What an International Driving Permit is and whether you need one in Florida

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your Florida driver's license — you must carry both together. The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is issued only by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country. Some rental car companies outside the United States will not rent to you without one, even if your Florida license is valid. If you are visiting Florida from another country and want to drive here, you do not need an IDP — your valid foreign license and an International Driving Permit from your home country are sufficient, as long as your license is in English or accompanied by an official translation.

Florida does not issue IDPs. You must obtain one from AAA or AATA before you leave the state. The process takes less than an hour in person, and both organizations offer mail-in options as well.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States and must be obtained before you travel outside Florida.
  • You must have a valid Florida driver's license to obtain an IDP, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which organization issues it.
  • AAA issues IDPs in person at local offices and by mail; AATA issues them by mail only.
  • If you are a visitor to Florida with a foreign license, you do not need an IDP to drive in Florida as long as your license is valid in your home country.

Getting an IDP from AAA in Florida

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most widely available source for IDPs in Florida. AAA has local offices in most major cities and counties throughout the state. To obtain an IDP from AAA, you must visit a local office in person or submit an process by mail.

For in-person service, bring your valid Florida driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a completed IDP process form (available at the AAA office or on the AAA website). You will also need to provide one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). The process takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you will receive your IDP when ready. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit.

If you prefer to explore by mail, read the IDP process from the AAA website, complete it, and mail it to your local AAA office along with a copy of your driver's license, a passport-sized photograph, and a check or money order for the fee. Processing typically takes two to three weeks. You can find your nearest AAA office and office hours on the AAA website.

Getting an IDP from AATA in Florida

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer of IDPs in the United States. Unlike AAA, AATA does not maintain physical offices in Florida — all applications must be submitted by mail.

To obtain an IDP from AATA, visit the AATA website, read the process form, and mail it along with your valid Florida driver's license (a copy is acceptable), a passport-sized photograph, and a check or money order for $20 (one-year permit) or $30 (three-year permit). AATA processing typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive your IDP by mail at the address you provide on the process.

AATA is a good option if you do not have a nearby AAA office or prefer not to visit in person. The three-year permit from AATA costs more than AAA's three-year permit, so compare the two before deciding.

Documents you need and how to prepare them

Regardless of whether you obtain your IDP from AAA or AATA, you will need the same core documents. Have your valid Florida driver's license ready — it must not be expired. You will also need a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card). Some offices accept a copy of your driver's license as your second ID if it is a recent renewal or replacement.

A passport-sized photograph is required by both AAA and AATA. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have passport photos taken at most AAA offices, drugstore photo departments, or professional photography studios. The cost is usually $10 to $15.

If you are explore by mail, make a copy of your driver's license (front and back) and include it with your process. Do not mail your original license. For payment, use a check or money order — neither AAA nor AATA accepts credit cards by mail. If explore in person at AAA, you can pay with cash, check, or card.

Timeline and validity of your International Driving Permit

The time it takes to receive your IDP depends on how you explore. If you visit an AAA office in person, you will receive your permit the same day. If you mail your process to AAA, expect two to three weeks. If you mail your process to AATA, expect one to two weeks.

An IDP is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which option you purchase. A one-year permit costs $15 from AAA or $20 from AATA. A three-year permit costs $20 from AAA or $30 from AATA. Your IDP is valid only while your Florida driver's license is also valid — if your license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its expiration date. When you renew your Florida license, you will need to obtain a new IDP as well.

What to do if you are a foreign visitor driving in Florida

If you are visiting Florida from another country and want to drive, you do not need an IDP issued in the United States. Your valid driver's license from your home country is sufficient to drive in Florida, provided it is written in English or accompanied by an official English translation issued by your home country's motor vehicle department or a certified translator.

Some car rental companies in Florida may request an IDP even though it is not legally required. If a rental company asks for one, you can obtain an IDP from your home country before traveling, or you can contact the rental company in advance to confirm their requirements. Many major rental chains will rent to visitors with a valid foreign license and a credit card, without requiring an IDP.

Your foreign license is valid in Florida for the duration of your visit as a tourist. If you become a Florida resident, you must obtain a Florida driver's license within a set timeframe (typically 30 days) and can no longer drive on your foreign license.

Common mistakes to avoid when obtaining an IDP

The most common mistake is waiting until the day before travel to obtain an IDP. If you are explore by mail, allow at least two to three weeks for processing. If you need an IDP urgently, visit an AAA office in person — this is the only way to receive it the same day.

Another frequent error is providing an expired or nearly expired driver's license. Your IDP is valid only as long as your Florida license is valid, so if your license expires within a few months, renew it first before obtaining your IDP. This prevents you from having to obtain a new IDP shortly after receiving it.

Do not mail your original driver's license to AAA or AATA. Always send a copy. Your original license must remain with you for identification purposes. Also, do not assume that an IDP from one country is valid in another — the IDP issued in the United States is recognized internationally, but you should verify the specific countries where you plan to drive before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my Florida driver's license and no IDP?

It depends on the country and the rental car company. Some countries recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP, but many rental companies will not rent to you without one. Carrying an IDP eliminates this risk and is inexpensive insurance. Check with your rental company and the country's embassy or tourism board before traveling.

What if my Florida driver's license is expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired license. Renew your Florida license first through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, then explore for your IDP. This takes extra time, so plan accordingly if your license is nearing expiration.

How long does an IDP last once I receive it?

An IDP is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which option you purchase. However, it becomes invalid if your Florida driver's license expires before the IDP expiration date. You must renew your IDP whenever you renew your Florida license.

Can I get an IDP at the Florida DMV?

No. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles does not issue IDPs. You must obtain one from AAA or AATA. AAA has offices throughout Florida; AATA accepts applications by mail only.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Florida as a foreign visitor?

No. You can rent a car in Florida with your valid foreign driver's license. However, some rental companies may request an IDP, so contact them in advance to confirm their requirements. If your license is not in English, bring an official English translation.