Where to get your driver license in Pembroke

In Pembroke, you obtain your driver license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The closest office to Pembroke is typically the Broward County location, since Pembroke is in Broward County. You cannot get a Florida driver license online or by mail — you must visit a DHSMV office in person to pass the vision and written tests, and to have your photograph taken.

The main DHSMV office serving the Pembroke area is located in Fort Lauderdale. There is also a satellite office in Deerfield Beach, which may have shorter wait times. Both offices handle the full range of driver license services, including first-time licenses, renewals, and replacements. You can check current office hours and locations on the official DHSMV website or by calling their customer service line.

Walk-in service is available at both locations, but you may wait several hours during peak times. Many people schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website to reduce wait time, though appointment slots fill quickly during certain seasons.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person in Broward County — the Fort Lauderdale or Deerfield Beach locations serve Pembroke residents.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; the DHSMV website lists all accepted documents.
  • You must pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test before you receive your license; the test covers Florida traffic laws and safe driving.
  • Scheduling an appointment online reduces wait time, though walk-in service is also available.
  • Processing typically takes a few minutes at the office, and you receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent card is mailed to you.

Documents you need to bring

Florida requires you to bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need all three from each category — one document from each is usually enough, but the DHSMV accepts multiple forms in case one is unavailable.

For proof of identity, acceptable documents include a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Florida driver license. If you are a foreign national, a valid visa or travel document works. For proof of residency, the DHSMV accepts a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement showing your Pembroke address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form.

Bring the originals, not copies. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation. The DHSMV staff can tell you on the spot if a document does not meet their requirements, so arriving with a second option saves time.

The written test and vision screening

The written knowledge test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you do not pass on your first attempt, though you may have to pay the test fee again depending on the office policy.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you will be tested while wearing them if you normally drive with them. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot proceed that day; you will need to see an eye doctor and return with corrective lenses or a medical clearance.

The DHSMV provides study materials online, including a practice test and the official Florida Driver Handbook. Many people study these materials for a few days before visiting the office. The handbook is also available in print at the DHSMV office or at some public libraries in Broward County.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of a Florida driver license varies depending on the type and length of validity. A standard eight-year driver license costs one amount, while a four-year license costs less. The DHSMV also charges separate fees for the knowledge test and the vision screening, though these are often bundled into a single transaction fee at the office.

The DHSMV offices in Broward County accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location is wise. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — you cannot pay over the phone or online for in-person services.

If you are a Florida resident over 65, a military member, or a person with a disability, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee. Ask the staff at the office whether you may have access to, and bring any documentation that supports your status.

Timeline and what to expect on the day

If you have an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you are walking in, arrive as early as possible — offices typically open at 8:00 a.m., and the wait can grow significantly by mid-morning. Bring all required documents, your completed process form (which you can fill out online before you go or at the office), and your payment method.

The process at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, assuming all your documents are in order and you pass the vision and knowledge tests on your first attempt. You will have your photograph taken, sign your license, and receive a temporary paper license that is valid for driving when ready. Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to your Pembroke address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not pass the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day at most offices. If you fail the vision screening, you must return after seeing an eye doctor. Plan for a longer visit if you are uncertain about either test.

Special situations: Minors and commercial licenses

If you are under 18, Florida requires a learner's permit before you can take the driver license test. You must hold the learner's permit for at least one month, and you must have completed a traffic law and substance abuse course (often called a driver improvement course). A parent or guardian must accompany you to the DHSMV office, and they must sign your process.

If you need a commercial driver license (CDL) — for example, to drive a truck or bus — the process is more involved. You must pass additional tests specific to the type of vehicle, and you may need to provide medical certification. CDL testing is available at the same DHSMV offices, but you should call ahead to confirm that the office offers CDL services and to schedule an appointment, as these tests take longer.

If you are renewing a license you already hold, the process is simpler and faster. You may be able to renew online or by mail if you meet certain conditions, such as having no medical restrictions and no recent traffic violations. Check the DHSMV website to see whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Florida allows you to obtain a driver license without a Social Security number if you are a legal resident or a documented immigrant. You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other proof of legal status instead. Call the DHSMV office in Deerfield Beach or Fort Lauderdale to confirm what documents they need from you before you visit.

What if I lost my documents and cannot find proof of residency?

If you have a recent utility bill or lease, that is usually sufficient. If you do not, the DHSMV accepts alternative documents such as a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. If none of these are available, contact the DHSMV office to ask what other documents they will accept — some offices have flexibility for people in unusual situations.

How long does the temporary license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your permanent plastic card arrives in the mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DHSMV to report it.

Can I change my address on my license without getting a new one?

Yes. You can update your address at a DHSMV office without renewing your entire license. Bring your current license and proof of your new Pembroke address. The fee for an address change is lower than the fee for a full renewal.

What if I fail the knowledge test multiple times?

You can retake the test as many times as needed, though you will pay the test fee each time. Most people pass after studying the official Florida Driver Handbook and taking practice tests online. If you are struggling, some driving schools in the Pembroke area offer test preparation courses.