The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office in Hialeah

Hialeah has one full-service driver license office run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). It is located at 500 East 25th Street, Hialeah, FL 33010. This office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and most other license-related transactions.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Hours can change, so calling ahead at the main DHSMV customer service line (1-850-617-3800) or checking the DHSMV website before you go saves a trip if there is an unexpected closure.

You do not need an appointment at this location, but you will need to take a number when you arrive. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week — mornings and early in the week tend to be less crowded than late afternoons and Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hialeah DHSMV office is at 500 East 25th Street and handles all driver license services without requiring an appointment.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN, as requirements vary by the type of transaction.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours may change seasonally or for holidays.
  • You can renew your license online through the DHSMV website if you meet certain conditions, which may be faster than visiting in person.
  • Call 1-850-617-3800 before going to confirm the office is open and to ask about current wait times.

What documents to bring

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a new license, you will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or current out-of-state license), proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring the originals — copies are not accepted.

For a renewal, you typically need your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring your Social Security number and proof of residency. The DHSMV website lists the full requirements for each transaction type, and calling the office directly can clarify what you specifically need to bring.

When to renew online instead of visiting the office

You may be able to renew your license online through the DHSMV website without going to the Hialeah office. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your address has not changed, and you have not had certain violations. The online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than an in-person renewal.

If you do not meet these conditions, you must renew in person at the office. The DHSMV website has a tool that tells you whether you are able to renew online before you start the process.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. You will wait until your number is called. At the window, the staff member will review your documents, ask you questions about your address and driving history, and take your photograph and signature. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the window, though the wait before that can be longer.

If you need a new license photo, you will take one at the office. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for several years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, and the background must be plain.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of a driver license depends on the type of transaction and how long the license is valid. A standard eight-year license costs one amount; a four-year license costs less. Renewal fees are lower than fees for a new license. The DHSMV website lists current fees, which change periodically.

The Hialeah office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some transactions may have additional fees if you need a duplicate or a corrected license. Ask the staff member at the window what the total cost will be before you pay.

If you cannot visit during regular hours

The Hialeah office does not offer evening or weekend hours. If you cannot visit Monday through Friday during business hours, you have a few options. Some transactions can be completed online through the DHSMV website, which is open 24 hours. You can also visit a different DHSMV office in Miami-Dade County if one has hours that work better for you — there are offices in Miami, Wynwood, and other locations.

If you need a license urgently and cannot visit during regular hours, call the DHSMV customer service line to ask whether your specific transaction can be handled by mail or online, or whether a different office location might have hours that fit your schedule.

Parking and getting there

The office is located on East 25th Street in central Hialeah. There is parking available at the location, though it can fill up during busy times. If you are using public transportation, check the Miami-Dade Transit website for bus routes that serve 500 East 25th Street. The office is not directly on a Metrorail line, so bus is the main transit option.

Arrive a few minutes early to allow time to find parking and walk to the entrance. If the parking lot is full, there is street parking on nearby blocks, though you should check for time limits and parking restrictions before you leave your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new license after I visit the office?

You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the license sooner, ask the staff member whether expedited mail is an option, though this usually costs extra.

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired license in person at the office. You cannot renew online if your license is expired. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal, and be prepared to pay the renewal fee.

What if I fail the vision test at the office?

If you do not pass the vision screening, the staff member will tell you that you need a vision correction. You can then visit an eye doctor, get a vision form completed, and return to the office with that form to complete your license. You do not have to start the entire process over.

Do I need to take a driving test to renew my license?

For a standard renewal, you do not take a driving test. You only take a written test and driving test if you are getting your first Florida license or if your license has been suspended or revoked. Ask the staff member when you arrive whether a test is required for your situation.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No, you must be present in person to have your photograph taken and signature recorded. Someone else cannot complete this step for you, even with a power of attorney. You must visit the office yourself.