Where to Renew Your License in Kendall

The Kendall area of Miami-Dade County has one dedicated Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office: the Kendall DMV branch located at 11201 South Dixie Highway. This is your primary location for in-person renewal. The office handles standard license renewals, replacements, and most transactions without requiring an appointment, though wait times can run 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week.

You can also renew your Florida driver license online through the official Florida DMV website if you meet specific conditions — your license must not be expired by more than six months, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that require a new exam. Online renewal costs less and takes minutes, but not everyone qualifies.

If you prefer to avoid the Kendall office entirely, other Miami-Dade DMV branches exist in Doral, West Miami, and downtown Miami, though none are closer to central Kendall than the Dixie Highway location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kendall DMV branch is at 11201 South Dixie Highway and does not require appointments for standard renewals.
  • You can renew online through the Florida DMV website if your license expired less than six months ago and you have no medical or vision restrictions.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN to renew in person.
  • Florida driver license renewals cost $75 for an eight-year license and take effect when ready after you complete the transaction.
  • Vision screening is required at renewal unless you completed one within the past 12 months at a Florida-licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal

Bring your current Florida driver license to the Kendall DMV office. If your license is lost or stolen, you will need a replacement instead of a renewal, which requires additional documentation and costs $25 extra.

You must also bring one document proving your current address in Florida. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, or homeowner insurance documents. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency.

Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. The DMV will verify this against federal records. If you do not have either, you will need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport instead.

If you are renewing a license with a commercial endorsement (CDL), bring your current medical certificate (MCSA Form 5876) issued by a certified medical examiner. This is separate from the vision screening and must be dated within the past 24 months.

Vision Screening and Medical Requirements

Florida requires a vision screening at every license renewal. The Kendall DMV office has a vision machine on-site and the screening takes about two minutes. You pass if you can read 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses.

If you completed a vision screening with a Florida-licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist within the past 12 months, bring that report to the DMV and you can skip the on-site screening. The report must include your name, date of birth, the date of the exam, and the results. Many eye doctors provide this in writing automatically; ask when you schedule your exam.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as seizures, diabetes requiring insulin, or certain heart conditions — the DMV may require a medical evaluation form completed by your physician. The office will tell you if this applies when you arrive. Do not assume you need one; the DMV will ask.

Online Renewal: When You Can Skip the Office

You can renew online at www.flhsmv.gov if all of these conditions are true: your license is not expired, or expired less than six months ago; you have no medical or vision restrictions on your current license; you have a valid email address on file with the DMV; and you are not changing your name, address, or other information.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You pay the $75 renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are unsure whether you may have access to, call the Kendall DMV office at (305) 470-5000 before you attempt online renewal. Submitting an online process when you do not meet the requirements will delay your renewal and may require you to start over in person.

Fees, Processing Time, and License Validity

A standard eight-year Florida driver license renewal costs $75. If you need a replacement because your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, add $25 to that total. If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), the cost is $75 for the license plus $10 for each endorsement (such as hazmat or passenger).

In-person renewals at the Kendall DMV are processed when ready. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your new license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal.

Online renewals also take 7 to 10 business days for delivery. You can use your current license to drive during this period; it remains valid until your new one arrives.

Hours, Parking, and What to Expect

The Kendall DMV branch at 11201 South Dixie Highway is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Arrive early if possible; the office is busiest between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building. There is no charge. The office is accessible by public transit; the Metrorail Kendall Station is about one mile away, and several bus routes serve the Dixie Highway corridor.

Bring a book or phone charger. Even without an appointment, you will receive a number when you arrive and wait in a queue. The office typically processes 40 to 60 renewals per day, so your wait depends on how many people arrived before you and how complex their transactions are.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common error is bringing the wrong proof of residency. A driver license from another state, a credit card, or a bank statement will not work. Bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a document in your name yet, bring a lease signed by both you and your landlord, or a utility bill with your name and the service address.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Florida allows renewal up to six months before expiration, and renewing early avoids the rush and gives you a buffer if the mail is slow. If your license is already expired, you can still renew at the DMV, but you cannot renew online.

If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to your vision screening. The DMV tests your vision with correction, not without. If you fail the screening, you will be asked to leave and return with an updated prescription from an eye doctor.

Do not bring children or pets unless absolutely necessary. The office is crowded and the wait can be long. If you must bring a child, bring something to keep them occupied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

Yes, you can renew in person at the Kendall DMV even if your license is expired. However, you cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than six months. If it has been expired longer than that, you will need to renew in person and may be required to retake the written knowledge test.

What if I changed my address since my last renewal?

You can update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) along with your current license and other required documents. The address change is processed at the same time as your renewal.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Kendall DMV?

No, the Kendall branch does not require appointments for standard license renewals. Walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. Appointments are available for certain transactions, but renewal is not one of them.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date of renewal. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 15 days, contact the Florida DMV at (850) 617-2000 to check the status.

What happens if I fail the vision screening?

If you fail, the DMV will not issue a renewed license that day. You must return with an updated vision prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Bring the written report from your eye doctor showing your corrected vision meets the 20/40 standard, and the DMV will complete your renewal.