IDP question - we are US citizens but will not be in the US before our trip to Italy in July. There are online print options but i'm getting varied reviews from "Great" to "Scam". Anyone know? thank you! I don't think you can do at an embassy. We are in the Caribbean until our trip in July. Many thanks for any input!
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7168 posts
You can apply for the IDP online at AAA. Will you have a local mailing address where you're staying so they can mail the IDP to you?
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7998 posts
Edit: Nancy beat me by a minute, while I was still typing, and maybe has the solution. Just in case, here’s my initial response:
At least check with an embassy. Can you contact your Congressional Representative’s office (by e-mail), if a US Embassy isn’t going to work? I guess an AAA office isn’t an option, as it would be within the USA.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7234 posts
Recent post with a similar issue
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/international-drivers-license-86ee77ae-0270-40da-9146-4a5106ec3f80
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9025 posts
Theoretically, the AAA person is supposed to review your existing state license, noting the expiration date, and certify by signing the IDP that your state license is valid. So not just a paper exercise.
Posted by
OP
Caribbean Sea
7 posts
Yes, it's a tough one. We won't be in the states before we go. It's slightly possible to find a place to have it mailed but won't be easy. I had my passport renewed last year at the US embassy in Grenada and that was simple and quick but I've read they dont do the IDP. Ugh. Didn't occur to me this would be a problem. The trip isn't until July but would like to figure this out!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16133 posts
Where are you in the Caribbean Sea? I'm assuming you are in a country, unless you are a mermaid. If that country is an English speaking country and has an Italian embassy or Consulate they do certify sworn translations from English into Italian. I've done so in San Francisco at the US Consulate. All I had to do is present the original document in English and the translation in Italian, then I had to swear that I was fluent in both Italian and English and they put the stamp of approval. That was many years ago but the Italian Consulate website in SF says that it is still the case. (see below). If you are not fluent in both languages, the Consulate will provide a list of translators in the area.
Instructions below (in Italian but they have the same in English if you click. The fee is even less than the AAA.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2457 posts
According to.AAA if you are a!ready out of the US you can apply by mail and send the application to a special.address in Florida.and allow 5-7 weeks time to receive it. Look up their official website for complete instructions and it seems fairly simple..Good luck.
Posted by
Freedonia
16418 posts
Go to this website:
https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/how-to-apply/
Enter the country you are in. It will tell you where to get an IDP.
I tried the USA and it said AAA. I tried Canada and it took me to the CAA. So I think it's legit.
Posted by
Houston, Texas
1023 posts
Have you booked your flights yet? If not, why not fly through the USA, spend 24 hours and obtain an IDP from the nearest AAA office.