What an international driver's license is and whether you need one
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from Florida or your home country. You carry both documents together when you drive abroad.
You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in most countries outside the United States. Some rental companies will not hand over keys without one, and some countries will not recognize your US license alone. A few nations (Canada, Mexico, some Caribbean islands) accept a US license by itself, but an IDP costs little and removes the risk of being turned away at a rental counter or stopped by police.
The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you get. It expires whether you use it or not, so order one only when you have a trip planned.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two organizations authorized by the US State Department to issue them.
- You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from any US state to get an IDP; Florida residency is not required.
- You can get an IDP in person at a Miami-area AAA office, by mail, or online through AAA's website, with processing times ranging from same-day to two weeks depending on the method.
- An IDP costs between $20 and $30 depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version, plus any shipping fees if you order by mail.
- You must bring the IDP with your actual driver's license when you drive abroad; the permit is useless without the original license.
Getting an IDP through AAA in Miami
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the primary source for an International Driving Permit in Miami. You do not have to be a AAA member to get one, though members sometimes receive a small discount. AAA has multiple offices in the Miami area, including locations in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and Kendall.
To get an IDP in person, bring your valid driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form (which AAA provides at the office or online). You will also need one passport-sized photo — 2 by 2 inches. AAA can take the photo on-site for a small fee if you do not have one. Same-day service is usually available, though busy locations may take a few hours.
If you cannot visit an office, you can order by mail. read the process from AAA's website, include a photocopy of your driver's license, a passport photo, and a check or money order. Mail everything to the AAA address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks, plus mail time in both directions.
Ordering online through AAA
AAA also offers online ordering through its website. You upload a photo, provide your driver's license information, and pay by credit card. The permit is then mailed to you, typically within five to seven business days. This method is faster than traditional mail but slower than walking into an office.
The online process requires you to create an AAA account or log in if you already have one. You will answer questions about your trip destination and confirm that your license is valid and unexpired. AAA will not issue an IDP if your license expires within six months, so check your license before you order.
The other authorized source: AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second organization authorized by the US State Department to issue International Driving Permits. AATA does not have physical offices; it operates only by mail and online. You can order through its website, upload your documents, and receive the permit by mail in seven to ten business days.
AATA charges the same price as AAA and follows the same rules about license validity and required documents. Some people choose AATA if they prefer not to use AAA or if they want to order without visiting an office. The main trade-off is that AATA takes longer than an in-person AAA visit.
What documents and information you will need
Before you visit AAA or order online, gather these items: a valid, unexpired driver's license from any US state; a government-issued photo ID such as a passport; and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). If you are ordering by mail or online, you will need photocopies of your license and ID instead of the originals.
You will also fill out an process form that asks for your name, address, date of birth, and the validity period you want (one year or three years). The form is straightforward and takes a few minutes. AAA and AATA both provide the form online or in person.
Have your destination country or countries in mind when you explore, though this is mainly for your own reference. The IDP itself does not specify where you are going — it is valid in any country that recognizes it.
Cost and how long it takes
An International Driving Permit costs $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. These prices are set by AAA and AATA and do not vary by location. If you order by mail, add the cost of postage and a passport photo if you do not have one. If you order online, some services charge a small processing or shipping fee on top of the base price.
Timing depends on your method. In-person at an AAA office: same day to a few hours. Online through AAA: five to seven business days. By mail through AAA or AATA: one to two weeks plus mail time. If your trip is soon, visiting an AAA office in person is the fastest option.
What to do if your license is expired or expiring soon
An International Driving Permit cannot be issued if your driver's license is expired or will expire within six months. If your Florida license is expiring, renew it first through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles before you order an IDP. You can renew your Florida license online, by mail, or in person at a local office.
If you hold a license from another state, renew it through that state's motor vehicle department before ordering an IDP. The renewal process varies by state but usually takes one to three weeks. Plan ahead if your license is close to expiring and you have an international trip coming up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a AAA member to get an International Driving Permit?
No. AAA issues IDPs to members and non-members alike. Members may receive a small discount, but the permit itself is available to anyone with a valid driver's license. You do not have to join AAA to get one.
Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit or a suspended license?
No. Your driver's license must be valid and unexpired. A learner's permit does not count, and a suspended or revoked license disqualifies you. You must have a full, active driver's license from any US state.
What happens if I lose my IDP while traveling?
Contact AAA or AATA to report the loss and request a replacement. You can also contact the US embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling for guidance. Keep a photocopy of your IDP separate from the original, just as you would with your passport.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your actual driver's license. It is not a separate license and does not replace your US license. You must carry both documents together when you drive abroad.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
You choose either one year or three years when you order. The permit expires on the date printed on it, regardless of whether you use it. Order only when you have a specific trip planned, since the expiration date does not extend if you do not travel.