Book your Miami driver license appointment through the Florida DHSMV website or by phone

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires you to schedule an appointment before visiting a Miami-area office for a driver license transaction. You cannot walk in without one — the state moved to appointment-only service to manage office capacity and wait times. You have two ways to book: the online system at gorenew.org or by calling the DHSMV customer service line at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639).

The online system is faster if you know what you need. You select your transaction type (new license, renewal, replacement, or corrected license), choose a county and office location, and pick from available time slots. The phone line works if you have questions about what documents to bring or if the online system is not loading properly. Both routes show you the same appointment availability.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule your appointment at gorenew.org or by calling 1-844-357-3639 before visiting any Miami DHSMV office.
  • You will need to know your transaction type (renewal, replacement, new license, or correction) and have a valid email address to confirm your appointment.
  • Appointment slots fill up weeks in advance in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, so book as soon as you know you need to visit.
  • Bring the documents listed in your appointment confirmation email — the office will not process your transaction without them.

What documents you need before booking

DHSMV requires different documents depending on your transaction. For a renewal, you need your current valid driver license and proof of Florida residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged license), you need proof of identity and proof of residency — a passport or birth certificate works for identity. For a new license (first-time driver), you need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

Proof of residency is the document most people forget. DHSMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail — anything with your name and current address dated within 90 days. A cell phone bill does not count. If you have just moved to Miami and do not have a 90-day-old document yet, call the office before your appointment to ask what they will accept; some offices have flexibility for recent movers.

Check your appointment confirmation email carefully. It lists the exact documents required for your specific transaction. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you show up without the right documents, the office will cancel your appointment and you will have to reschedule.

Miami-area DHSMV office locations and wait times

Miami-Dade County has four DHSMV offices: the main office at 11201 NW 39th Street in Medley, the Wynwood office at 2901 NW 54th Street, the Kendall office at 13000 SW 88th Street, and the Palmetto office at 8989 W Flagler Street. Broward County (Fort Lauderdale area) has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach. When you book online, you see real-time availability for each location.

The Medley office typically has the shortest wait for appointments because it is the largest. The Wynwood and Kendall offices fill up faster because they are more centrally located. If you are flexible on location, checking availability across all four Miami-Dade offices often reveals sooner slots at the Medley or Palmetto locations. Broward offices are worth checking if you are in the northern part of the county.

Appointment slots open 30 days in advance. In Miami-Dade and Broward, slots for the next two to three weeks are usually booked within a few days of opening. If you see no availability, check back the next morning at 8 a.m. when new slots typically release, or try a different office location or transaction type if you have flexibility.

Steps to complete your online appointment booking

Go to gorenew.org and select "Schedule an Appointment" at the top of the page. You will be asked to choose your transaction type: renewal, replacement, new license, or corrected license. Select the one that matches your situation. If you are unsure, the page has descriptions for each.

Next, enter your driver license number or ID number (if you are explore for a new license, you may skip this). Select Florida as your state and Miami-Dade or Broward as your county. The system will show you all office locations in that county with available slots. Pick the office and date that works for you. You will then enter your email address and phone number to confirm the appointment.

Check your email when ready after booking — DHSMV sends a confirmation with your appointment time, location, and the documents you must bring. Save this email or print it. You do not need to bring it to your appointment, but it contains the document list you will need to reference when gathering your paperwork.

What to expect on your appointment day

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your confirmation email or a screenshot of it on your phone, though staff do not require it — they will look up your appointment by your name and ID number. Bring all documents listed in your confirmation, originals only. Leave extra time for parking; the Medley office has a large lot, but the Wynwood and Kendall offices have limited street parking.

The office will call you by name when it is your turn. You will go to a window, present your documents, and have your photo taken if it is a new or replacement license. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you are called. You will pay the license fee at the window — renewal is $75, replacement is $25, and a new license is $75. Payment is cash, card, or check.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the card to arrive. If you need the license sooner, ask the office staff about expedited delivery options, though these are not always available.

If your appointment time does not work anymore

You can reschedule or cancel your appointment through gorenew.org by logging in with your email address and appointment confirmation number. You can also call 1-844-357-3639 to reschedule. If you cancel, your slot opens back up for other people to book, so cancel as soon as you know you cannot make it.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will have to book a new one. DHSMV does not charge a fee for missing an appointment, but you lose your slot and have to wait for the next available opening, which may be weeks away depending on the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk in without an appointment?

No. DHSMV offices in Miami are appointment-only. If you arrive without a scheduled time, staff will turn you away and direct you to book online or by phone.

How far in advance should I book my appointment?

Book as soon as you know you need to visit. In Miami-Dade and Broward, available slots for the next two to three weeks fill within days of opening. If your license expires soon, book when ready to avoid running out of time.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You cannot complete your transaction without it. If you just moved to Miami and do not have a 90-day-old document, call the office before your appointment to ask what alternatives they accept. Some offices may accept a lease with a recent move-in date or a utility company letter.

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must be present in person. The office will take your photo and verify your identity, so a representative cannot stand in for you.

What if I book the wrong transaction type?

Cancel your appointment through gorenew.org and book a new one with the correct transaction type. You can reschedule at any time before your appointment date.