Where the Kendall DMV is located and what it handles

Kendall has one Department of Motor Vehicles office serving the area. It is located at 11201 South Dixie Highway, Miami, Florida 33156. This office issues driver licenses, handles renewals, processes license suspensions and reinstatements, and manages vehicle registration. It does not handle commercial driver license (CDL) testing or hazmat endorsements — those go to a separate CDL testing facility.

The Kendall office is busier than smaller satellite locations but has more staff and longer hours than some branches. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment slots fill quickly, especially for license tests and renewals. Booking ahead saves time and reduces wait times on the day you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your Kendall DMV appointment through the Florida DMV website (flhsmv.gov) or by calling 1-844-435-7352; walk-ins are allowed but often wait two to four hours.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and the documents required for your specific transaction — a learner's permit for a license test, or your current license for a renewal.
  • The Kendall office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., but Saturday appointments book out weeks in advance.
  • If your appointment slot fills, you can request a cancellation list spot or try a different Kendall time slot, or book at a less busy nearby location like Palmetto or Homestead.
  • Bring proof of Social Security number, a completed process form, and any court documents if you are reinstating a suspended license.

How to book an appointment online or by phone

The Florida DMV website (flhsmv.gov) is the fastest way to book. Go to the "Appointments" section, select "Driver License" or the service you need, then choose Kendall as your location. The system shows available dates and times for the next 30 days. Select your preferred slot and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number by email or text.

If the website is slow or you prefer to speak to someone, call the Florida DMV appointment line at 1-844-435-7352. Have your driver license number or ID number ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times on the phone can be 15 to 45 minutes during peak hours (9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.).

Both methods charge no fee for booking. If you cancel or reschedule, do so at least 24 hours before your appointment to free the slot for others and avoid a no-show mark on your record.

What documents to bring for a driver license test or renewal

For a first-time driver license or license test, bring your learner's permit, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). You must also bring a completed HSMV Form 80 (process for Florida Driver License), which you can fill out online before your appointment or at the office.

For a license renewal, bring your current Florida driver license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need an appointment — the DMV will mail your new license. Renewals by appointment are faster if you need the license the same day.

For a license reinstatement after suspension, bring your current ID, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and any court documents or clearance letters from the agency that suspended your license (such as a reinstatement letter from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or an SR22 lapse).

Wait times and what to expect on the day of your appointment

Kendall DMV appointment wait times vary by day and time. Weekday mornings (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) typically have shorter waits — 15 to 30 minutes. Midday (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and late afternoon (3 p.m. to 5 p.m.) are busier. Saturday mornings (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) fill up weeks in advance and still have 30 to 60-minute waits because the office closes at 1 p.m.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Check in at the front desk with your confirmation number and ID. You will be assigned a number and called when a clerk is ready. If you are taking a driver license test, you will be directed to the testing area after your paperwork is processed. Written tests take 20 to 30 minutes; road tests are scheduled for a separate appointment on a different day.

If you are more than 15 minutes late, your appointment may be cancelled and you will be moved to the back of the walk-in queue. If you miss your appointment entirely, you lose the slot and must book again.

When Kendall is full and what to do instead

During peak seasons (back-to-school in August, before holiday travel, and around license renewal important date), Kendall appointments book out 4 to 6 weeks in advance. If no slots are available, you have three options.

First, check the cancellation list. When you see "no appointments available," the website usually offers a link to join a waitlist. Cancellations happen daily, and you may receive a text or email within days offering an earlier slot.

Second, try nearby DMV offices. Palmetto (12555 SW 137th Avenue, Miami, 33186) and Homestead (28 South Krome Avenue, Homestead, 33030) often have earlier openings than Kendall. Both are 15 to 25 minutes away by car and handle the same services.

Third, visit Kendall as a walk-in. Walk-ins are served after appointments, so expect a 2 to 4-hour wait during business hours. Bring all required documents and be prepared to spend the afternoon. Walk-ins are fastest on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings before 10 a.m.

Special situations: suspensions, reinstatements, and Real ID

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive, but you can still book a reinstatement appointment at Kendall. Bring the suspension notice, proof that you have resolved the reason for suspension (paid traffic fines, completed a defensive driving course, or received a clearance letter from the court or DHSMV), and your ID and residency proof. Reinstatement appointments usually take 30 to 45 minutes.

If you need a Real ID-compliant driver license, book an in-person appointment — Real ID cannot be renewed by mail. Bring your current license, proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. Real ID processing takes the same time as a standard renewal but requires the extra documents.

If you are upgrading to a REAL ID from a standard license, you must visit in person. The fee is the same as a standard renewal. Processing time is 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery, or you can request expedited service (additional fee) for same-day or next-day pickup at Kendall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person getting the license or renewal must book their own appointment using their own ID or driver license number. If someone is unable to book online or by phone, you can call the appointment line on their behalf, but you will need their driver license number or ID number to proceed.

What if I fail my driver license test?

You can retake the test. You must book a new appointment or return as a walk-in. There is no waiting period between attempts in Florida, so you can book again the next day if slots are available. You pay the test fee each time you take the test.

Do I need an appointment if I only need to renew my registration?

No. Vehicle registration renewals can be done by mail, online, or at any tag agency in Florida without an appointment. DMV appointments are for driver license services only. If you need both a license renewal and registration renewal, you can do the license at your DMV appointment and the registration separately online or by mail.

What happens if I show up at the wrong time on my appointment?

If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled time, the DMV may cancel your appointment and place you in the walk-in queue. You will lose your reserved slot and wait with other walk-ins. Always plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

Can I change my appointment to a different day or location?

Yes. Log into your account on flhsmv.gov, find your appointment, and select "Reschedule" or "Cancel." You can then book a new slot at Kendall or a different location. You can also call 1-844-435-7352 to reschedule by phone. Cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid a no-show.