a $15 delinquent fee on top of the renewal cost.
  • The 12-Month Rule: If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot simply renew it. You are required by law to retake the written knowledge exam and the driving skills test.
  • Traffic Citations: Driving with an expired license is a non-criminal traffic infraction, but it can lead to points on your record and insurance hikes.

2. MyDMV Portal: The "GoRenew" Shortcut

Most Fort Lauderdale residents can skip the trip to the office entirely. The MyDMV Portal (formerly GoRenew) allows you to renew online if:

  • You are a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Your last renewal was done in person (you can only renew online once every other cycle).
  • You do not need to change your name or address.
  • You are not upgrading to a Real ID for the first time.

If eligible, your new card will arrive by mail in 7-10 business days.

3. Fort Lauderdale (Broward) Service Centers

If you need a Real ID or a new photo, you must visit a service center. In Broward County, these are often managed by the state FLHSMV. Appointments are strongly recommended.

Lauderhill Service Center

1299 NW 40th Ave, Lauderhill, FL 33313

*Central location, very busy.

📞 Call FLHSMV
Pembroke Pines Service Center

8001 Pembroke Rd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025

📞 Call FLHSMV
Margate Service Center

1135 Banks Rd, Margate, FL 33063

📞 Call FLHSMV

4. Real ID: The Gold Star Requirement

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner) to board domestic flights out of FLL or MIA. If your current license doesn't have the star, you must upgrade in person.

Required Documents:

  • Identity: Valid US Passport or Birth Certificate.
  • Social Security: SSN Card or W-2 form.
  • Residency (2 Documents): FPL bill, water bill, bank statement, or lease agreement showing your Fort Lauderdale address.