Where to get your driver license in Pembroke Pines

Pembroke Pines does not have its own Department of Motor Vehicles office. The nearest Florida DMV location is in Fort Lauderdale, about 15 miles north. You can visit the Fort Lauderdale DMV at 1350 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 to explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or take your driving test.

If you prefer not to drive to Fort Lauderdale, you can also handle some transactions online through the Florida DMV website or by mail. Not all services are available remotely — written tests and road tests must be done in person at a DMV office.

The Fort Lauderdale office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Hours can change, so check the Florida DMV website before you go. Arrive early; wait times often run 1 to 2 hours, especially on Saturdays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fort Lauderdale DMV office at 1350 West Cypress Creek Road is the closest location to Pembroke Pines and handles all driver license services.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to explore for a new license.
  • Florida offers online renewal for some drivers, but first-time applicants and those taking a road test must visit in person.
  • Bring the correct documents the first time; missing paperwork is the most common reason for delays and return trips.

Documents you need to bring

Florida requires specific documents before the DMV will issue a driver license. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will need one form of valid identification (such as a passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and two documents showing your current address in Pembroke Pines.

Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver license from another state counts as your ID but not as proof of residency. If you have recently moved to Florida, bring documents from your previous state as well.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. Bring their ID and proof of guardianship (such as a birth certificate).

Steps to explore for a new driver license

First, gather all required documents listed above and bring them to the Fort Lauderdale DMV office. You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the day reduces wait time. Take a number at the entrance and wait to be called.

When called, tell the clerk you are explore for a new driver license. They will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your process fee. As of 2024, a standard eight-year driver license costs $75. Fees vary if you are under 21 or need a commercial license.

Next, you will take a written test covering Florida traffic laws and road signs. The test has 50 questions; you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Florida Driver Handbook, available free on the DMV website.

After passing the written test, you will schedule a road test. The DMV will give you available dates and times. Road tests are conducted at the same office and typically take 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring a vehicle registered in Florida and proof of insurance.

What happens after you pass the road test

Once you pass the road test, the DMV will issue your temporary driver license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to your Pembroke Pines address. The permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Florida DMV by phone or through their website to check the status. Provide your process number, which the DMV gave you when you applied.

Renewing an existing Florida driver license

If you already have a Florida driver license and it is expiring soon, you may be able to renew online without visiting an office. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, and you have not had any address changes since your last license was issued.

To renew online, visit the Florida DMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee. A new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit the Fort Lauderdale DMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and the renewal fee. The process is faster than a new license process because you skip the written and road tests.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your driver license is lost or stolen, you can report it and request a replacement at the Fort Lauderdale DMV office. Bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency. The DMV will issue a temporary license when ready and mail your permanent replacement within 7 to 10 business days.

You can also report a lost or stolen license online through the Florida DMV website and request a replacement by mail. This option takes longer but saves a trip to the office. The replacement fee is lower than the cost of a new license.

Commercial driver license and endorsements

If you need a commercial driver license (CDL) to drive a truck or bus, the process process is longer and more complex. You must pass additional written tests covering commercial vehicle operation and safety. You will also take a separate road test in a commercial vehicle.

CDL applicants must bring the same documents as regular license applicants, plus proof of medical certification from a Department of Transportation-approved doctor. The Fort Lauderdale DMV office handles CDL applications, but you should call ahead to confirm availability of testing slots, as they fill quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

From your first visit to the DMV to receiving your permanent license in the mail takes about two to three weeks. The written test and road test can often be scheduled on the same day, but the permanent license is printed and mailed after you pass both tests.

Can I take the written test online?

No. Florida requires the written test to be taken at a DMV office in person. However, you can study the test material online using the official Florida Driver Handbook before you go.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test when ready or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay the test fee each time you take it.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You need proof of your Social Security number, but a Social Security card is not the only way to prove it. A W-2 form, tax return, or other official document showing your number is acceptable.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Florida allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date; your new license will expire one year from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.