Where to get your driver license in Kendall
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs all driver license services in Kendall. You cannot get a license at a local office — instead, you visit a Driver License Office, which is a state facility. The nearest office to Kendall is the Miami-Dade County Driver License Office, located at 11860 SW 26th Street, Miami, FL 33175. This office handles all license types: first-time licenses, renewals, replacements, and commercial licenses.
You can also use the DHSMV website to check current wait times at this location before you go. The office is open Monday through Friday, typically 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by day. Saturday hours are sometimes available but change seasonally, so call ahead at (850) 617-2000 to confirm before making a trip on the weekend.
Key Takeaways
- The Miami-Dade County Driver License Office at 11860 SW 26th Street is the state facility serving Kendall residents.
- You need a valid Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) to explore.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test and a driving test; the written test can be taken the same day you explore if you bring study materials or take it on the DHSMV website beforehand.
- Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for identity or residency proof.
- The office accepts walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website to reduce wait time.
Documents you need to bring
Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, bring your passport, certified birth certificate, state ID, military ID, or permanent resident card. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full number visible. For residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and address.
All documents must be originals or certified copies. The office will not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring two of the alternative documents listed above instead. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and bring their own ID.
The written test and what to study
Florida's written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the Driver License Office, or you can study and take a practice test online through the DHSMV website before you go.
The official study guide is the Florida Driver License Handbook, available free as a PDF on the DHSMV website. Many people study it for one to two weeks before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you must wait at least one hour between attempts. Bring reading glasses if you need them — the office provides computers but not vision correction.
The driving test and scheduling it
After you pass the written test, you must schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, turns, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be current and in the vehicle with you.
You can schedule the driving test online through the DHSMV website or by phone at (850) 617-2000. Wait times for driving test appointments vary; in busy months like spring and summer, appointments may be two to four weeks out. Bring your learner's permit (issued the day you pass the written test) and your ID to the test. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one week before scheduling another attempt.
Fees and payment methods
A Florida driver license costs $75 for an eight-year license (standard for adults) or $48 for a four-year license (available if you prefer). The written test is included in this fee. The driving test is also included. You pay once at the Driver License Office when you submit your documents and take the written test. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, the fee is $25. If you need to renew early because your license is damaged, the fee is $75 for a full eight-year license or $48 for a four-year license. No refunds are issued if you fail the written or driving test — you pay the full fee upfront.
Using an appointment versus walk-in
The Miami-Dade Driver License Office accepts both walk-ins and scheduled appointments. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times can range from 30 minutes to three hours depending on the day and time. Scheduling an appointment online through the DHSMV website typically reduces your wait to 15 to 30 minutes. Appointments are free and can be booked up to 30 days in advance.
If you arrive without an appointment, arrive early in the morning — the office is usually least crowded between 8:15 a.m. and 10 a.m. Avoid Mondays and Fridays, which tend to be busier. If you schedule an appointment and cannot make it, cancel it online so someone else can use that slot.
What happens after you pass both tests
Once you pass the written and driving tests, the office will issue your license on the spot. Your temporary license is printed when ready and is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The mailing address on file is where it will be sent, so make sure the address you provide is correct and that you will receive mail there.
If you move before your permanent license arrives, you can update your address on the DHSMV website or at the Driver License Office. Do not open your temporary license or write on it — keep it intact until your permanent license arrives. Your temporary license is valid for driving, but you must carry it with you at all times while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online instead of at the office?
You can take a practice test online through the DHSMV website to study, but the official written test must be taken at the Driver License Office on a computer there. However, you can study the official handbook and practice tests online before your appointment, which many people do to pass on the first try.
What if I have an out-of-state license and just moved to Kendall?
You must exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. You will not need to retake the written or driving test — the office will issue your Florida license based on your valid out-of-state license. The fee is $75.
Do I need an appointment if I am renewing my license?
If your license is not expired and you are renewing it before it expires, you can renew online through the DHSMV website without visiting the office. If you must renew in person (for example, if your license is already expired or you need to update your photo), you can walk in or schedule an appointment at the Driver License Office.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one week. You do not pay the fee again — it covers both attempts. Schedule your next test online or by phone. The office will tell you which skills you need to practice before your next attempt.
Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to the office?
No. You must be present to take the written and driving tests. However, once your permanent license is mailed to you, anyone at your address can receive it. If you are concerned about mail theft, you can update your mailing address to a find location or request that the office hold your license for pickup instead of mailing it.