Where the Miami-Kendall DMV office is and what it handles

The Miami-Kendall Department of Motor Vehicles office is located at 11201 SW 104th Street, Miami, Florida 33176. This office issues driver licenses, handles renewals, processes license suspensions and reinstatements, and manages vehicle registration. It serves residents across Miami-Dade County who live in or near the Kendall area, though you can visit any Florida DMV office regardless of where you live.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Hours can change for holidays, so check the Florida DMV website before you go. The office does not take walk-ins for most services — you need an appointment, which you can book online through the Florida DMV website or by calling 1-844-DMV-TAGS (1-844-368-8247).

Key Takeaways

  • The Miami-Kendall DMV office is at 11201 SW 104th Street and requires an appointment for most services; you cannot walk in without one.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of identity, and a completed process form before your appointment.
  • First-time driver license applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and road test at the office or a separate testing location.
  • The office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards; bring a valid payment method because fees vary by license type and cannot be waived.
  • If you have an out-of-state license, you can exchange it for a Florida license without retesting if you meet Florida's requirements.

Documents you need to bring to your appointment

Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring your current out-of-state driver license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have any of these, a certified birth certificate works, but the process takes longer.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. The name on your residency document must match the name on your identity document.

You also need to complete the process for Florida Driver License and Identification Card (Form HSMV 82053) before you arrive. You can print it from the Florida DMV website or fill it out on a tablet at the office, though arriving with it completed saves time. Bring your appointment confirmation email or number.

Testing requirements for first-time driver license applicants

If you have never held a driver license in any state, you must pass three tests: a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test. The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Florida Driver License Handbook, available free on the DMV website. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.

The vision test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. You will read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The road test is a 20-minute drive with a DMV examiner who watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in working condition.

Some people take the written and vision tests at the Miami-Kendall office and schedule the road test at a separate testing location. Others complete all three at the office if space allows. Ask when you book your appointment which tests are available that day.

Exchanging an out-of-state license for a Florida license

If you hold a valid driver license from another state, you can exchange it for a Florida license without taking the written or road tests. You still must pass the vision test and provide the same identity, Social Security, and residency documents as a first-time applicant. Bring your current out-of-state license to the appointment.

Your out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If it is expired, you may still exchange it, but Florida will treat you as a first-time applicant and require all three tests. The exchange process is faster than explore from scratch — most people finish in one appointment.

Fees and payment methods at the Miami-Kendall office

Driver license fees vary by license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard eight-year license costs one amount; a four-year license costs less. A commercial driver license (CDL) costs more. The Florida DMV website lists current fees by category. Fees change occasionally, so check before your appointment.

The Miami-Kendall office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. It does not accept checks or payment plans. If you cannot pay the full fee at your appointment, you cannot complete the transaction that day. Fees are set by state law and cannot be reduced or waived, even for financial hardship.

What happens if you fail the written or road test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or book another appointment within a few days. Most people who study the handbook pass on their second attempt. If you fail the road test, you must wait at least seven days before retesting. You pay the test fee again each time you retake it.

If you fail the road test three times, Florida requires you to take a driver improvement course before you can test again. The course is offered online or in person at approved providers throughout Miami-Dade County. Completing it costs money and takes several hours, so studying before your road test is worth the time.

Temporary license and when your permanent license arrives

After you pass all tests and pay the fee, the DMV office prints a temporary license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works as proof of your right to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The permanent license is mailed to the address you provided on your process.

Permanent licenses usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days, though delays happen during busy periods. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Florida DMV. Do not throw away your temporary license until the permanent one arrives — you need one or the other to drive legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment online or do I have to call?

You can book online through the Florida DMV website or call 1-844-DMV-TAGS. Online booking is usually faster and shows available times when ready. If the office is fully booked, you can join a waitlist or try booking at a different DMV location.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get a Florida driver license. If you do not have one, you need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can visit the DMV. Bring proof that you have applied if you are in the process.

Do I need to take the road test in my own car?

Yes, the road test must be taken in a vehicle you own or have permission to use. The vehicle must be registered in Florida, have valid insurance, and be in safe working condition. The DMV examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test begins.

What if I move after I get my license?

You must update your address with the Florida DMV within 30 days of moving. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at any DMV office. Updating your address does not require a new photo or retesting — it is a straightforward records change.

Can I get a Real ID at the Miami-Kendall office?

Yes. A Real ID is a driver license or ID card that meets federal security standards and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs a bit more than a standard license. Bring an extra proof of residency document — Real ID requires two instead of one.