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 ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid Florida license, and only in countries that recognize it. In Miami, you get an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

You walk into a participating AAA office in Miami with your valid Florida driver's license, a passport or other government ID, and a passport-sized photo (2x2 inches). You fill out form DS-11 or the AAA equivalent, pay the fee (typically $20 for AAA members, $30 for non-members), and walk out with the permit the same day. The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue.

The catch: an IDP is only useful if the country you are visiting recognizes it. Many countries do; some do not. Before you book a trip, check the specific country's requirements — some nations accept only your U.S. license, some require an IDP, and some require both. Your rental car company can tell you what they need.

Key Takeaways

  • You get an IDP from AAA or AATA in Miami, not from the state — bring your Florida license, ID, and a passport photo.
  • An IDP is valid for three years and costs $20–$30 depending on AAA membership status.
  • An IDP is only useful in countries that recognize it, so check your destination's requirements before you travel.
  • An IDP does not replace your Florida driver's license and is not valid for driving in the United States.

Where to get an IDP in the Miami area

AAA has multiple offices in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The main Miami office is located downtown, but you can also visit branches in Coral Gables, Kendall, Aventura, and other neighborhoods. AATA offices are less common but also issue IDPs; you can find them through the AATA website or by calling ahead.

Walk-ins are usually accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. If you are traveling soon, call the office first to confirm they have passport photos available or bring your own. Some offices can take your photo on-site for an additional fee if you do not have one.

Hours vary by location. Most AAA offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some Saturday mornings. Check the AAA website or call your nearest office before you go.

What documents and photos you need

Bring your valid Florida driver's license — expired licenses will not work. You also need a government-issued ID such as a passport, passport card, or military ID. A second form of ID is not required, but having it speeds up the process.

You need one passport-sized photo, 2x2 inches. The photo should be recent (taken within the last six months), in color or black and white, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Bring the original photo; do not submit a copy. If you do not have one, most AAA offices can take your photo on-site for $5–$10.

You do not need to bring your Social Security number, but having it handy can speed up the paperwork. Bring cash or a card — most offices accept both.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

An IDP is valid for three years from the date it is issued. If you travel frequently or plan to drive internationally more than once in that window, you only need one IDP. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid — you cannot renew it outside the United States.

To renew, return to AAA or AATA with your expired IDP, a new passport photo, and the renewal fee. The process is the same as getting a new one. Plan ahead if you know you will need to renew before a trip.

What an IDP does and does not cover

An IDP translates your license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It shows your name, date of birth, license number, and the classes of vehicles you are licensed to drive. It is a convenience document — it does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have.

An IDP is not a license. It does not allow you to drive in the United States or any U.S. territory. It does not replace your Florida license. You must carry both your Florida license and your IDP when you drive internationally in a country that recognizes the IDP. Some countries require both; others accept the IDP alone.

An IDP does not affect your insurance, your driving record, or your ability to renew your Florida license. It is purely a translation document.

Checking if your destination country recognizes an IDP

Before you travel, confirm that the country you are visiting recognizes the IDP. The U.S. State Department website lists countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic, which established the IDP system. Most Western European countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others recognize it.

Some countries do not recognize the IDP at all — you will need only your U.S. license. A few countries require both your U.S. license and an IDP. Your rental car company can tell you what they require for your destination. Call them before you book or travel.

If your destination does not recognize the IDP, you do not need one. If it does, getting one in Miami takes one visit and costs less than $30.

Driving with an IDP in a foreign country

When you drive internationally with an IDP, carry both your Florida driver's license and your IDP at all times. Police in some countries may ask to see both documents. Your IDP is proof that your license is valid and that you are authorized to drive — the translation helps if the officer does not read English.

An IDP does not override local traffic laws, age requirements, or vehicle restrictions in the country you are visiting. If you are under the minimum driving age in that country or if your license class does not cover the vehicle you are driving, the IDP will not help. Check the country's driving laws before you rent a car.

Your U.S. auto insurance may or may not cover you abroad — check your policy before you travel. Many U.S. insurers do not cover international driving, and you may need to buy coverage from the rental company or a separate international policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your Florida license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. If your license is expired, renew it at the DMV first, then go to AAA for the IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize the IDP, but many rental companies do not require it — they accept a valid U.S. license alone. Call your rental company before you book to confirm what they need. If they ask for an IDP, you can get one in Miami in one visit.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

You cannot replace an IDP outside the United States. If you lose it, you still have your Florida license, which is valid for driving in most countries. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country if you need help. When you return to Miami, you can get a new IDP from AAA.

Does an IDP work if my Florida license has restrictions?

Yes. If your Florida license has restrictions — such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only — those restrictions explore to your IDP as well. The IDP straightforward translates your license; it does not change what you are authorized to drive.

How much does an IDP cost, and do I need AAA membership?

An IDP costs $20 if you are an AAA member and $30 if you are not. You do not need to be a member to get one — non-members can walk into any AAA office and pay the higher fee. AATA charges similar fees and does not require membership either.