How to Renew Your Driver's License in Miami-Dade County

Where to renew your Miami-Dade driver's license

You can renew your Miami-Dade driver's license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, but the closest and fastest option is usually your local Miami-Dade County office. The main office is located at 11860 SW 26th Street, Miami, FL 33175. There are also satellite offices throughout the county — search "DHSMV office near me" on the official Florida DHSMV website to find the one closest to your home or workplace.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online, depending on your situation. Not all renewals may have access to for mail or online renewal — your current license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo all affect which method you can use.

Key Takeaways

Miami-Dade DHSMV offices are open Monday through Friday, and you do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN to renew in person.
Online renewal through the Florida DHSMV website works only if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and you meet other specific requirements.
Mail renewal is available for certain renewals but takes four to six weeks, so plan ahead if your license is close to expiring.
The renewal fee in Florida is typically $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license, though prices may vary.

Renewing in person at a Miami-Dade DHSMV office

Walk into any DHSMV office during business hours — most are open 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, though hours vary by location. You do not need an appointment. Take a number at the entrance and wait for your turn. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), bring additional documents related to your driving record and medical certification.

The renewal process at the counter takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you are called. You will answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. You will also have a new photo taken unless you are renewing online or by mail. Pay the renewal fee — $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license — by cash, debit card, or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing online through the Florida DHSMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you may have access to. Go to the official Florida DHSMV website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.

Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo (which means you renewed in person within the last 12 years), you have not changed your name, you do not have any medical restrictions on your license, and you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a CDL or commercial license). If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail. If you complete online renewal, your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and the fee is charged to the payment method you provide.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option for certain renewals, though it takes longer than in-person or online renewal. You must request a mail renewal form from a DHSMV office or read it from the Florida DHSMV website. Fill out the form completely, include a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "DHSMV," and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal typically takes four to six weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your form. Because of this delay, do not use mail renewal if your license is already expired or will expire within six weeks. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive. Mail renewal also does not include a new photo, so you can only use this method if you renewed in person within the last 12 years.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license has been expired for less than six months, you can still renew it using the same process — in person, online (if you meet the requirements), or by mail. Bring or submit your expired license along with the other required documents. There is no additional penalty fee for renewing a recently expired license.

If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing. Visit a DHSMV office in person to find out what you will need to do. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

Documents you need to bring

For in-person renewal, bring these documents to the DHSMV office:

Your current or expired driver's license
Proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current Miami-Dade address (dated within 60 days)
Your Social Security number or ITIN
A valid passport or birth certificate if you have changed your name since your last license

For online renewal, you will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For mail renewal, include a completed renewal form, a check or money order for the fee, and your expired or current license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you renew in person or online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, the process takes four to six weeks from the date the DHSMV receives your form. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an unpaid ticket or fine. However, Florida may suspend your license if you do not pay a court-ordered fine or fail to appear in court. Check your driving record on the Florida DHSMV website to see if there are any suspensions before you renew.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

A new photo is taken when you renew in person at a DHSMV office. If you renew online or by mail, a new photo is not taken — you can only use these methods if you had a photo taken within the last 12 years. If your license photo is older than 12 years, you must renew in person.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

If you renewed in person, you can ask the DHSMV office for a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your new license to arrive. If you renewed online or by mail, you cannot get a temporary license — your old license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives.

Can I renew my license if I have moved out of Miami-Dade County?

Yes, you can renew at any DHSMV office in Florida, not just in Miami-Dade. If you have moved to a different county, you can renew at the nearest office to your new address. Bring proof of your new address along with your current license and Social Security number.

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.