Where to go for a driver license in Pembroke Pines

Pembroke Pines does not have its own Department of Motor Vehicles office. To get a driver license, you will go to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), which runs all driver license services in the state. The closest office to Pembroke Pines is the Broward County Driver License Office, located at 115 South Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale — about 15 minutes north of central Pembroke Pines.

You can also visit other DHSMV offices in Broward County if the Fort Lauderdale location is inconvenient. There is an office in Deerfield Beach and another in Pompano Beach. All three serve the same purpose and issue the same licenses, so you can choose whichever is closest to you or fits your schedule.

Before you go in person, check the DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm current hours and any wait times. Many offices now offer online appointment scheduling, which can save you time on the day you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issues all driver licenses in Florida, and Pembroke Pines residents use the Fort Lauderdale office or other nearby Broward County locations.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address when you visit.
  • Florida offers a standard driver license, a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), and a commercial driver license, each with different requirements.
  • If you are a new Florida resident, you must get a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency.
  • You can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website to reduce wait times at the office.

What documents you need to bring

The DHSMV requires specific documents before they will issue a driver license. You must bring one valid form of identification — this can be a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth. You also need proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.

Finally, you need proof of your current address in Pembroke Pines. This can be a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have recently moved, bring the document that shows your Pembroke Pines address.

If you are renewing a license rather than getting one for the first time, the requirements are simpler — usually just your current license and proof of address. Check the DHSMV website for the full list before you go, since requirements can vary depending on your situation.

The difference between a standard license and a REAL ID

Florida offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard license works for driving and state identification. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. You will need a REAL ID license to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or visit a military base.

Getting a REAL ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document that proves your legal name and date of birth — such as a birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name has changed. The REAL ID license costs a few dollars more than a standard license, but the exact fee varies.

If you are not sure which one you need, a REAL ID is the safer choice. It works everywhere a standard license works, plus it covers federal requirements. You can always upgrade from a standard to a REAL ID license later if you change your mind.

Getting a license if you are new to Florida

If you have just moved to Pembroke Pines from another state, Florida law requires you to get a Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency. You cannot legally drive on your out-of-state license after that 30-day window closes, even if your old license has not expired yet.

When you go to the DHSMV office, bring your out-of-state license along with the documents listed above. The office will take your old license and issue a Florida license in its place. You do not need to take a written test or a driving test if you are straightforward transferring from another state — the DHSMV accepts your out-of-state driving record.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you may need to take a written test and a driving test. The DHSMV website lists which states may have access to for the waiver and which do not, so check before you go.

Taking the written test and driving test

If you are getting your first Florida license or if you are transferring from a state that does not have a reciprocal agreement with Florida, you will take a written test and a driving test. The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Florida Driver Handbook, which the DHSMV provides free online.

The driving test happens at the same DHSMV office where you take the written test. An examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle and watch how you handle basic driving tasks — parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A friend or family member can drive you to the test, but you must be the one behind the wheel during the exam.

You get three chances to pass the written test and three chances to pass the driving test. If you fail, you can schedule another appointment and try again. Many people pass on their first or second attempt if they study the handbook and practice driving beforehand.

Commercial driver licenses and endorsements

If you need to drive a commercial vehicle — such as a truck, a bus, or a vehicle carrying hazardous materials — you will need a commercial driver license (CDL) instead of a standard license. A CDL requires additional testing and documentation beyond a regular license.

The DHSMV office in Fort Lauderdale can issue a CDL, but you will need to pass a medical examination first and bring the results with you. You will also take a written test specific to commercial driving and a driving test in a commercial vehicle. The process takes longer than getting a standard license, so plan for multiple visits or a longer appointment.

You can also add endorsements to a standard license — for example, a motorcycle endorsement if you want to ride a motorcycle. Endorsements require their own written test and, in some cases, a riding test. Ask the DHSMV staff which endorsements you need for your situation.

Renewing or replacing your license

Florida driver licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew your license online through the DHSMV website if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your information. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

If your license is expired, lost, or stolen, you will need to visit the office in person. A replacement license costs a small fee and takes about the same time as getting a new license. Bring your proof of address and any identification you have. If your license was stolen, you can report it to the DHSMV at the same time you request a replacement.

If your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or a legal name change — you will need to visit the office in person and bring a document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or a court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a driver license in Pembroke Pines?

If you schedule an appointment online, you can usually be seen within a few days to a week. The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes if you already have all your documents. If you walk in without an appointment, wait times can be an hour or more, especially during busy times like lunch or late afternoon.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?

Yes. The DHSMV issues a temporary paper license on the day you visit the office. You can drive legally on this temporary license while your permanent plastic card is being mailed to you, which usually takes one to two weeks.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring other documents that prove your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a bank statement. You do not have to have the card itself. If you do not have any of these, you can contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the DHSMV.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

You can walk in, but scheduling an appointment online is faster and more reliable. Walk-in customers are served on a first-come, first-served basis after appointments, so you may wait a long time. The DHSMV website has a link to schedule appointments for the Fort Lauderdale office and other Broward County locations.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another test appointment and try again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. Between attempts, practice the skills the examiner noted — parking, lane changes, stopping at stop signs, or whatever gave you trouble. The Florida Driver Handbook also has tips for common test mistakes.