The influencer and Cuban actress Eileenn Morales, known as La Cubana de TikTok, documented on social media her experience sleeping in the car with her husband in order to renew her driver's license at an office in Miami.
“We're sleeping in the car; I have a pillow and everything,” Morales begins in the video shared on TikTok. “We're here for the license, and it’s 12:53, it’s about to be one in the morning. They open at 8 a.m., and we've already checked in,” he added. Later, at 5:46 a.m., he recorded again: “This place is packed with people, it's a madness, I'm losing my voice.”
In another segment, he mentioned that they had made progress in line: “Well, we’re up ahead here and there are about 2,000 or 3,000 people.” Finally, he expressed his satisfaction after completing the process: “I’m done, I have the license. It’s 8:30 in the morning. Well, we’re leaving now; there are still a lot of people here, but early this morning it was packed, packed, packed.” He also explained why he didn’t record more content: “I didn’t get out of the car, so I wasn’t filming… my husband was the one who went out and marked.”
Although he clarified that the renewal was quick, he also stated: "Everything was quick because for us it was just a renewal, but well, what a terrible night."
The video generated a wave of reactions on TikTok, with dozens of users expressing surprise and indignation over the situation. Many commented that similar scenes have become common in other parts of the country, while others pointed out that the collapse is particular to Miami. Phrases like "you only see that in Miami," "looks like Cuba," "what a shame," or "I was sold a number for 60 dollars" were frequently repeated in the comments. Some recommended going to other cities like Naples, Fort Myers, or Tampa, where the process tends to be more efficient.
There were also discussions about the possibility of online renewal. Users like @yoanamorales165 explained that in Texas, it can be done in five minutes or online, but others responded that this does not apply in Miami for non-residents or citizens. "It can be done online nationwide, the problem is that those without residency can’t do it that way," a user commented. Another added, "In Miami, online is only for citizens."
What Eileenn Morales experienced reflects a critical situation in the licensing system in Miami-Dade that has been widely reported in recent weeks. In February, news emerged about the collapse of the DMV offices caused by the high demand, especially from migrants enrolled in programs such as humanitarian parole, CBP One, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). For many, obtaining a valid license or identification in Florida is an essential requirement to access employment, medical services, or legal protection.
Despite the recent opening of a new office in downtown Miami, designed to handle renewals and address changes, long lines continue to persist. This location serves up to 90 people per day, including scheduled appointments and walk-ins, which is inadequate given the current level of demand.
Recently, the County Tax Collector's Office dismantled a resale network for appointment slots that directly affected the availability of appointments. Authorities revealed that some driving schools and individuals were reserving dozens of free slots to resell them for between $50 and $250, an illegal practice that blocked access to the system for thousands of residents. Collector Dariel Fernández emphasized that appointments obtained fraudulently will not be accepted and that a joint investigation with law enforcement agencies is already underway.
Eileenn Morales, for her part, is no stranger to visibility or controversy on social media. Known for openly discussing her experience as a migrant and sharing her reflections on her life both in Cuba and Miami, she has managed to gather a community of over 1.4 million followers just on TikTok. Last November, she went viral for responding to those who downplay the crisis on the island. She has also shown how she lived in an efficiency, emphasizing that she has been able to move forward thanks to her hard work and determination.
What occurred this week not only highlights the situation regarding the licensing system in Miami-Dade, but also underscores the urgency of implementing effective solutions that ensure fair and orderly access to this essential service.
Frequently Asked Questions about Driver's License Renewal in Miami-Dade
Why are there long lines to renew a driver's license in Miami?
The long lines to renew driver's licenses in Miami are due to the high demand and the collapse of the DMV licensing system in Miami-Dade County. The situation is worsened by the large influx of migrants benefiting from programs such as humanitarian parole and TPS, who need valid identification to access employment, medical services, or legal protection. Additionally, the illegal resale of appointments has exacerbated the problem, impacting the availability of slots.
Is it possible to renew a driver's license online in Miami?
Renewing the driver's license online in Miami is not possible for non-residents or non-citizens. Although this option is available in other states like Texas, in Miami only citizens can access online renewal. This creates additional difficulties for migrants who must go in person to DMV offices.
What alternatives are available to avoid long waits in Miami for renewing a license?
Some alternatives include visiting DMV offices in nearby cities such as Naples, Fort Myers, or Tampa, where the process is often more efficient. Additionally, it is recommended to schedule an appointment in advance to avoid long waits. Despite the opening of a new office in downtown Miami, queues persist due to high demand.
What measures have been taken to address the collapse at the DMV offices in Miami?
The authorities have dismantled a reselling network that affected the availability of appointments in the DMV system. Additionally, a new office has opened in downtown Miami to handle renewals and address changes, although it still proves insufficient for current demand. The investigation and legal actions against fraudulent practices are ongoing.
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