Quick Summary:
- Bring your UK paper licence plus passport, and ensure names match exactly.
- Expect some counters to request additional photo ID or proof of address.
- If you have a photocard, take it too, even if expired.
- Call ahead if your licence is paper-only to avoid pickup delays.
Many UK travellers still have the old-style UK paper driving licence and wonder if it will be accepted when collecting car hire in Florida. The short, practical answer is that it can be accepted, but it is not always as straightforward as using a UK photocard licence. Florida rental counters tend to focus on two things, a valid driving entitlement and reliable identification. A paper licence can satisfy the first part, but sometimes creates questions around the second part because it has no photograph.
This article explains how Florida car hire desks typically treat paper-only UK licences, which extra documents help, and what to do if the counter cannot easily verify your details. Policies can vary by supplier and location, so the goal is to help you arrive prepared, reduce delays, and avoid the common pitfalls that cause a refused pickup.
Are UK paper-only licences accepted for car hire in Florida?
In many cases, yes. A UK paper licence is a genuine driving licence and shows your categories and entitlement. Florida car hire companies are usually willing to accept foreign licences in English, and the UK paper licence meets that standard. The complication is that US rental firms often prefer a photo-bearing driving licence because it ties the licence to the person presenting it.
With a paper-only licence, the counter agent will rely more heavily on your passport and may ask additional questions or request supporting ID. Some suppliers accept paper licences routinely, others will accept them but only with extra ID, and a few may decline if their internal rules require a photocard-style licence.
If you are collecting at a major airport desk, such as Miami or Orlando, staff see a wide range of international documents and are often able to process a paper licence smoothly when the rest of the paperwork is strong. If you are collecting at a smaller location or out of peak hours, it can be harder to resolve questions quickly, so preparation matters.
What extra ID should you bring with a UK paper licence?
Your passport is the key document. It is your photo ID and your primary identity document in the US. When using a paper-only UK licence for car hire in Florida, aim to bring at least one additional piece of supporting identification beyond your passport, even if it is not always requested.
Commonly helpful documents include a UK photocard driving licence if you have one, even if it is expired, provided the paper licence is valid and the details match. While an expired photocard is not a valid driving licence on its own, it can still help the agent link the paper entitlement to your identity. Another helpful option is a government-issued photo ID, such as a UK PASS card, although availability varies.
Proof of address can also help, especially if the rental company wants reassurance that the address on the booking matches your documents. A recent bank statement, utility bill, or council tax letter can work if it is clearly your name and address. Keep it simple, a digital copy on your phone is often accepted, but paper is safer if you expect strict checks. If you can only bring digital, ensure it is accessible offline.
Finally, bring the payment card used for the rental. Florida car hire suppliers almost always require the lead driver to present a credit card in their own name for the security deposit. A paper licence does not change that requirement, but it increases the chance the desk checks name matching more carefully.
Name matching and why it matters more with paper licences
With a paper-only licence, counter staff will compare your passport name, the driving licence name, and the booking name closely. If your passport includes a middle name and your booking does not, it is often fine, but mismatches in surname, hyphenation, or spelling can cause delays.
If you have changed your name, for example after marriage, bring evidence that links the names, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll. The key is to remove uncertainty at the counter, because if an agent cannot confidently verify identity, they may decline to release the vehicle.
Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Florida?
For most UK licence holders renting in Florida, an International Driving Permit is not usually required because the UK licence is in English. Florida law has changed over the years, and guidance can be confusing, but in practice most major rental suppliers focus on a valid licence and passport rather than requiring an IDP for UK visitors.
That said, an IDP can be a useful supporting document when you only have a paper licence, because it provides a standardised format and can reassure staff unfamiliar with the old UK document. It is not a substitute for your UK licence, you must bring the original licence alongside it. If you already have an IDP or can obtain one easily before travel, it can reduce friction at pickup, particularly at busy times.
What happens at the counter if you only have a paper licence?
Expect a slightly longer verification process. The agent may ask to see your passport first, then your driving licence, and then confirm your date of birth, address, and the licence issue details. They may also check the card you are using for the deposit and ensure it matches the lead driver exactly.
