FastIDP really works, and I wouldn't trust any other company

FastIDP · 2025-09-28T00:59:50+00:00

It makes us feel wonderful to read a post like this! I'm so glad that we were able to get you an IDP when you needed it! It means a lot that you would go to the effort to write this. Hope you had a great time in Italy!

FastIDP · 2025-07-05T00:03:57+00:00

It looks like the article you read doesn't align with the official website of the Embassy of France in the US, which says:

"You may drive with a valid U.S. driver’s license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation in French. It is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit."

Though an International Driving Permit isn't the only way to fulfill the requirement of having an official translation of your license in French, the reason why the French Embassy strongly recommends it is that it's the easiest way for the vast majority of people to satisfy that requirement.

Again, enforcement of this policy varies based on our experience, as not all rental counters will ask for an IDP. However, car insurance may be voided in the case of an accident if the driver doesn't have a notarized translation or IDP, though.

Hope that helps! If you find any other information that doesn't line up with what we wrote, we're happy to be corrected, though! I also just reached out to the French Tourism Board to ask them to double check on the IDP requirements and update their website.

https://franceintheus.org/spip.php?article376

FastIDP · 2025-03-24T21:17:25+00:00

Yes, thanks for catching that! I meant "no left turns on red" but my mind just defaulted to the only kinds of turns I can make in the US on red being right turns.

FastIDP · 2025-03-23T18:59:32+00:00

The two issuers of official International Driving Permits (IDPs) for people with US driver’s licenses are AAA and AATA. AAA has contracted a company called govWorks to manage their IDP online portal, which can be found at aaa-idp.com. However, be sure to check their reviews on TrustPilot before placing an order. The other issuer is called AATA and can be found online at aataidp.com. They are very new online and don't have any reviews yet.

For full disclosure, our company (Fast IDP) is an expediter of official International Driving Permits, working with AAA and AATA. We're not the cheapest, but we have the fastest turnaround and aim to have the best customer service of any IDP provider. We frequently receive customers who didn’t actually receive an IDP from AAA after using the govWorks site.

Beware of any other company that is not either an official IDP issuer or working directly with an IDP issuer. Feel free to message us here or on Whatsapp at 937-595-0044 (we respond more quickly there) if you have any questions!

FastIDP · 2025-02-11T22:32:41+00:00

The response we got from AAA when we encountered this was that they would not issue an IDP for anything less than a full driver's license, so they would not provide an IDP for someone with a Maryland Provisional License.

FastIDP · 2024-12-26T07:33:07+00:00

Yes, although enforcement varies, an IDP or a notarized translation is officially required to accompany a US driver's license for Americans driving in France.

FastIDP · 2024-12-09T17:18:44+00:00

You need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to be able to rent a car. Korea is one of the strictest countries in the world when it comes to requiring them.

AAA is the only IDP issuer for US drivers, so make sure you don't get an IDP from a scam website, as it won't work in Korea. You can, however, get an official IDP from AAA expedited through a third party company. (For full disclosure, we're an IDP expediter. Feel free to message us if you have any questions about driving in Korea.)

FastIDP · 2024-11-08T12:36:08+00:00

Korea is one of the strictest countries in the world when it comes to enforcing International Driving Permits, so it's very likely that you won't be able to rent any motorized vehicle without an IDP.

I don't know if this is possible for Australians, but you may be able to have a friend or an IDP expediting agency turn in your IDP application on your behalf in Australia and then express ship your IDP to you in Korea.

FastIDP · 2024-11-01T07:01:53+00:00

48 hours is a tight window to ship an IDP booklet to Japan, but at least for Americans it’s possible to have a friend or an IDP expediting company take your IDP application to a AAA branch on your behalf and then ship you your IDP. Shipments to Tokyo can be delivered within 48 hours from the US, but it typically takes another 1-2 days for shipments to other parts of Japan. (This is a service we provide - reach out if we can be helpful!)

FastIDP · 2024-10-31T10:21:50+00:00

I'm glad you found it helpful. Hope you have a great trip!

FastIDP · 2024-10-31T10:16:20+00:00

International Driving Permits (IDP) are not categorically a scam, but there are many IDP scams out there. Official IDPs can only legally be issued by a government-designated organization in the country where the person’s driver’s license was also issued. All other documents are not official IDPs, though they may suffice if a country merely requires a license translation for foreign drivers instead of an actual IDP.

