Where the Kendall Office Is and What It Handles

The Kendall Driver License Office is located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and is operated by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The office issues and renews standard driver licenses, identification cards, and handles certain commercial license transactions. It does not process all DHSMV services — some transactions require a visit to a different office or can only be completed online or by mail.

The office serves residents in the Kendall area and surrounding neighborhoods in southwest Miami-Dade County. Because it is a full-service office, it typically handles higher volume than smaller satellite locations, which means wait times can be longer during peak hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kendall office issues new driver licenses, renews expiring licenses, and issues Florida ID cards for non-drivers.
  • You must bring a valid primary ID document (passport, birth certificate, or REAL ID-compliant document) plus proof of Social Security number and Florida residency to complete a transaction.
  • The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no online appointment system, so arriving early or during off-peak hours reduces wait time.
  • Some transactions — such as commercial driver license (CDL) testing, certain endorsements, and name changes — may require a visit to a different DHSMV office or completion of forms before your visit.

Documents You Need to Bring

Florida requires three categories of documents for a new driver license or renewal: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. The Kendall office will not process 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, passport card, or a REAL ID-compliant driver license from another state. A photocopy of your passport or birth certificate will not be accepted. If your name has changed since the document was issued, bring the legal document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A photocopy is acceptable for these documents.

Proof of Florida residency must show your current address and be dated within 90 days of your visit. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a government-issued document with your name and address. A bank statement or credit card statement is not accepted.

Hours, Location, and How to Prepare for Your Visit

The Kendall Driver License Office is located at 8585 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33155. Hours vary by day and change seasonally; you should check the DHSMV website or call the office directly at the number listed on the DHSMV location finder before you go, because posted hours can change without notice.

The office operates on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis. There is no online appointment system for the Kendall location. Arrive early in the morning or during mid-week afternoons if you want to minimize wait time. Bring all required documents in original form (or certified copies) — staff will not process your transaction if documents are missing, and you will have to return another day.

If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, you can renew online through the DHSMV website or by mail, which avoids a trip to the office. Online renewal is available only if your license is valid, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. Check the DHSMV website to see if you are may be able to access before you visit.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called. The staff member will review your documents, ask you to verify your address and other information, and take your photograph and signature. You will also answer questions about medical conditions and driving history that affect license restrictions or endorsements.

If you are taking a written test (for a new license or a license upgrade), you will complete that test on a computer terminal at the office. If you are renewing a valid license and have no changes to report, the visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, though the wait to reach the counter can be much longer.

You will pay the renewal or issuance fee at the time of your visit. Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for (typically 4, 6, or 8 years). The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

Timeline for Receiving Your License

After you complete your transaction at the Kendall office, your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can request a temporary paper license at the time of your visit, which is valid for 30 days while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

If you do not receive your license within 14 days, contact the DHSMV by phone or through the website to report it. Do not visit the office again unless you are instructed to do so, because the office cannot reissue a license that is already in the mail.

Transactions You Cannot Complete at Kendall

The Kendall office does not administer commercial driver license (CDL) tests or issue CDL endorsements. If you need a CDL, you must visit a DHSMV office that offers CDL testing. The DHSMV website lists which offices in Miami-Dade County offer CDL services.

Certain transactions also require you to complete paperwork or obtain documents before your visit. If you are changing your name, you must bring the legal document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are explore for a license after a suspension or revocation, you may need to complete a reinstatement form or provide proof of completion of a required course. Contact the DHSMV before you visit to confirm what you need to bring.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common reason for a rejected transaction is missing or incorrect documents. Photocopies of birth certificates and passports are not accepted — you must bring the original or a certified copy. Proof of residency must be dated within 90 days and show your current address; an old utility bill or a bill addressed to a different name will not work. Bring all three categories of documents (identity, Social Security, residency) even if you think you only need one.

Another frequent mistake is not checking whether you are may be able to access to renew online before visiting the office. If your license is valid, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed, you can renew online in minutes without a visit. The DHSMV website has a tool to check your may be able to access.

Do not assume the office is open on the day you plan to visit. Hours change seasonally and can be adjusted for holidays or staffing. Check the DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm the office is open and what the current hours are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail instead of visiting the Kendall office?

Yes, if your license is valid, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. You can renew by mail by submitting the renewal form (available on the DHSMV website) along with your current license and the renewal fee. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not meet these conditions, you must visit an office in person.

What if I lost my documents and cannot bring proof of identity?

You cannot obtain a driver license without an original or certified copy of an acceptable identity document. If you lost your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the Florida Department of Health or the state where you were born. If you lost your passport, you can explore for a replacement through the U.S. State Department. Plan for this to take several weeks. You cannot use a photocopy or a digital image as a substitute.

How long does it take to get a new license if I am a first-time driver?

If you are explore for your first Florida driver license, you must pass a written test and a driving test. The written test is administered at the Kendall office during your visit. The driving test must be scheduled separately and is conducted at a DHSMV office or an approved third-party testing location. The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Kendall office?

No. The Kendall office does not offer online appointments. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You can reduce wait time by arriving early in the morning or during mid-week afternoons, but you cannot reserve a specific time slot.

What should I do if the office is too busy when I arrive?

If the wait is very long, you can leave and return at a different time, or you can visit a different DHSMV office in Miami-Dade County if one is closer to you. Some smaller satellite offices have shorter wait times. Check the DHSMV website to find other offices in your area and their hours.