Sometimes the agent will consult a supervisor or refer to internal policy notes. This is normal. The most common reason for refusal with a paper licence is not that it is invalid, but that the agent cannot meet their internal identification standard. That is why having a second piece of photo ID or an IDP can make a practical difference.
If you are picking up at a large hub, such as Miami International Airport, counters are generally used to international licences and can often resolve questions quickly. For Orlando arrivals, Orlando MCO is similarly experienced with UK travellers, which can help if you are presenting an older style licence.
Photocard expired, paper counterpart valid, what should you do?
Some UK drivers have a photocard that has expired while the underlying driving entitlement remains valid, or they have both a paper licence and an older photocard from the transition period. For Florida car hire, bring everything you have. A valid entitlement matters most, but an expired photocard can still serve as supporting photo identification, depending on the supplier.
Do not rely on an expired document alone. Present your valid licence first, then offer the additional ID if asked or if you can see the agent is unsure. Keep your explanation simple and consistent, and let the agent decide what they can accept under their rules.
Tips to avoid delays, refusals, and surprise requirements
Start by reviewing the rental terms for your specific supplier and location. Even within the same brand, airport and downtown locations can apply checks differently due to fraud controls and local processes. If the terms state that a photocard licence is required, assume a paper-only licence may be declined.
If you want added confidence, contact the supplier in advance and explain that you have an old-style UK paper licence and will present your passport and a credit card in the same name. Ask what additional documents they recommend. You do not need a lengthy discussion, you are trying to confirm what the desk will accept so you can prepare.
Also plan around timing. If you arrive late at night and there is a problem, you may have fewer staff available to resolve it. Collecting during busier staffed hours can make it easier to escalate a query. If your trip involves multiple drivers, remember each additional driver will need their own acceptable licence and ID under the same standards.
Finally, keep your documents accessible. Florida airport pickups can involve queues, and you do not want to be searching for a downloaded PDF with no signal. A simple folder, physical or digital, saves time.
Does the pickup location in Florida change anything?
The underlying rule is the same, you must meet the supplier’s identification and driving licence requirements. In practice, the experience can vary by location type. Airport desks process high volumes and are often more familiar with international documents. Downtown branches may have more time per customer but can be stricter on internal controls if they see fewer foreign licences.
If you are comparing pickup options around Miami, locations such as Brickell can be convenient, but you should still expect the same document checks. In the Fort Lauderdale area, suppliers like Fort Lauderdale FLL handle many international customers, which can be helpful when your licence format is unfamiliar to some staff.
If you are flying into Tampa, Tampa TPA is another major gateway where international paperwork is common. Regardless of where you collect, the safest approach is to assume your paper licence will be accepted only if your supporting ID is strong and consistent.
What if the counter refuses your paper licence?
If the agent refuses, stay calm and ask for the exact reason, for example, “paper licences not accepted” or “insufficient photo ID.” Then ask politely if a supervisor can review it. Sometimes a supervisor can approve a paper licence when the agent is uncertain, especially if you have a passport, a matching credit card, and an additional ID document.
If the refusal is due to policy, there may be limited flexibility. Your options then are to use a different supplier with different rules, present alternative acceptable photo ID if you have it, or arrange transport without a rental car. This is why calling ahead and carrying extra supporting documents is worthwhile, it reduces the risk of getting stuck after a long flight.
To reduce the chance of this happening on future trips, consider updating to a UK photocard licence well before you travel. It is the most universally recognised format and tends to make Florida car hire pickups much faster.
FAQ
Q: Can I rent a car in Florida with only a UK paper driving licence?
A:Often yes, but not guaranteed. Bring your passport and be prepared to show extra supporting ID if requested.
Q: Will an International Driving Permit replace my UK paper licence in Florida?
A:No. An IDP supports your licence but does not replace it. You must present your original UK licence as well.
Q: What if my booking name does not exactly match my passport?
A:Minor differences can be accepted, but mismatched surnames can cause refusal. Bring name-change evidence if relevant.
Q: Do I need a credit card even if I have a paper licence?
A:Yes in most cases. Florida car hire suppliers typically require a credit card in the lead driver’s name for the deposit.
Q: If the counter is unsure about my paper licence, what helps most?
A:A passport, a second piece of photo ID or an IDP, and documents showing the same name and address usually help resolve checks.
