International Drivers Permit (IDP)

Florida Statute 322.04 that became valid on January 1st 2013 now states that non-residence full driving licenses (paper and card parts) must be accompanied by an International Driving permit. This will apply to all drivers of any vehicle.

LATEST UPDATE (as of 15/02/2013):

The Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles released the following statement which states that they will not be enforcing the amendment at this time;

During the 2012 legislative session, the Florida Legislature amended section 322.04, Florida Statutes, to require visitors from outside the United States to have an International Driving Permit in order to drive lawfully in Florida. This change took effect Jan. 1, 2013.

It has come to the Department’s attention that this requirement may violate the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (1949), an international treaty to which the United States is a signatory. Treaties to which the United States is a party preempt state laws in conflict with them.

Therefore, the Florida Highway Patrol will defer enforcement of violations of the amended statutory section until a final determination of the alignment of the amendment with the treaty can be made. Non-resident visitors to Florida who wish to drive while here will be required to have in their immediate possession a valid driver license issued in his or her name from another state or territory of the U.S. or from their country of residence. However, the FHP will not take enforcement action based solely on the lack of an International Driving Permit.

Please see the following link for the full statement: Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor vehicles

More Information on IDP

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document recognized by many countries which allows the permit-holder to drive a private motor vehicle in that country. To be valid the IDP must be accompanied by a valid license from the home country. The document is slightly larger than a standard passport and is essentially a multiple language translation of the permit-holder’s normal driver’s license, complete with photograph and vital statistics.

About the Florida State law

The law states the following -

322.04(c)(1)Persons exempt from obtaining driver license-

(c) A nonresident who is at least 16 years of age operating a motor vehicle of the type for which a Class E driver license is required in this state if the nonresident has in his or her immediate possession:

(2) An International Driving Permit issued in his or her name in his or her country of residence and a valid license issued in that country.

What could happen if you do not obtain an IDP

Our car rental contracts do not require you to hold an IDP in order to be able to collect your vehicle or be insured under our car rental partners insurance policies. However Florida State Law requires the main driver and any additional drivers to be in possession of an International Drivers Permit if stopped by the police. If you are stopped by the police and fail to show a valid IDP the potential is that you could be arrested or issued with a citation requiring you to appear at court.

Where can I get an International Driving Permit?

You can purchase an International Driving Permit from your Post Office, they cost £5.50 for 12 months, to apply for one you will need to produce your full driving license and supply a passport photo. 

International Drivers Permit via The Post Office

For more information please feel free to call us on 0845 226 8523