What you need to do to get an IDP in Miami

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Florida driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive legally in other countries. You cannot get one online or by mail — you must explore in person at an American Automobile Association (AAA) office in Miami-Dade County.

The process takes about 15 minutes. You bring your valid Florida driver's license, a passport or other government ID, one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches), and $20 in cash or card. AAA will fill out the process, take your photo if you do not have one, and hand you the permit on the spot. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue.

You do not need to visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) for an IDP. AAA is the only authorized issuer in the United States, and they handle the entire transaction. If you do not have a current Florida license, you cannot get an IDP — it is not a substitute for a license, only a companion document.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an AAA office in person in Miami-Dade County; online and mail applications are not available.
  • Bring your valid Florida driver's license, a government ID, one passport-sized photo, and $20 to complete the process in about 15 minutes.
  • The IDP is valid for one year and translates your license into 10 languages for use in over 150 countries.
  • An IDP does not replace your Florida license and is not required by law in Florida — it is only useful when driving outside the United States.

AAA offices in Miami where you can explore

Miami-Dade County has multiple AAA locations. The main office is at 1 SE 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL 33131, near downtown. Other branches operate in Coral Gables, Kendall, and Aventura. You can visit any of them — they all issue IDPs the same day.

AAA offices are typically open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the AAA website to confirm hours at the branch nearest you, because hours vary by location and may change seasonally. Walk-ins are accepted, but arriving early in the day usually means shorter wait times.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP. Non-members pay the same $20 fee. AAA membership is not required to explore.

What to bring and what it costs

You need four things: your current Florida driver's license, a second government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches), and $20. If you do not have a passport photo, AAA can take one for you at the office, usually at no extra charge — confirm this when you call.

The $20 fee covers the IDP itself. There are no additional charges, processing fees, or hidden costs. You pay once, in cash or by card, and walk out with the permit. If you lose the IDP or it expires, you pay $20 again for a replacement or renewal.

Your Florida license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until you renew or restore your driving privileges through DHSMV.

How long the IDP is valid and when to renew

An IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date AAA issues it. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. After one year, the IDP is no longer valid for driving in other countries, even if your Florida license is still current.

You do not renew an IDP — you explore for a new one. Return to any AAA office in Miami, bring the same documents (current license, ID, photo, and $20), and you will receive a new permit with a fresh one-year validity period. Many people renew their IDP shortly before a planned trip abroad.

Your Florida driver's license does not expire when your IDP expires. The two documents are separate. Your license remains valid for its own expiration date, which is typically five or eight years depending on your age and when you last renewed.

Countries where your IDP is recognized

An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and territories worldwide. It translates your Florida license information into English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian. When you rent a car or are stopped by police in another country, the IDP shows your license details in languages the local authorities understand.

However, an IDP is not a license itself — it is a translation document. You must carry both your Florida driver's license and your IDP together when driving outside the United States. Some countries require the IDP; others accept it but do not require it. Car rental companies often ask for it, especially in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all or have additional requirements. Before traveling, check the specific country's driving rules through its embassy or consulate website, or ask your car rental company what documents they need. An IDP does not override local traffic laws or age restrictions in the country you are visiting.

IDP vs. a foreign license: which do you need

If you hold a valid driver's license from another country and you move to Miami, you do not need an IDP to drive in Florida. Your foreign license is valid in Florida for a limited time while you establish residency — typically 30 days for visitors, longer for people relocating. After that period, you must obtain a Florida driver's license from DHSMV.

An IDP is only for people who hold a Florida (or other U.S. state) license and want to drive in other countries. If you have a foreign license and want to drive in the United States, you may want to get an IDP to make your foreign license easier for U.S. police or rental companies to understand, but it is not required. The safest approach is to get a Florida license if you plan to stay in Miami long-term.

If you are a visitor to Miami with a foreign license, you do not need an IDP to drive in Florida. Your home country's license is valid. An IDP would only be useful if you planned to drive in a third country from Florida, which is uncommon for short-term visitors.

What happens if you drive without an IDP in another country

Driving without an IDP in a country that requires or expects one can result in a fine, vehicle impound, or both. However, most countries do not strictly require an IDP if you have your original Florida license with you. The IDP is a convenience — it makes your license readable to local authorities and rental companies without translation delays.

If you are pulled over and cannot produce an IDP in a country where it is expected, police may issue a citation or warning. Rental companies may refuse to rent to you without one. The consequences vary by country and by the specific officer or company you encounter. To avoid problems, carry both your Florida license and your IDP whenever you drive outside the United States.

Travel insurance and car rental agreements sometimes require proof of an IDP. Check your rental contract and insurance policy before you travel. If either requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may not be covered in case of an accident or dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until you restore or renew your license through DHSMV. Once your license is valid again, you can visit AAA and explore.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico from Miami?

Canada and Mexico do not strictly require an IDP, but both accept them. Many car rental companies in those countries ask for one. Your Florida license alone is usually enough, but carrying an IDP removes any doubt and speeds up the rental process. Check with your rental company before you travel.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement, but they can provide a letter confirming your identity and Florida license status, which may help with local authorities or car rental companies. When you return to Miami, visit AAA to get a new IDP for $20.

Can I get an IDP by mail or online?

No. AAA only issues IDPs in person at their physical offices. You must visit a Miami-area AAA location, bring your documents, and complete the process on the spot. There are no exceptions for mail or online applications.

How long does an IDP take to get?

About 15 minutes from the time you walk in. AAA completes the process, takes your photo if needed, and hands you the permit before you leave. You do not need to wait days or weeks — it is same-day service.