Where the Pembroke Pines office is and what it handles

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) operates a driver license office in Pembroke Pines at 11380 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026. This office issues and renews Florida driver licenses, handles ID card transactions, and processes license suspensions and reinstatements. It does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those services are at the county tax collector's office.

Pembroke Pines is in Broward County, so this office serves residents across the western part of the county. If you live closer to Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, or other eastern areas, you may find a shorter drive to another DHSMV location, but this office is the main one for the Pembroke Pines area.

Key Takeaways

  • The Pembroke Pines DHSMV office is at 11380 Pines Boulevard and handles driver license issuance, renewal, and suspension reinstatement.
  • Hours vary by day and the office is typically closed on Sundays and some state holidays, so check the DHSMV website or call ahead before you go.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number; requirements differ slightly for first-time licenses versus renewals.
  • The office uses a take-a-number system, and wait times are often longest on Fridays and during lunch hours on weekdays.
  • You can renew your license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions, which may save you a trip to the office.

Hours of operation and when to expect shorter waits

The Pembroke Pines office is open Monday through Friday, typically from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. The office is closed Sundays and on state holidays including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Hours can shift without notice, so before you drive there, check the DHSMV website or call the office directly at the number listed on their location page.

Wait times are shortest early in the morning — usually within 15 to 30 minutes if you arrive right when the office opens. Mid-morning and early afternoon tend to be moderately busy. Friday afternoons and the lunch hour (noon to 1 p.m.) on any weekday draw the longest lines. If you can go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, you will likely spend less time waiting.

What documents you need to bring

For a driver license renewal, bring your current Florida driver license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring the original; a certified copy works.

For a first-time Florida driver license, the requirements are more extensive. You need a valid passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), two proofs of residency (utility bill and lease, for example), and proof of your legal presence in the United States if you were not born here. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

For license reinstatement after suspension, bring your suspension notice, proof that you have paid any required fees or fines, and proof of insurance if the suspension was for a traffic violation. Requirements vary depending on why your license was suspended, so call the office or check your suspension letter for specifics.

Renewing your license without going to the office

You can renew a Florida driver license online through the DHSMV website if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or suspensions in the past five years. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs less than an in-person renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, name, or organ donor status, or if you want to add the REAL ID star to your license.

You can also renew by mail by completing the process form (available on the DHSMV website), including a check or money order, and mailing it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — usually 3 to 4 weeks — but it works if you cannot visit the office. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office.

Getting a REAL ID at the Pembroke Pines office

A REAL ID is a driver license or ID card marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. It meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. You can get a REAL ID at the Pembroke Pines office, but you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must go in person.

To get a REAL ID, bring everything you would bring for a regular license renewal, plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. The fee is slightly higher than a standard renewal. If you already have a REAL ID and are renewing it, you still need to show your birth certificate or passport in person. The office staff can tell you whether your current documents meet REAL ID standards before you pay.

Handling a suspended or revoked license

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to the Pembroke Pines office in person. Bring your suspension or revocation notice, proof that you have completed any required steps (paying a fine, completing a DUI course, or providing proof of insurance), and your reinstatement fee. The fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension — it can range from $25 to several hundred dollars.

Some suspensions are automatic and lift on their own after a set time; others require you to take action. Your suspension letter will say which type yours is. If you are unsure whether your suspension has been lifted, call the office before you go, because showing up without meeting the reinstatement requirements will waste your time.

Parking, accessibility, and what to expect inside

The Pembroke Pines office has a parking lot on-site. The building is accessible to people with mobility disabilities and has accessible restrooms. If you need an accommodation — a sign language interpreter, materials in a different language, or extra time — call ahead so the office can prepare.

When you arrive, you will take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. The office uses a digital display to call numbers. You will be seen in order, though some transactions (like a straightforward renewal) may move faster than others (like a first-time license with documents that need verification). Bring something to read or do, because even a short wait can feel long if you are not prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license as if you were a first-time applicant, not a renewal. This means you need to pass a vision test and written exam, and bring more documents than a straightforward renewal requires. You must do this in person at the office.

How long does it take to get a new license after I explore at the office?

If you pass the vision and written tests and your documents are in order, the office will issue a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If there are problems with your documents, the office will tell you what you need to fix before they can issue the temporary license.

What if I lost my license and need a replacement?

A lost or stolen license is replaced at the office for a small fee. Bring your ID and proof of address. The office will issue a temporary license and mail your permanent one within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you can also file a report with the office, though this is not required.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

The Pembroke Pines office operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a take-a-number system. You do not need an appointment. However, some DHSMV offices in other counties offer online appointment scheduling. Check the DHSMV website to see if the Pembroke Pines location has added this option.

What if I need a license for a commercial vehicle or motorcycle?

The Pembroke Pines office issues commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and motorcycle endorsements, but you must pass additional written and driving tests. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any required medical certificates. Call the office to ask about test scheduling, because CDL tests may not be offered every day.