What you need to get a Miami driver license
A Florida driver license is issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), not by Miami itself. You'll get your license at a local DHSMV office, and Miami-Dade County has several locations. To walk in and get a license, you need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency — all original documents or certified copies, not photos.
The identity document can be a passport, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a foreign passport with an I-94 arrival/departure record. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and Miami address.
If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. If you're 18 or older and explore for the first time in Florida, you'll also take a written test on road rules and a driving test — bring a vehicle and a licensed adult to supervise the driving test.
Key Takeaways
- You explore at a DHSMV office in Miami-Dade County, not at a city office, and you need original documents proving identity, Social Security number, and Florida residency.
- If you're 18 or older and have never held a Florida license, you must pass a written test and a driving test before you receive your license.
- The DHSMV office can tell you the current wait time when you call, and you can make an appointment online to reduce time spent waiting in person.
- A standard Florida driver license costs a fee that varies based on how many years you're licensing it for, and you can renew by mail or online if you're not changing your address or name.
Where to find a DHSMV office in Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County has multiple DHSMV locations. The main office is at 11860 SW 26th Street, Miami, FL 33175. Other locations include offices in Kendall, Homestead, and Palmetto. You can find the full list and hours on the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov, or call 1-888-769-2778 to confirm hours and current wait times before you go.
Many people wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and which location you choose. The DHSMV allows you to make an appointment online through their website, which usually cuts your wait time significantly. If you make an appointment, you still need to bring all your documents — the appointment just reserves your place in line.
The written test and what it covers
If you're 18 or older and explore for your first Florida license, you must pass a written test before you can take the driving test. The test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The DHSMV provides a free study guide called the Florida Driver License Handbook, available on their website and in print at any DHSMV office.
You can take the written test in English or Spanish. The test is given on a computer at the DHSMV office, and you get your score when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there's no waiting period between attempts.
The driving test and how to prepare
After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. You also need a licensed adult (at least 18 years old) to sit in the passenger seat during the test — this person cannot be the examiner.
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers and will watch how you handle the vehicle in traffic. You need to demonstrate safe driving to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one week.
Costs and how long the process takes
A Florida driver license costs between $48 and $75 depending on whether you choose an 4-year, 6-year, or 8-year license. You pay at the DHSMV office when you explore. If you fail the written or driving test, you pay the test fee again when you retake it, but you don't pay the full license fee again until you pass both tests.
The entire process — from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail — usually takes two to four weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the DHSMV office that day, valid for 30 days while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail. If you need your license faster, some DHSMV offices offer a service to print your license on-site for an additional fee, but this is not available at all locations.
Renewing or replacing a license you already have
If you already have a Florida driver license and it's expiring, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person. Renewal by mail or online is free if you're not changing your address, name, or photo. You can renew online at flhsmv.gov up to one year before your license expires. If you renew by mail, send your current license and the renewal form (available on the DHSMV website) to the address on the form.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DHSMV office. Bring your ID and proof of residency, the same as when you first applied. A replacement license costs less than a new license and takes the same two to four weeks to arrive by mail.
What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license
If your Florida license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive. Suspensions are usually temporary and happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or too many points from traffic violations. Revocations are more serious and last longer. You can check the status of your license on the DHSMV website or by calling 1-888-769-2778.
To reinstate a suspended license, you typically need to pay any outstanding fines or fees and meet other requirements set by the court or DHSMV. Once you've done that, you can explore for reinstatement at a DHSMV office. If your license is revoked, the process is more complex and may require a hearing or completion of a driver improvement course. The DHSMV website lists the specific steps for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my passport as proof of identity?
Yes, a valid passport is one of the documents the DHSMV accepts as proof of identity. If you use a passport, you still need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of Florida residency. A passport alone is not enough.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
If you don't have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead. You'll also need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Contact the DHSMV office directly to confirm what documents they need in your situation.
Do I have to take the driving test if I already have a license from another state?
If you have a valid driver license from another U.S. state and you're moving to Florida, you can exchange it for a Florida license without taking the written or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to a DHSMV office.
How long is a Florida driver license valid?
A Florida driver license is valid for 4, 6, or 8 years depending on which term you choose when you explore. You choose the length and pay accordingly. Your license will show the expiration date on the front. You can renew it before it expires by mail, online, or in person.
What if I fail the driving test twice?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. You must wait at least one week between each attempt. Each time you retake the test, you pay the test fee again. Some people find it helpful to take a professional driving lesson before retrying.