What the Pembroke Pines Service Center Offers
The Pembroke Pines Driver License and Motor Vehicle Service Center is a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office that handles standard license transactions in Broward County. You can renew a driver license, replace a lost or damaged one, change your address, update your name after marriage or legal change, and take the written knowledge test for a new license. The office does not conduct road tests — those happen at separate testing locations — but it handles everything else needed before and after you pass.
This is a walk-in location, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The office is busiest on Mondays, Tuesdays, and early mornings. If you need a road test appointment, staff can direct you to the nearest testing site or you can schedule one through the DHSMV website before you visit.
Key Takeaways
- The Pembroke Pines center handles renewals, replacements, address changes, and written tests, but not road tests.
- You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency — the exact documents depend on whether you are renewing or explore for a new license.
- Bring your current license or learner permit if you have one, along with any court documents if you have changed your name.
- The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; call ahead or check the DHSMV website for current hours and wait times.
- Road tests are scheduled separately and take place at a different location; ask staff at the service center for the nearest testing site.
Documents You Need to Bring
What you bring depends on whether you are renewing an existing license, replacing a lost one, or explore for a license for the first time. For any transaction, bring your current Florida driver license or learner permit if you have one. If you do not have a Florida license yet, bring a valid out-of-state license or passport.
You must also prove your Social Security number and your Florida residency. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with a Florida address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you have changed your name through marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court judgment. If you are renewing and your name has not changed, you do not need these documents.
Step-by-Step Process at the Service Center
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. Have all your documents ready and organized before you reach the window — this speeds up the process.
The staff member will verify your documents, take your photo and signature, and ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If you are taking the written knowledge test, you will be directed to a testing station in the same building. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices specific to Florida. You have 30 minutes and must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass.
If you are renewing or replacing your license, you will pay the fee at the window. Florida charges different amounts depending on the license type and how long it is valid. Ask the staff member for the exact fee before you pay. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address on file.
Location, Hours, and How to Prepare
The Pembroke Pines Driver License and Motor Vehicle Service Center is located at 1900 North Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but these can change seasonally or due to staffing. Before you go, check the DHSMV website or call the office directly to confirm current hours and to get an estimate of wait times.
Arrive early if possible — the office is usually less crowded before 10:00 a.m. Bring a pen to fill out any forms, though staff can provide one. If you are taking the written test, bring glasses if you need them. Do not bring children unless absolutely necessary, as the office can be crowded and the process may take longer than expected.
What Happens If You Fail the Written Test
If you do not pass the written knowledge test on your first try, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Florida, but you may have to pay a retest fee. Ask the staff member what the fee is and whether you can test again when ready or need to schedule another visit.
Before you retake the test, review the Florida Driver Handbook, which is available free on the DHSMV website. The handbook covers all the material on the test. Many people pass on the second attempt after studying the sections they missed.
Road Testing and Next Steps After Passing the Written Test
The written test is only the first step if you are explore for a license for the first time or upgrading to a different class. After you pass, you must schedule a road test at a separate testing location. Staff at the Pembroke Pines service center can tell you where the nearest road test site is and how to book an appointment.
Road tests are typically scheduled weeks in advance, so do not wait to book. You will need to bring your own vehicle, proof of insurance, and your temporary paper license to the road test. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills, parking, and following traffic laws. Once you pass, your permanent license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing incomplete documents. Many people arrive without proof of residency or with a utility bill that is too old. Check the DHSMV website for the full list of acceptable documents before you go, and bring more than one form of proof if possible — this covers you if one document is rejected.
Another mistake is not bringing your current license or learner permit if you have one. Even if it is expired, bring it. If you are renewing, bring the license you are renewing; if you are explore for the first time, bring any valid ID. Do not assume the office has your information on file — bring documents to prove everything.
Finally, do not schedule a road test appointment before you pass the written test. Some people book the road test first and then fail the written test, wasting the appointment. Pass the written test first, then schedule the road test when ready after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail or online instead of going to the service center?
Florida allows online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements. Check the DHSMV website to see if you are may be able to access. If you cannot renew online, you must visit a service center in person.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
You can bring a W-2, 1099, or other tax document that shows your Social Security number. You can also bring a birth certificate and a second form of ID. Call the Pembroke Pines office before you visit to confirm what documents they will accept in your situation.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
At the service center itself, plan for 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times. If you are taking the written test, add another 30 minutes. The road test, if you need one, happens at a different location and takes about 30 minutes. Your plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you pass all tests.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
The Pembroke Pines center is walk-in only — you do not need an appointment. However, you can check wait times on the DHSMV website before you go. If the wait is very long, you can come back at a different time or visit a less busy service center in Broward County.
What if my address on file is wrong?
You can update your address at the service center during any transaction. Bring proof of your new Florida address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). The address change is free and takes just a few minutes.