Where to renew your Miami-Dade driver license
You can renew your Miami-Dade driver license at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, but the closest one to you is likely in Miami-Dade County itself. The main office is located at 11860 SW 26th Street, Miami, FL 33175. There are also satellite offices in other parts of the county — you can find the full list and hours on the DHSMV website or by calling 1-850-617-3000.
You do not have to visit the office where you originally got your license. Any DHSMV office in Florida will process your renewal. If you live or work closer to an office outside Miami-Dade, you can go there instead.
Before you go, check the office's current hours online. Some offices have reduced hours or temporary closures, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means a shorter wait than afternoons or Fridays.
Key Takeaways
- You will need your current driver license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN to renew in person.
- Florida allows you to renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other basic requirements, which takes longer but saves a trip.
- The renewal fee in Florida is $75 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person, or within two to three weeks if you renew by mail.
- You can renew up to six months before your current license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Documents you need to bring to the office
Bring your current driver license — this is your primary form of ID for the transaction. You will also need one document that proves your current address in Florida. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, bring a document from the Social Security Administration or USCIS that shows your number. You do not need to bring the physical card, but you do need to know the number or have proof of it.
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing and your name has not changed, you do not need this.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
Florida allows you to renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not required to take a new photo. To use this option, you must have a valid Florida license and be renewing before it expires.
To renew by mail, contact the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3000 or visit a local office to request a renewal form. You will fill out the form, include a check or money order for $75, and mail it to the address on the form. The DHSMV will process it and mail your new license to you within two to three weeks.
By-mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal, so do not wait until your license is about to expire. If you need your new license quickly, go to the office in person instead.
What happens at the office during renewal
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will call you when it is your turn. Bring all your documents with you — the clerk will verify your identity, check your address, and confirm your Social Security number or ITIN.
You will be asked to sit for a new photo. Wear something you are comfortable with for a photo ID — avoid large hats, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face. The photo will be taken against a plain background, and you cannot smile with your teeth showing (Florida's rule for driver license photos).
After your photo is taken, you will pay the $75 renewal fee. The office accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. You will receive a receipt and a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed.
Timeline for receiving your new license
If you renew in person at a Miami-Dade DHSMV office, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for 30 days, so you have time to wait for the permanent one to arrive.
If you renew by mail, the timeline is longer — typically two to three weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your form and payment. This is why in-person renewal is faster if you are in a hurry.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. If you have moved since your last renewal, make sure you update your address before you renew, or tell the clerk your new address when you are at the office. The DHSMV will mail your license to whatever address is in their system.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a Florida driver license is $75 for an eight-year license. This is the standard fee for all Florida residents renewing in person or by mail. There are no additional fees unless you are adding a Real ID designation or making other changes to your license.
You can pay with cash, a personal check, a debit card, or a credit card at any DHSMV office. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order — the office will not accept card payments by mail.
Keep your receipt. It shows the date you paid and confirms your renewal was processed. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, you can use the receipt to track your renewal status.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Florida driver license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DHSMV. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a required course, or clearing a traffic violation.
Contact the DHSMV at 1-850-617-3000 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then renew your license through the normal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Florida does not offer online driver license renewal. You must renew in person at a DHSMV office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster — your temporary license is valid when ready, and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You must bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Florida address. If you do not have one, contact the DHSMV before you go to the office to ask what alternative documents they will accept. Some offices may accept a notarized statement of residency if you cannot obtain a utility bill or lease.
Can I renew my license if I have moved out of Florida?
No. To renew a Florida driver license, you must be a Florida resident. If you have moved to another state, you will need to get a driver license from that state instead. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for their renewal process.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the DHSMV office. Your permanent license should arrive within that time. If it does not, contact the DHSMV with your receipt to check the status.
Do I need to take a new vision test to renew?
Not for a standard renewal. You will take a new photo, but the DHSMV does not require a vision test unless your license has medical restrictions or you are renewing after a suspension. The clerk will let you know if a vision test is needed for your specific situation.