How to Renew Your Driver License in Kendall, Miami

Where to renew your driver license in Kendall

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs the driver license renewal system. In the Kendall area, you have three main options: renew online through the DHSMV website, visit a local Driver License office in person, or use a tax collector's office if your county offers that service.

The nearest DHSMV Driver License office to central Kendall is located in the Kendall area itself — the office serves Miami-Dade County residents directly. You can also visit the main Miami-Dade County Tax Collector's office, which handles renewals for many residents. Both locations accept walk-ins, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website is the fastest route if you meet the requirements. You do not need to visit an office at all if you renew online — the new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This option is not available to everyone, so checking your may be able to access before you go is worth the time.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office or tax collector's office in Miami-Dade County.
Online renewal is fastest if you meet the requirements — your license must not be expired by more than 5 years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have certain medical or legal restrictions.
In-person renewal at a DHSMV office or tax collector's office takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times, and you leave with a temporary license the same day.
You will need your current driver license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN for any renewal method.
Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person but requires no office visit — you send your documents to the DHSMV processing center and receive your new license by mail.

What documents you need to bring

Florida requires the same core documents whether you renew in person or by mail. You must bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current residential address in Miami-Dade County.

Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement — the document must show your name and current Kendall address and be dated within 90 days. A driver license with your current address already printed on it counts as proof of residency, so if you updated your address at your last renewal, you may not need a second document.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing by mail, make copies of everything; the DHSMV keeps originals.

Online renewal through the DHSMV website

The DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov allows you to renew online if your license meets specific conditions. Your current license must not be expired for more than 5 years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file with the state, you cannot have a medical condition or legal restriction that requires an in-person review, and you must be renewing a standard Class D driver license (not a commercial license or motorcycle endorsement).

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You log in with your driver license number and date of birth, review your information, choose whether to keep your current address or update it, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The DHSMV charges $75 for a standard 8-year renewal as of 2024, though this amount can change. Your new license is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your current license until it arrives.

If the website tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will need to renew in person or by mail. The system does not always explain why — common reasons include a medical flag on your record, an address that does not match state records, or a license that expired more than 5 years ago.

In-person renewal at a Driver License office or tax collector

Walking into a DHSMV Driver License office or Miami-Dade County Tax Collector's office with your documents takes longer than online renewal but gets you a temporary license on the spot. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times.

The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal. You pay the renewal fee at the counter — $75 for a standard 8-year license. You leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at Kendall-area offices vary widely. Early morning (before 10 a.m.) and mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) tend to have shorter lines than afternoons or Fridays. If you go during lunch hours or late afternoon, expect 45 minutes to over an hour.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no office visit. You send your current driver license, a completed renewal process (Form HSMV 82053, available on the DHSMV website), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to the DHSMV processing center in Tallahassee. Include a check or money order for $75 payable to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

The DHSMV mailing address for renewals is listed on the process form and on the website. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date they receive your envelope. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue driving. Your new license arrives by mail at the address you provided.

Mail renewal works well if you are not in a hurry and prefer not to visit an office. The main risk is that documents can be lost in transit, so consider sending everything by certified mail with a return receipt if you want proof of delivery.

Fees and what affects the cost

A standard 8-year driver license renewal in Florida costs $75 as of 2024. This is the price whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. If you renew in person, you pay at the office counter. If you renew online, you pay by card during the transaction. If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order.

Some people pay more if they add endorsements or make changes to their license class. A motorcycle endorsement or commercial driver license renewal has a different fee structure. If you are unsure whether your renewal falls into a different category, call the DHSMV at 1-844-493-4357 before you send in your process or visit an office.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your current license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired within the last 5 years. The process is the same — online, in person, or by mail. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renewing as soon as you realize it has lapsed is important.

If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit to a Driver License office, a written test, and a driving test. This is a longer process than renewal. If you are in this situation, contact the DHSMV or visit a local office to understand what steps you need to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license for 30 days while you wait.

Can I renew my license if I moved to Kendall from another state?

Yes. If you have a valid out-of-state driver license, you can renew it in Florida by visiting a Driver License office in person. You will need your current out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo and issue you a Florida license. You cannot renew an out-of-state license online or by mail.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, you can renew your license using your ITIN. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, contact the DHSMV to discuss your options.

Can I renew my license online if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. Wearing corrective lenses does not prevent online renewal. Your license will show a restriction code indicating that you must wear glasses or contacts while driving. This restriction is added automatically based on your current license and does not require an in-person visit.

What happens if I lose my renewal paperwork before I mail it?

You can read and print the renewal process form again from the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. If you have already started the mail renewal process and lost your documents, you can start over with a new form. There is no penalty for restarting — you only pay the renewal fee once when you submit your final process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.