What DMV kiosks at Publix do and don't handle

Some Publix supermarkets in Florida have DMV kiosks — self-service machines that let you renew your driver's license or ID card without visiting a full DMV office. The kiosk prints a temporary license on the spot and mails your permanent one within 7 to 10 business days. You pay the renewal fee at the kiosk, and the transaction is complete.

These kiosks handle only renewals for licenses and ID cards that are not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years. They cannot issue a first license, restore a suspended license, change your address, add a Real ID star, or handle commercial driver's licenses. If your situation falls outside renewal, you must visit a full DMV office.

The kiosk is fastest if you are renewing a standard license that is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You do not need an appointment, and the whole process takes about 10 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • DMV kiosks at Publix renew driver's licenses and ID cards only — they cannot issue first licenses, restore suspended licenses, or add Real ID status.
  • You must bring your current license or ID card and a payment method (debit or credit card) to use the kiosk.
  • The kiosk prints a temporary license when ready, and the permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Not every Publix location has a kiosk; you can find which ones do on the Florida DMV website or by calling your local store.
  • If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years, the kiosk will reject your transaction and you must visit a full DMV office.

Which Publix locations have DMV kiosks

Kiosks are available at select Publix stores across Florida, but not at every location. The Florida DMV maintains a list of participating Publix stores on its website at flhsmv.gov. You can search by county or city to find the nearest kiosk to you.

Before you drive to a Publix, call the store directly to confirm the kiosk is working that day. Kiosks occasionally go offline for maintenance or technical issues, and store staff can tell you when ready whether it is available. This saves a wasted trip.

Kiosks are typically located near the front of the store, in the customer service area or near the pharmacy. Ask a store employee if you cannot find it when you arrive.

What you need to bring to the kiosk

Bring your current Florida driver's license or ID card — the kiosk scans it to pull up your record. You also need a valid payment method: a debit card or credit card. The kiosk does not accept cash, checks, or mobile payment apps.

Have your current address ready. The kiosk will display the address on file and ask you to confirm it or enter a new one. If you have moved and have not updated your address yet, you can do that at the kiosk during renewal.

If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them when you use the kiosk — it takes a new photo for your temporary license. The photo quality matters because it appears on your temporary license until your permanent one arrives.

When the kiosk will reject your renewal

The kiosk will not complete your transaction if your license or ID is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. It will also reject you if your license expired more than five years ago. In either case, the machine will display a message telling you to visit a full DMV office, and you will not be charged.

If you have unpaid traffic tickets, child support arrears, or other holds on your license, the kiosk will detect this and refuse to renew. You must resolve the underlying issue before you can renew, whether at a kiosk or an office.

The kiosk also cannot add a Real ID star to your license. If your current license does not have the star and you need one for air travel or federal building access, you must visit a full DMV office with proof of citizenship and residency.

How to use the kiosk step by step

Start by inserting your current license or ID card into the slot on the front of the kiosk. The machine scans it and pulls up your record on the screen. Review the information displayed — your name, address, date of birth, and license number — and confirm it is correct.

The kiosk will ask whether you want to renew with the same address or enter a new one. If you have moved, select the option to update your address and type the new one. The kiosk will ask you to take a new photo. Look directly at the camera and keep a neutral expression, just as you would at an office.

Next, the kiosk displays the renewal fee. Insert your debit or credit card when prompted. The machine processes the payment and prints your temporary license on the spot. The temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Keep the temporary license with you while driving. It is a legal document and counts as proof of a valid license if you are stopped by police. Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Scam alert: Fake DMV kiosks and phishing

Do not use any kiosk that is not inside an official Publix supermarket or that does not display official Florida DMV branding. Scammers have set up fake kiosks in other locations to steal payment card information and personal data. Only use kiosks at Publix locations listed on the official Florida DMV website.

Never give your Social Security number, date of birth, or license number to anyone claiming to represent the DMV outside an official kiosk or office. The DMV does not contact you by phone, email, or text to ask for personal information. If someone contacts you claiming your license is suspended and asking for payment, hang up — this is a common scam.

If your temporary license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Florida DMV directly at 1-844-DMV-TAGS (1-844-368-8247) or visit a full DMV office. Do not respond to emails or texts claiming to be from the DMV asking you to verify your information or resubmit payment.

What happens after you use the kiosk

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. During this time, you can drive legally in Florida and in other states. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you confirmed or entered at the kiosk.

If you moved after using the kiosk and your mail forwarding has expired, your permanent license may not reach you. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, visit a full DMV office or call 1-844-DMV-TAGS to request a replacement or confirm the mailing address.

Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary license. You do not need to return it, but keeping it after your permanent license arrives can cause confusion if you are pulled over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license at a Publix kiosk if it expired more than five years ago?

No. The kiosk only renews licenses expired five years or less. If your license expired longer ago, you must visit a full DMV office. The office can renew it, but you may also need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long it has been expired.

What if the kiosk takes my payment but does not print my temporary license?

Contact the Publix customer service desk when ready and explain what happened. They can check the kiosk's transaction log and contact the DMV on your behalf. Keep your receipt from the kiosk. If the charge appears on your card but you did not receive a license, call 1-844-DMV-TAGS within 24 hours to report it.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license at a Publix kiosk?

No. Kiosks only renew standard driver's licenses and ID cards. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed at a full DMV office, and you may need to pass a written test or medical exam depending on your license class.

Do I need an appointment to use the DMV kiosk at Publix?

No. Kiosks are first-come, first-served and do not require appointments. However, call ahead to confirm the kiosk is working that day, since they occasionally go offline for maintenance.

Will the kiosk let me renew if I have a suspended license?

No. The kiosk will reject your license if it is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You must resolve the suspension at a full DMV office first. Suspensions are usually caused by unpaid tickets, child support arrears, or medical issues, and each requires a different process to clear.