Where the Plantation Driver License Office Is Located
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) operates a driver license office in Plantation at 500 South Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324. This office serves Broward County residents and handles standard driver license transactions, including new licenses, renewals, and replacements.
Plantation is in central Broward County, roughly between Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. If you live in or near Plantation, this office is typically closer than traveling to Fort Lauderdale or other regional locations. Parking is available on-site, though it can fill during peak hours.
Office Hours and When to Go
The Plantation office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though the office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.
Arrival time matters more than you might think. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no online appointment system for most transactions. Lines are shortest early in the morning (shortly after 8:15 a.m.) and tend to grow by mid-morning. If you arrive after 4:00 p.m., you risk not being seen before closing. Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible — these are the busiest days.
Before you go, check the official DHSMV website or call the office directly at the Broward County line to confirm current hours, as holiday schedules and staffing changes can affect availability.
Key Takeaways
- The Plantation driver license office is located at 500 South Pine Island Road and serves Broward County residents with standard license transactions.
- Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch closure from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.; no weekend or holiday service.
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid long waits, and bring all required documents before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
- The office does not take appointments for most services, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
What Documents You Need to Bring
What you bring depends on what you are doing. For a new driver license, you need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or foreign national ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days). You also need to pass the written test and vision screening at the office.
For a license renewal, the requirements are simpler if you renew in person: bring your current license and proof of residency. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to retake the written test.
For a replacement license (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring your current license if you have it, or proof of identity and residency if you do not. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
If you need an REAL ID-compliant license, the requirements are stricter. You need a primary identity document (passport, birth certificate, or passport card), proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name change if applicable. REAL ID licenses cost more and take longer to process but are required for federal air travel and entry to military bases starting in 2025.
Services Available at the Plantation Office
The Plantation office handles most routine driver license services. You can obtain a new license, renew an existing one, replace a lost or damaged license, and update your address or name. The office also issues learner permits for new drivers and handles commercial driver license (CDL) transactions, though CDL testing may require a separate appointment or visit to a testing facility.
The office does not handle vehicle registration, title transfers, or license plate services — those are handled at county tax collector offices. If you need to register a vehicle or transfer a title, you will need to visit a different location.
Vision screening and written testing are done on-site. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day, though you may have to wait and return later depending on office volume.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk or kiosk. You will receive a number and wait for your turn. Processing time varies: a straightforward renewal or replacement usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. A new license process takes longer because it includes the written test and vision screening, often 45 minutes to an hour.
Bring all documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency. If any document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation. If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Payment is by cash, debit card, or credit card. Fees vary by transaction type: a standard driver license renewal costs less than a new license or REAL ID upgrade. Ask the staff member for the exact fee before you pay.
If You Cannot Visit in Person
Florida allows some transactions by mail or online. License renewals can often be completed online through the DHSMV website if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. Address changes can be made online as well. However, new licenses, replacements, and REAL ID upgrades require an in-person visit.
If you are unable to visit Plantation, other Broward County offices include locations in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach. Hours and services vary by location, so check the DHSMV website for the office nearest you.
Common Reasons Visits Get Delayed or Rejected
Bring the wrong documents, and you will be turned away. The most common mistake is showing up without proof of residency or with a residency document that is too old (more than 90 days). Another frequent issue is forgetting your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it.
If your license is suspended or revoked, the office cannot issue a new one until the suspension is lifted. You will need to resolve the underlying issue (unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI-related suspension) first. The office staff can tell you what you need to do, but they cannot process your license until the suspension is cleared.
If you have moved to Florida recently and are explore for your first Florida license, bring your out-of-state license along with your new residency proof. If you do not have a current license from another state, the process takes longer because you must pass the written test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Plantation office?
No. The Plantation driver license office operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most transactions. You arrive, check in, receive a number, and wait your turn. Arrive early to minimize wait time.
Can I renew my license online instead of going in person?
Yes, if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. You can renew online through the DHSMV website. However, if your license is expired, if you need a REAL ID upgrade, or if you are explore for a new license, you must visit in person.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You can bring another document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement. You do not have to have the card itself, but you must have proof of your number.
How long does it take to get a REAL ID license?
Processing time at the office is similar to a standard license — 45 minutes to an hour once you are called. However, the card itself takes longer to arrive by mail. Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days, though expedited options may be available for an additional fee.
What if my license is suspended?
The office cannot issue a new license while a suspension is active. You must resolve the reason for the suspension first — this might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a traffic school course, or resolving a child support issue. Contact the DHSMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do.