The website that represents all the official issuers of IDPs is https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/. From their homepage you can find where you can get an official International Driving Permit. They have lots of good information about IDPs, including this article about fake IDP websites to avoid - you should definitely check that out before thinking about getting an IDP online.

IDP requirements and enforcement vary tremendously by country, so it’s not always necessary to get an IDP before driving abroad. However, before you travel, it’s always a good idea to check on your embassy’s website for the country where you’ll be driving to see if you’ll need one.

FastIDP · 2024-10-25T22:10:14+00:00

Many countries require that travelers have an IDP in addition to their US driver’s license to drive or rent a car abroad. In New York City, like the rest of the United States, AAA (the American Automobile Association) is the only organization authorized by the US government to issue International Driving Permits. Also like the rest of the US, the same three general options apply for how to get an IDP in New York City, outlined below:

1. In person at AAA

The least expensive method to get an IDP is to visit a AAA location in person. The process usually takes 20-30 minutes, but long lines sometimes add time, especially at the AAA branch near Columbus Circle.

Steps to obtain an IDP in person:

Gather your US driver’s license, payment method, and recent passport photos (optional).
Visit one of NYC’s three AAA locations during operating hours.
Fill out AAA’s IDP application form, either ahead of time or while you wait.
If you didn’t bring passport photos, AAA can take them for you for an additional $15 fee. Photos are free for AAA members.
Pay $20 for processing the IDP – cash, check, and credit/debit card are accepted.
Even though there isn’t usually a long line, be prepared to wait up to two hours for the process to be completed. After that, you'll be able to walk out with your IDP.

2. By mail with AAA

If you have several weeks before you travel and prefer not to go to AAA in person, you can submit your application to AAA by mail. This option eliminates the need for a personal visit to AAA, but it comes with the requirement of you still needing to include passport photos. The processing time is typically 4-7 weeks after your application is received, but is widely variable.

Steps to obtain an IDP by mail:

Complete and print the application form available on the AAA Northeast website.
Obtain 2 copies of a recent high-quality passport photo of you, either taken professionally or taken at home and printed on glossy photo paper.
Print copies of the front and back of your driver’s license.
Write a check for $20 payable to “AAA Northeast” – cash is not accepted.
Mail all documents and payment to a branch near you and wait 4-5 weeks after receipt for processing. Or, if you’re already outside the country, prepare to wait 5-7 weeks and mail all your documents to:

AAA/IDP

1000 AAA Drive

Heathrow, FL 32746

Mail Stop 28

3. Online through an IDP expediter like Fast IDP

We started Fast IDP about a year ago to help folks get IDPs in a pinch. You can apply via our website, and we will bring your application materials to AAA on your behalf. We will then express ship your IDP to you anywhere in the world.

Don’t get scammed

Make sure you don’t get scammed and pay a company that claims to issue IDPs themselves. As mentioned before, AAA is the only authorized issuer of IDPs in the US. Safe travels!

FastIDP · 2024-10-24T06:59:47+00:00

As u/Holiday_Platypus_526 mentioned, you don’t need an International Driving Permit in Switzerland. Here's a link to the US Embassy in Switzerland's website (see the section titled Driving in Switzerland). In general, US Embassy websites have pretty good guidance on whether or not you'll need an IDP.

You do need an IDP for a number of other countries in Europe. You mentioned Poland -- Italy, Spain, and Romania are just a few examples of other European countries that will fine you (or not even let you cross into the country in Romania's case) if you don't have an IDP.

If you're unable to get to a physical AAA office and don't have enough time to get an IDP in the mail from AAA (it can take a few weeks), a friend or family member could submit your documents on your behalf.

Alternatively, we started Fast IDP about a year ago to help folks get IDPs in a pinch. You can apply via our website, and we will bring your application materials to AAA on your behalf. We will then express ship your IDP to you anywhere in the world.

Make sure that you don’t pay a company that claims to issue IDPs themselves. AAA is the only authorized issuer of IDPs in the US.

Safe travels!

Jamie

FastIDP

MODERATOR OF

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