The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles runs all driver license offices in Miami
You cannot get a Florida driver license from a private vendor or third-party service in Miami. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is the only agency that issues them. In the Miami area, DHSMV operates several driver license offices where you can take your written test, road test, and complete your license process in person.
Each office handles the same services, but wait times and hours vary. Some locations are busier than others, and a few offer limited services. Knowing which office serves your needs and what to bring will save you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- Miami-Dade County has multiple DHSMV driver license offices, including locations in downtown Miami, Kendall, and Doral, each with different hours and services.
- You must bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of identity, and completed process form HSMV 80039 to any office.
- Many Miami offices do not offer road tests on-site, so you may need to travel to a separate testing location or schedule a third-party road test.
- Walk-in service is available at most locations, but online appointment scheduling through the DHSMV website can reduce your wait time significantly.
- Hours vary by location and day of the week, so check the DHSMV website or call ahead before visiting.
Main DHSMV driver license offices in Miami-Dade County
The largest and most frequently used office is the Miami-Dade County DHSMV office at 11860 SW 26th Street in Miami. This location handles written tests, vision screening, and license issuance. It is open Monday through Friday, though hours change seasonally. This office does not conduct road tests on-site.
The Kendall DHSMV office at 8585 South Dixie Highway offers similar services and is often less crowded than the downtown location. It also does not have a road test facility. The Doral office at 3333 NW 87th Avenue is another option in the western part of the county and serves the same functions. A fourth location, the Palmetto DHSMV office at 8300 West Flagler Street, handles driver license services for residents in that area. All of these offices require you to bring the same documents and complete the same process process.
What documents you need to bring
Florida requires six pieces of information before you can receive a driver license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, your full legal name, your date of birth, and your signature. You do not need all six as separate documents — one document can cover multiple requirements.
For proof of identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or previous driver license. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Miami address. All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will also need to complete form HSMV 80039, the Florida Driver License process. You can read and print this form before you arrive, or pick one up at the office. Bring your current out-of-state driver license if you have one.
Written test, vision screening, and fees
At your first visit to a Miami DHSMV office, you will take a written test covering Florida traffic laws and road signs. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most locations, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again.
You will also have your vision screened at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a vision certificate before you can receive your license. The fee for a Florida driver license varies depending on the type and length of validity. A standard eight-year license costs one amount; a four-year license costs less. Fees change periodically, so check the DHSMV website for current pricing. Most offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards.
Road testing in Miami
Most DHSMV offices in Miami do not conduct road tests on-site. After you pass your written test, you will need to schedule a road test at a separate location or through a third-party testing facility. Third-party testers are private companies authorized by Florida to administer road tests on behalf of DHSMV.
If you want to use a third-party tester, search the DHSMV website for "third-party examiners" and filter by Miami-Dade County. You will see a list of approved facilities with their phone numbers and addresses. Call to schedule your road test appointment. Third-party testers often have shorter wait times than DHSMV offices, but they charge a fee in addition to the state fee. If you prefer to take your road test at an DHSMV office, the closest location with a test track is outside Miami-Dade County. Ask the staff at your local office which DHSMV location nearest to you offers road testing, or check the DHSMV website for the road test schedule.
Scheduling an appointment versus walk-in service
You can walk into any Miami DHSMV office without an appointment during business hours. However, wait times can be 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Mornings and early afternoons are typically less crowded than late afternoons.
To reduce your wait, use the DHSMV online appointment system at flhsmv.gov. Select your preferred office, choose a date and time, and you will receive a confirmation. Appointments are usually available within one to two weeks. You will still need to arrive a few minutes early, but your wait will be much shorter than a walk-in. Some offices occasionally close for training or maintenance. Before you visit, check the DHSMV website or call your chosen office to confirm it is open and to ask about current wait times.
Hours and contact information for Miami offices
The four main DHSMV offices in Miami-Dade County operate during similar hours, though specific times vary by location. The downtown Miami office at 11860 SW 26th Street is the busiest and typically open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Kendall, Doral, and Palmetto locations follow similar schedules but may close for lunch or have slightly different opening and closing times.
| Office Location | Address | Phone | Services Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade (Downtown) | 11860 SW 26th Street, Miami, FL 33175 | (305) 470-5600 | Written test, vision, license issuance |
| Kendall | 8585 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33156 | (305) 662-4749 | Written test, vision, license issuance |
| Doral | 3333 NW 87th Avenue, Doral, FL 33172 | (305) 470-5600 | Written test, vision, license issuance |
| Palmetto | 8300 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33144 | (305) 470-5600 | Written test, vision, license issuance |
Hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some variation by location. A few offices close for lunch. Call ahead or visit flhsmv.gov to confirm hours before you visit, as they may change seasonally or due to staffing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driver license at a Miami DHSMV office?
Yes. If your license is expired or expiring soon, you can renew it in person at any Miami DHSMV office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. You will also retake the vision test. Many people renew by mail or online instead, which is faster if your license is not yet expired.
What if I need a Real ID compliant license in Miami?
Florida driver licenses are Real ID compliant by default. When you explore for a new license at a Miami DHSMV office, you will receive a Real ID license as long as you bring the required documents. No extra step or fee is needed. Your Real ID license will have a small star in the upper right corner.
Do I need an appointment to take my written test in Miami?
No. You can walk in to any Miami DHSMV office and take the written test the same day, though you may wait. Scheduling an online appointment will reduce your wait time but is not required. If you fail the test, you can usually retake it when ready or later the same day.
Where do I take my road test if the Miami office does not offer it?
You can schedule a road test through a third-party testing facility in Miami-Dade County, which is faster than waiting for an DHSMV office appointment. Search the DHSMV website for approved third-party examiners near you. Alternatively, ask the staff at your local DHSMV office which nearby DHSMV location has a test track and how to schedule there.
What time should I arrive at a Miami DHSMV office to avoid a long wait?
Arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on a weekday morning for the shortest wait. Late afternoons and Fridays tend to be busier. If you have an online appointment, arrive five to ten minutes early. Avoid Mondays and the first week of the month, when offices are typically most crowded.