Where to Get Your Florida License in Homestead

Homestead has one full-service Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office located at 28 S. Krome Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030. This office handles all standard driver's license transactions: new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. You can walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website.

The Homestead office is part of Miami-Dade County's DHSMV network. If the Homestead location is closed or you cannot reach it, you can visit any other DHSMV office in Miami-Dade County or statewide—your transaction will be processed the same way. However, the Homestead office typically has shorter wait times than downtown Miami locations.

Hours vary by season and staffing. Before you go, check the DHSMV website or call 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639) to confirm current hours and whether you need an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments reduce your wait time significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Homestead DHSMV office is at 28 S. Krome Avenue and handles all driver's license types and transactions.
  • You must bring a valid Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consular document).
  • Florida charges different fees depending on license type and term: a standard eight-year license costs $75, while a four-year license costs $48.
  • You must pass a vision test and written knowledge test at the office unless you hold a valid out-of-state license; road tests are required only for first-time drivers under 18.
  • Processing takes one business day for in-person transactions, and your temporary license is valid when ready while you wait for the card in the mail.

Documents You Need to Bring

Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. You cannot complete your transaction without all three.

Proof of identity must be an original or certified copy. Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, consular document (passport from another country), military ID, or permanent resident card. A photocopy of your passport is not acceptable; you must bring the original. If you are renewing and your current Florida license is valid, you can use that as your identity document.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. The document must show your full nine-digit number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Florida license.

Proof of residency must be dated within 12 months of your visit. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current Florida address. A post office mail forwarding notice is not acceptable.

Fees and License Types in Florida

Florida offers three driver's license options, each with a different cost and validity period. The fee you pay depends on which type you choose.

A standard eight-year license costs $75 and is the most common choice for adults. It is valid for eight years from the date of issue. A four-year license costs $48 and is useful if you expect your address or name to change soon or if you want to renew sooner. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $75 for eight years and requires additional testing and medical certification; it is required if you drive a truck or bus for work.

If you are renewing by mail or online (available only if your license is not suspended and you meet other conditions), the fee is the same but you avoid the office visit. However, you cannot renew online if you need to update your address, name, or photograph.

Florida does not charge a separate fee for a replacement license if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. The replacement costs the same as a renewal for the remaining validity period of your original license.

Tests You Must Pass

The tests required depend on whether you hold a valid driver's license from another state and your age.

If you are a new driver with no valid out-of-state license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test. The knowledge test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, available free on the DHSMV website. The vision test is conducted at the office and checks your ability to see clearly and distinguish colors. The road test is a 20-minute drive with an examiner and tests your ability to handle basic driving tasks.

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test, but you are waived from the road test. This applies whether you are moving to Florida or establishing residency there. Your out-of-state license must be valid (not expired) at the time of your Florida process.

If you are renewing a Florida license and you are over 80 years old, you must pass a vision test and may be required to pass a written test. Younger renewals do not require testing unless your vision has changed or your license was suspended.

Age-Specific Requirements for Drivers Under 18

Florida has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. The requirements change based on your age and how long you have held a learner's permit.

To get a learner's permit (ages 15–17), you must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test. You must hold the permit for at least 12 months and one day before you can take the road test for a full license. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.

To get a full license before age 18, you must have held your learner's permit for at least 12 months and one day, pass a road test, and complete a driver's education course (online or in-person). You must also have a clean driving record—no suspensions or serious violations during the permit period. Once you turn 18, these restrictions no longer explore.

If you are 18 or older and new to Florida, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go directly to the road test if you hold a valid out-of-state license, or you must pass the knowledge test and road test if you do not.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass all required tests and submit your documents, the DHSMV issues you a temporary license on the spot. This temporary license is valid when ready and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent card.

Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited mail at the office for an additional fee (currently $15 for one-day delivery or $10 for two-day delivery).

Your temporary license remains valid until your permanent card arrives. Once the card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. Keep the temporary license with you while driving until the permanent card arrives.

If your permanent card does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the DHSMV at 1-844-357-3639 to report it. The office can issue a replacement card at no additional charge.

Renewing Your License in Homestead

Renewal options depend on whether your license is still valid and whether you need to update your information.

If your license is not yet expired, you can renew in person at the Homestead office, by mail, or online (if you meet certain conditions). In-person renewal takes one business day and requires the same documents as a new license. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and requires you to submit a renewal form (DL 44) along with a check or money order. Online renewal is available only if your license is valid, you do not need to change your address or name, and you do not need a new photograph.

If your license is expired, you must renew in person at the Homestead office. You cannot renew by mail or online. Bring the same documents as for a new license: proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.

If you need to change your address or name, you must visit the office in person. You cannot make these changes by mail or online. Bring proof of your new address (if changing address) or a certified copy of a court order or marriage certificate (if changing name).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common reason people have to return to the office is bringing incomplete or incorrect documents. Bring originals, not photocopies, of your identity document. A photocopy of your passport will not be accepted. Your proof of residency must be dated within the last 12 months; an old utility bill will not work.

Do not assume your out-of-state license waives the knowledge test. You still must pass the vision test and written knowledge test, even if you hold a valid license from another state. Only the road test is waived.

If you are under 18, do not skip the driver's education course. You cannot get a full license without it, even if you pass the road test. The course takes about four hours and can be completed online.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Renewing before expiration is faster and allows you to use mail or online renewal. Once your license expires, you must go to the office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Florida license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Florida law requires a valid Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must explore through the Social Security Administration first. This process typically takes two to four weeks. Once you receive your number, you can explore for your Florida license.

What if I lost my documents and cannot bring originals to the office?

You must bring originals or certified copies. If your documents are lost, contact the issuing agency to request certified copies: the vital records office for a birth certificate, the Social Security Administration for a replacement Social Security card, or your country's consulate for a replacement passport. This process can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Do I need an appointment at the Homestead office, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are strongly recommended. You can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-357-3639. Appointments typically reduce your wait time from one to two hours to 15 to 30 minutes.

How long is my temporary license valid?

Your temporary license is valid until your permanent card arrives in the mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent card does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the DHSMV to report it and request a replacement.

Can I renew my license online if I live in Homestead?

Online renewal is available only if your current license is valid (not expired), you do not need to change your address or name, and you do not need a new photograph. If any of these conditions explore, you must renew in person at the Homestead office or by mail.