You cannot get an International Driving Permit in Florida — you get it through the American Automobile Association

Florida does not issue International Driving Permits (IDPs). The IDP is issued only by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and, in some cases, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You must go to an AAA office in person, bring your valid Florida driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a completed process form. The permit costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 10 minutes to issue. It is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.

An IDP is not a replacement for your Florida license — it is a translation document that works alongside it. You must carry both your Florida driver's license and your IDP together when you drive outside the United States. Some countries will not recognize your Florida license alone, but they will recognize the IDP as proof that you are a licensed driver in your home state.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only source for an International Driving Permit in Florida; you cannot get one from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
  • You must bring your valid Florida driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a completed IDP process form to an AAA office in person.
  • The IDP costs $15 to $20 and is issued on the spot; you choose whether you want it valid for one year or three years.
  • Your IDP is only valid when carried together with your Florida driver's license; it does not replace your state license.
  • Not all countries require an IDP, so check the specific rules for the country or countries where you plan to drive before you travel.

What you need to bring to an AAA office

Bring your current, valid Florida driver's license. It must not be expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored and current.

Bring a passport or passport card issued by the U.S. State Department. This is your proof of citizenship and identity. A passport book and a passport card both work; a passport photo page alone does not. If you do not have a passport, you will need to obtain one through the U.S. State Department before you can get an IDP.

Bring the completed IDP process form. AAA provides this form — you can fill it out at home and bring it completed, or you can arrive early and fill it out at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and a description of your vehicle (make, model, color). You will also need to choose whether you want a one-year or three-year permit.

Finding an AAA office near you in Florida

AAA has offices throughout Florida. You can find the nearest one by visiting the AAA website and using their office locator tool, or by calling AAA customer service. Not every AAA office issues IDPs during every hour, so call ahead or check online to confirm that the office you plan to visit has IDP service available at the time you want to go.

Some AAA offices are open on weekends, but hours vary by location. If you are a AAA member, you may have access to extended hours or faster service at some locations. If you are not a AAA member, you can still get an IDP — membership is not required — but you will pay the full fee without any member discount.

How long the IDP is valid and what it covers

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you choose when you explore. The one-year permit costs less than the three-year permit. Choose based on how often you travel internationally and how far in advance you plan your trips.

The IDP translates your driver's license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not add any driving privileges you do not already have. It straightforward makes your Florida license readable to police and rental car companies in other countries.

Your IDP is valid only while your Florida driver's license is valid. If your Florida license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, your IDP becomes invalid at the same time, even if the IDP itself has not yet expired. You cannot renew an IDP — you must get a new one if you want to continue driving internationally after your current IDP expires.

Countries that require or recognize an IDP

Not every country requires an IDP. Some countries will accept your Florida driver's license alone. Others require an IDP, an official translation of your license, or both. The rules vary by country and change over time, so check the specific requirements for each country where you plan to drive before you travel.

Many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and several countries in South America and Asia recognize the IDP. Some countries in the Middle East and Africa require it. Your car rental company can tell you whether an IDP is needed for your destination, and your travel insurance or travel guide for that country will also list the requirement. If you are unsure, getting an IDP before you leave the United States is safer than arriving in another country and discovering you cannot rent a car or drive legally without one.

What happens if you drive without an IDP in a country that requires one

If you drive in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you can be stopped by police, fined, and in some cases have your vehicle impounded. Your travel insurance or rental car insurance may not cover an accident or violation that occurs while you are driving without the required documents. You could also face difficulty leaving the country if you have an outstanding fine.

Some countries will issue a temporary IDP or accept an official translation of your Florida license in place of an IDP, but this varies. It is not worth the risk. An IDP costs $15 to $20 and takes 10 minutes to obtain; the cost of a fine, impound, or insurance denial is far higher.

Renewing or replacing a lost or damaged IDP

You cannot renew an IDP. When your IDP expires, you must get a new one by returning to an AAA office with your current Florida driver's license, passport, and a new process form. The process is the same as getting your first IDP.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must get a replacement. Go to an AAA office with your Florida driver's license, passport, and process form. You will pay the full fee again — there is no reduced rate for a replacement. AAA does not issue a duplicate or reprint of an existing IDP; you receive a new permit with a new issue date and expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car and not driving across borders?

It depends on the country and the rental car company. Many rental companies in Europe, Australia, and other countries require an IDP even if you are staying within one country. Check with your rental car company and the country's driving rules before you travel. If there is any doubt, getting an IDP is the safest choice.

Can I get an IDP if my Florida driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your Florida driver's license must be current and valid. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you must restore it through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles before you can get an IDP. You cannot drive internationally on a suspended or expired license, even with an IDP.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works with your Florida license. An international driver's license is not a real thing — some websites and services fraudulently claim to issue them, but they have no legal standing in any country. Only get an IDP from AAA or AATA.

What if I lose my Florida driver's license while I am traveling with my IDP?

Your IDP is useless without your Florida driver's license. If you lose your license while traveling, you cannot legally drive, and your IDP cannot replace it. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for help obtaining a temporary travel document. When you return to Florida, you will need to replace your driver's license through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

How much does an IDP cost compared to getting an official translation of my license?

An IDP costs $15 to $20 and is issued in 10 minutes. An official translation through a certified translator can cost $50 to $150 and takes several days. Some countries accept either one; others require an IDP specifically. AAA's IDP is faster and cheaper, so it is the better choice for most travelers.