Where to renew your Miami driver's license
In Miami-Dade County, you renew your driver's license at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The main office serving Miami is located at 11860 SW 26th Street, Miami, FL 33175. You can also renew at several satellite offices throughout the county — the DHSMV website lists all locations and their hours.
You do not have to renew in person for every renewal. Florida allows online renewal for some drivers, and by mail for others. Whether you can use these methods depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photograph.
Key Takeaways
- Florida driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to 18 months before that date.
- If your license is not yet expired or expired less than 6 months ago, you may renew online at GoRenew.com without visiting an office.
- If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office in Miami-Dade County.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or tax ID to any in-person renewal.
- Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days for a standard license mailed to your home address.
Online renewal through GoRenew
Florida's online renewal system, GoRenew.com, is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not yet expired or expired fewer than 6 months ago, you are between 21 and 79 years old, and you do not need to change your address or photograph.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Florida charges $48 for a 4-year renewal or $75 for an 8-year renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are 80 or older, or if your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you cannot use GoRenew and must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Miami DHSMV office
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DHSMV office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and proof of your current address in Miami-Dade County (a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).
You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The office will take a new photograph for your license unless you are renewing by mail.
Wait times at Miami DHSMV offices vary by location and time of day. The main office on SW 26th Street typically has longer waits during midday and on Fridays. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means shorter lines.
Mail renewal for drivers 80 and older
If you are 80 or older and your license is not yet expired, you can renew by mail instead of visiting an office. You will not need a new photograph or vision test. Send your current license, a completed process form (HSMV 80006), and the renewal fee to the DHSMV address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal — typically 2 to 3 weeks after the DHSMV receives your materials. If your license expires soon, start the process well in advance.
Costs and payment methods
A standard 4-year Florida driver's license renewal costs $48. An 8-year renewal costs $75. If you renew online through GoRenew, you can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. At an office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order payable to "DHSMV" with your process. Do not send cash through the mail.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring the same documents as for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current Miami-Dade address.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Florida, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not prevent a citation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid fines or other penalties.
Address changes and name changes
If you have moved within Miami-Dade County since your last license was issued, you must update your address. You can do this online through GoRenew if you are otherwise may be able to access for online renewal. If you must renew in person, tell the office staff about your address change when you arrive, and bring proof of your new address.
If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal petition — you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot change your name online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Miami driver's license before it expires?
Yes. Florida allows you to renew your license up to 18 months before your birthday. Renewing early can be useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to your birthday.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?
Online and in-person renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks after the DHSMV receives your process. If you need your license sooner, ask at the office whether they offer a temporary license while you wait.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online if you do not have your current license number. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address. The office can look up your license information in their system.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Miami DHSMV office?
Most DHSMV offices in Miami-Dade County operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, you can check the DHSMV website to see if your local office offers online scheduling. Scheduling ahead can reduce your wait time significantly.
What if my vision test fails at the office?
If you do not pass the vision test, the office will not issue your license. You will need to see an eye care professional and return with a corrected vision prescription or a statement from your doctor that you meet Florida's vision standards. Bring this documentation with you when you return to renew.