Where to go for your driver license in Pembroke Pines

Pembroke Pines does not have its own Department of Motor Vehicles office. You will need to visit a Florida DMV location in a nearby city — the closest options are in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, or Pompano Beach, all within 10 to 15 minutes of central Pembroke Pines.

The Fort Lauderdale DMV (1350 W. Sunrise Boulevard) is the largest and typically has the most appointment slots available. Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach locations are smaller and sometimes have shorter wait times, but availability changes week to week. You can check real-time wait times and book an appointment at the official Florida DMV website before you leave home.

Walk-ins are accepted at all three locations, but you will wait longer than if you book an appointment online. The DMV opens at 8:15 a.m. most days and closes between 4:45 and 5:00 p.m., depending on the location.

Key Takeaways

  • The nearest DMV offices to Pembroke Pines are in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach, each about 10 to 15 minutes away by car.
  • You must bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and a birth certificate or passport to get a new license.
  • Booking an appointment online at flhsmv.gov takes five minutes and saves you from waiting in line on the day you visit.
  • A standard driver license costs $48 and is valid for eight years; a REAL ID license costs $10 more and is required for domestic air travel after May 2025.
  • If you are renewing by mail, you can do so only if your license is not expired and you have no address changes, medical restrictions, or vision corrections to update.

Documents you need to bring

Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot get a license without all three.

For identity, bring your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card. For Social Security, bring your actual Social Security card — a tax return or W-2 will not work. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your current Pembroke Pines address.

If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you may not need a residency document — call the DMV location you plan to visit to confirm. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you; the DMV will test your vision during your appointment.

Getting a new license versus renewing

A new license is what you need if you have never had a Florida driver license, if your license has been expired for more than six months, or if you are moving to Florida from another state. You must visit the DMV in person, pass a vision test, and take a written knowledge test and a driving test.

A renewal is what you do if your current Florida license is still valid or expired less than six months ago. If you meet those conditions and have no address change, you can renew by mail, online, or in person. Renewing by mail takes about two weeks; online renewal is when ready but requires a valid email address on file with the DMV.

If your license expired more than six months ago, you must treat it as a new license and take the written and driving tests again, even if you have been driving legally in another state.

The written test and driving test

The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Florida DMV handbook, available free on the flhsmv.gov website. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You get one free retake if you fail; a second attempt costs $7.50.

The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, lane changes, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check your mirrors, lights, wipers, and brakes before you start. If anything is broken or missing, you will not be allowed to test that day.

You can schedule the written and driving tests on the same day or on separate days. Many people pass the written test on their first visit and schedule the driving test for a later appointment.

Cost and how long it takes

A standard eight-year driver license costs $48. A REAL ID license (required for domestic air travel and federal building access after May 2025) costs $58. Both are valid for eight years from the date you receive them.

If you are renewing by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing. If you renew online, your license is valid when ready, though the physical card arrives by mail in about 10 business days. If you visit the DMV in person, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and the plastic card arrives within two weeks.

The DMV processes most new licenses and renewals within 10 to 14 business days. If you need your license faster, you can pay an extra $15 for expedited processing, which cuts the time to five to seven business days.

Renewing by mail or online

You can renew by mail if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your address, vision correction needs, or medical restrictions. Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal.

To renew by mail, read the process form (Form HSMV 82101) from flhsmv.gov, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and a check to the address on the form. Include a new photo if your current license photo is more than 10 years old; otherwise, the DMV will use your existing photo.

Online renewal is faster and available if you have a valid email address on file with the DMV and meet the same conditions as mail renewal. You can renew online at flhsmv.gov in about five minutes, and your license becomes valid when ready. The physical card arrives by mail within 10 business days.

What to do if you have an out-of-state license

If you hold a valid driver license from another state and are moving to Florida, you do not have to take the written and driving tests again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida license by visiting the DMV with your current license, proof of residency in Pembroke Pines, and your Social Security card.

The exchange process takes about 30 minutes, and your new Florida license costs $48. Your out-of-state license will be surrendered and destroyed. If you want to keep it as a souvenir, ask the DMV clerk before they process your process; some locations will return it to you, but it will be marked as invalid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. The written test must be taken in person at a DMV office. However, you can study the test material online using the official Florida DMV handbook and practice tests on flhsmv.gov before your appointment.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as soon as the next day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each retake costs $7.50. You must bring the same vehicle or another vehicle that meets the safety requirements.

Do I need a REAL ID license?

A REAL ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings after May 2025. If you only drive locally and do not fly, a standard license is sufficient. The REAL ID costs $10 more and requires the same documents as a standard license.

How do I change my address on my license?

If you move within Florida, you can update your address online at flhsmv.gov, by mail, or in person at the DMV. Online address changes are when ready and free. By mail, allow two weeks. In person, it takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot get a new license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Florida DMV directly at 1-844-435-7352 to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it.