Where to go for your driver license in Homestead
The Homestead Driver License Office is located at 1 South Krome Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030. This is the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office that serves Homestead and the surrounding area. You can visit in person to take your written test, road test, or to renew or replace a license.
The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at the office or check the DHSMV website before you go — wait times can be long, especially on Fridays and early in the month. You do not need an appointment for most services, but arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait.
If you cannot reach the Homestead office or need to know whether a specific service is available that day, you can also visit any other DHSMV office in Miami-Dade County. The closest alternatives are in Florida City and Kendall, though the Homestead location is usually the most convenient for residents.
Key Takeaways
- The Homestead Driver License Office is at 1 South Krome Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, with hours that vary by day.
- You can take your written test, road test, or handle renewals and replacements at this office without an appointment.
- Arriving early in the day and calling ahead to confirm hours will help you avoid long waits.
- If the Homestead office is closed or too busy, you can visit any other DHSMV office in Miami-Dade County instead.
What documents to bring for a new license
Before you go to the Homestead office, gather your documents. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or foreign national ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of Florida residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).
If you are explore for your first license and have not yet passed the written test, bring these documents plus a completed DHSMV Form DL 44 (process for Florida Driver License). You can fill this out at home or at the office. If you are renewing or replacing a license, the requirements are simpler — bring your current license or ID and proof of residency.
Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The office staff will not accept uncertified copies of birth certificates or other vital records. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document as well.
Taking the written test at the Homestead office
The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can take it on a computer at the office, and you will get your results when ready.
Study materials are free: the Florida Driver Handbook is available on the DHSMV website and in print at the office. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in a 12-month period if you do not pass on your first attempt.
Once you pass the written test, you will receive a learner's permit. This permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car while you practice for the road test. You must hold the learner's permit for a minimum of one month before you can take the road test.
Scheduling and taking the road test
After you have held your learner's permit for at least one month, you can schedule your road test. At the Homestead office, you typically schedule the road test in person or by phone when you pass your written test. The office will give you a date and time for your appointment.
On the day of your road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins. Bring a licensed adult if you are under 18.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must demonstrate safe driving throughout. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, though you may have to wait a few days or weeks depending on office availability.
License types and what you can drive
Florida offers several license classes. A Class D license is the standard passenger vehicle license and is what most new drivers receive. It allows you to drive cars, light trucks, and motorcycles (if you pass a motorcycle endorsement test). A Class E license is for commercial vehicles and requires additional testing and experience.
If you are under 18, you will receive a Learner's Permit first, then a Restricted License after you pass your road test. The restricted license has limitations: you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. (with some exceptions), and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you hold the license for one year, whichever comes first.
If you are 18 or older and pass your road test, you receive an unrestricted Class D license valid for eight years. Renewal is straightforward: you can renew by mail, online, or in person at the Homestead office.
Fees and payment methods
The cost of a new driver license varies depending on the type and how long it is valid. A standard eight-year Class D license costs a specific amount set by the state; a four-year license costs less. The written test and road test each have separate fees as well. The Homestead office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
If you are renewing a license, the fee is lower than a new license. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, there is a replacement fee. Ask the staff at the Homestead office for the exact current fees, as they change periodically and may vary based on your age and license type.
What to do if you fail the road test
If you do not pass the road test, the examiner will tell you which skills you need to practice. Common reasons for failing include not coming to a complete stop, improper turning, hitting the curb while parking, or not checking mirrors and blind spots. You can retake the test after a waiting period, which is usually a few days to a week.
Between attempts, practice the specific skills the examiner noted. Ask your supervising adult to focus on those areas during your practice drives. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after targeted practice. There is no limit to how many times you can take the road test, though you will pay the test fee each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a vehicle that is not registered in my name?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered to you. It can belong to a family member or friend. The vehicle must be in safe working condition, and you must bring proof of insurance.
What happens if I move out of Homestead after I get my license?
Your Florida driver license is valid statewide and does not expire when you move. You do not need to update your address when ready, but you should update it within a reasonable time. You can change your address online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or at any DHSMV office.
How long does it take to get a license after I pass my road test?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready after you pass your road test. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time.
Can I take the written test online instead of at the office?
No. The written test must be taken in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot take it online or from home. However, you can study online using practice tests and the Florida Driver Handbook before you go to the office.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you can still get a driver license. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other proof of identity and residency. Ask the Homestead office staff what documents they need for your specific situation.