Where the Kendall Driver License Office Is and What It Handles

The Kendall office is a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) location that issues driver licenses, handles renewals, and processes ID cards. It is located in Miami-Dade County and serves residents in that area. The office does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those services are at a separate tag office.

This office operates on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines. The office is closed on Sundays and some state holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kendall DHSMV office issues new driver licenses, renewals, and ID cards without requiring an appointment.
  • You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity — the exact documents depend on whether you are getting a new license or renewing.
  • Vision screening and a written test happen at the office for new licenses, but renewal customers usually skip both if their previous record is clean.
  • Fees vary by license type and age, and you can pay by cash, card, or check at the window.
  • If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra charge.

Documents You Need to Bring

What you bring depends on whether you are getting a new license or renewing an existing one. For a new driver license, bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your number), a document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and a primary ID document (passport, birth certificate, or consular ID). You will also need to pass a vision test and written exam at the office.

For a renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If your license expired more than six months ago, the office may treat it as a new process and require the full set of documents listed above.

If you are renewing by mail or online instead of visiting the office, you will not need to come in person — but not all renewal types can be done that way. The DHSMV website shows which renewals are available remotely.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

New driver license applicants take a written test at the Kendall office covering Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The office provides the test on a computer terminal, and you get your results when ready.

Before the written test, you will have your vision screened. This is a straightforward check to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you may be referred to an eye doctor before you can get your license.

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees depend on the type of license and your age. A standard eight-year license costs less than a commercial license. Florida also offers REAL ID-compliant licenses, which cost slightly more but allow you to use your license for federal purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building. The Kendall office staff can tell you the exact fee when you arrive, since rates change periodically.

The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm if you plan to pay by check. You will receive your temporary license at the window, and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Hours and Wait Times

The Kendall office is open Monday through Friday and Saturday, though hours vary by day. It is closed Sundays and state holidays. You can find the exact hours on the DHSMV website or by calling the office directly. Morning hours (before 10 a.m.) and mid-week days (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.

There is no appointment system, so you join the line when you arrive. During busy seasons (back-to-school time, before holiday travel) or after a holiday, expect longer waits. If the wait is very long when you arrive, you can leave and return another day.

What Happens If You Fail the Vision Test

If you do not pass the vision screening, the office will not issue your license that day. You will be given a form stating what vision correction you need and referred to an eye care professional. Once you have been examined and have a corrective lens prescription or medical clearance, you can return to the Kendall office with that documentation to complete your license.

Some people are issued a license with restrictions — for example, "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only" — based on their vision results. These restrictions appear on your license and are legally binding.

Renewing Your License Before It Expires

You can renew your Florida driver license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license — it still lasts eight years from the date you renew. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or to update their address or photo.

If you renew in person at the Kendall office, bring your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. You will have a new photo taken and may be asked to retake the vision test, depending on how long ago your last test was. The written test is usually waived for renewals unless your license was suspended or revoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the Kendall office?

Some renewals can be done online through the DHSMV website, but not all. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had any suspensions or revocations, and you do not need to change your address or photo. If you need a new photo or your license is expired, you must visit the office in person.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test when ready at no extra charge, or you can leave and return another day to try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people study the Florida Driver Handbook (available free on the DHSMV website) between attempts.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?

You receive a temporary paper license at the window that is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, ask the office staff about expedited options, though these may have an additional fee.

Do I need an appointment at the Kendall office?

No, the Kendall office operates on a walk-in basis. You do not need to schedule ahead. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday mid-week usually means a shorter wait than afternoons or Fridays.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) when you renew. The office will update your address on your new license. If you do not update it at renewal, you can change your address online through the DHSMV website without visiting the office.