Where to renew your Miami-Dade driver license
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) handles all driver license renewals in Miami-Dade County. You can renew in person at a DHSMV office, by mail, or online through the state's website — but not all renewal types work for all three methods.
In-person renewals happen at DHSMV Driver License offices throughout Miami-Dade. The main office is at 11860 SW 26th Street in Miami, but there are branch locations in Homestead, Kendall, and other areas. You can find the full list and hours on the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639).
Mail and online renewals are faster if you're may be able to access, but may be able to access depends on your age, when your license expires, and whether you need a new photo. The DHSMV website has a tool that tells you which method works for your situation before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Florida allows online and mail renewals for some drivers, but you must check the DHSMV website first to see which method applies to your license.
- In-person renewal at a DHSMV office in Miami-Dade takes about 30 minutes to an hour and requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but you cannot renew by mail if your license is expired by more than five years or if you need a new photo.
- Online renewal is the fastest option for may be able to access drivers and takes about 10 minutes, but you must have a valid credit or debit card and a recent digital photo.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or you can pick it up in person at the office where you renewed.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current driver license or ID card, even if it is expired. You also need proof of your current address in Miami-Dade — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 90 days works. A bank statement or insurance bill does not count.
You will need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You do not need to bring the card itself.
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A certified copy is best, but the DHSMV office can tell you if a copy is acceptable when you arrive.
Online and mail renewal may be able to access
You can renew online if your license is not expired, you are between 21 and 79 years old, and you do not need a new photo. You also cannot have certain medical conditions flagged on your record that require a vision test or in-person check. The DHSMV may be able to access tool on their website will tell you in seconds whether online renewal is open to you.
Mail renewal has similar rules: your license cannot be expired by more than five years, you must be between 21 and 79, and you cannot need a new photo. Mail renewal is cheaper than in-person renewal and takes about two to three weeks. You fill out the form, mail it with a check or money order, and your new license arrives by mail.
If you are under 21 or over 79, or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DHSMV office. The same applies if you need a new photo — which happens every 10 years, or sooner if you request it.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The cost of renewal depends on how long your new license is valid. A standard eight-year renewal costs around $75 for in-person renewal. Mail renewal costs less — typically around $50 — because you are not using office staff time. Online renewal costs the same as in-person.
At a DHSMV office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. For mail renewal, you must send a check or money order — no cash by mail. For online renewal, you pay with a debit or credit card during the transaction.
Prices can change, so check the DHSMV website or call 1-844-357-3639 to confirm the exact fee before you go in or mail your form.
How long renewal takes and when you get your license
Online renewal is the fastest: you complete it in about 10 minutes, and your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some DHSMV offices also offer same-day pickup if you renew online and choose that option at checkout.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal takes the longest: two to three weeks for the DHSMV to process your form, plus mail time on both ends. Your new license arrives by mail only — there is no in-person pickup option for mail renewals.
What to do if your license is expired or suspended
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal — you must go to a DHSMV office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of address, and your Social Security number.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV. Call 1-844-357-3639 or visit the DHSMV website to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it.
If you are renewing while a suspension is pending — for example, you have a traffic ticket but have not yet paid — the DHSMV will likely reject your renewal. Resolve the issue first, then renew.
DHSMV office locations and hours in Miami-Dade
The main DHSMV office in Miami-Dade is at 11860 SW 26th Street, Miami, FL 33175. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., but hours vary by location and change seasonally.
Branch offices are located in Homestead, Kendall, and other areas of the county. The DHSMV website has a location finder that shows hours, services available at each office, and current wait times. You can also call 1-844-357-3639 to find the office nearest you or to ask about wait times before you go.
Some offices are busier than others. If you want a shorter wait, try going early in the morning on a weekday, or call ahead to ask which office has the shortest lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I moved to Miami-Dade from another state?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DHSMV office in Miami-Dade. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Miami-Dade address, and your Social Security number. If you have a Florida ID card instead of a license, you can renew that too.
What if I need a new photo but want to renew by mail?
You cannot renew by mail if you need a new photo. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office. Photos are taken at the office, and your new license with the photo arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Most DHSMV offices in Miami-Dade do not require appointments for standard renewals, but you can make one online or by phone to skip the walk-in line. Check the DHSMV website or call 1-844-357-3639 to book an appointment at your preferred office.
What if my name on my license does not match my current legal name?
Bring the document that shows your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will update your name during renewal. If you do not have the document, you must change your name through the court first, then renew your license.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes, vision correction does not prevent online renewal. You can renew online as long as you meet the other requirements: your license is not expired, you are between 21 and 79, and you do not need a new photo. The vision test happens at the office only if you renew in person and the DHSMV requests one.