Where to go and what you need to bring
In Miami-Dade County, you renew your driver's license at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. The main office that handles renewals is located at 11860 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33165. You can also use any other DHSMV office in the county, but this location has the shortest wait times for renewals.
Before you go, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy, not a photocopy.
You do not need an appointment. Walk-in service is available, though you will wait longer during lunch hours and late afternoon. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arrive early if you can; the line moves faster in the first hour after opening.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any DHSMV office in Miami-Dade County with your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number.
- The renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until it arrives.
- If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.
- You can renew online through the Florida DHSMV website if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes.
Renewing online instead of in person
If your license is still valid (not expired) and your address has not changed, you can renew online through the official Florida DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.
Online renewal works only if you meet these conditions: your license has not expired, your vision has not changed significantly, you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving, and you have not had any name changes. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person at an office.
After you complete the online renewal, your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
What happens at the counter
When you reach the counter, the staff member will scan your documents and take a new photo for your license. You will also take a vision test — you must read a line of letters on a chart from a specific distance. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during the test.
You will not take a written test during a standard renewal unless your license has been expired for more than 6 months. If that applies to you, ask the staff member before you hand over your documents so you know what to expect.
The staff member will ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information. If either has changed, tell them now. You will pay the renewal fee — currently $75 for an 8-year license for drivers 80 and under — and receive a receipt. Keep this receipt; it serves as proof that you have renewed until your new license arrives.
How long the process takes
From the moment you hand your documents to the counter staff until you leave, the renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes. The wait to reach the counter is the longer part. On a typical weekday morning, you might wait 30 to 45 minutes. On Saturday or late afternoon, the wait can stretch to 90 minutes or more.
Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your receipt is your proof of renewal. You can drive legally on your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, bring your receipt with you.
If your license has been expired for more than 6 months
If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you cannot straightforward renew — you must reapply. This means you will take a written test and a vision test, and you will need to bring additional documents: proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and two forms of ID (your expired license counts as one).
The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the official Florida Driver Handbook, available free on the DHSMV website. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit; if you fail, you can return another day to try again.
The reapplication process takes longer than a standard renewal — usually 45 minutes to an hour at the counter. Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours total at the office, including wait time.
Renewing by mail or through the mail service
Florida does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must either renew in person at an DHSMV office or renew online if you meet the requirements. There is no third option.
If you are unable to visit an office in person due to disability or medical condition, contact the DHSMV directly at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) to discuss your situation. They may be able to arrange an alternative, though this is rare and requires documentation.
What to do if you lose your license before renewal
If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you will need to get a replacement first. A replacement costs $25 and requires a visit to an DHSMV office with proof of identity and residency. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it at the same time or wait until the expiration date approaches.
If you report your license as stolen to the police, bring the police report number with you to the DHSMV office. This speeds up the replacement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I do not have a current address in Miami-Dade County?
No. To renew in Florida, you must have a current Florida address. If you have moved out of state, you will need to renew through that state's motor vehicle department. If you have moved within Florida but outside Miami-Dade County, you can renew at any DHSMV office in the state, but you should update your address first.
What if I wear glasses or contacts — do I need to bring them to the renewal?
Yes. If you wear corrective lenses for driving, wear them during your vision test at the DHSMV office. Your license will be marked with a restriction code if you need them. Driving without them when the restriction is on your license is illegal.
How much does it cost to renew a driver's license in Florida?
A standard 8-year renewal costs $75 for drivers 80 and under. Drivers 81 and older pay $15 for a 5-year renewal. If you renew online, the cost is the same. Payment is accepted by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact the DHSMV at 1-844-DL-RENEW to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take. Once it is cleared, you can renew normally.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DHSMV will update your name in their system and issue a new license with the correct name. This does not cost extra; it is included in the renewal fee.