How to avoid fake IDPs & what to expect if you buy one

Fast IDP
6 days ago
3 min read

Lots of scams exist selling knockoff International Drivers Permits online. Although these websites often offer conveniences like 10-year validity or completely digital delivery, the only thing they are completely is a scam. This blog will walk you through why it’s important to avoid getting a fake IDP and how to spot an IDP scam.

Why you should care

Most buyers don’t know the difference between a real IDP and the fake one until they’re turned away at a car rental counter or fined. However, it’s worth paying attention before you buy because the consequences are real. Here are a few examples of what happens in different countries if you’re caught with a fake IDP:

Japan - The authorities treat driving with a fake IDP as unlicensed driving and can punish offenders with up to 3 years in jail and a ¥500,000 (~$3,400) fine.
Italy - Road police can issue an immediate citation and impound the car if the booklet isn't in the official format, with fines ranging from €408 – €1,634 (~$475-1900).
UAE - Forged IDPs fall under document forgery, for which the consequences can be 3+ months in jail and fines ranging from AED 5,000 – 50,000 (~$1,400–$13,600).

How to Spot a Fake IDP

Here’s how to know if you might be about to waste your money on a fake IDP:

The IDPs are not issued by either AAA or AATA. Companies like Fast IDP are permitted to expedite IDPs, but those companies have to go to AAA or AATA to get the IDP issued.
The company is mentioned on this webpage, which lists some of the most prominent IDP scams.
The site says it issues “International Driver’s Licenses”.
You’re promised validity of your IDP longer than 1 year. For drivers from some other countries, IDPs can be valid for up to 3 years, but 1 year is the limit for US drivers.
You’re not asked for your current driver’s license.
You get a “digital IDP”. The official document is the IDP booklet.
The site says an IDP can be delivered in mere minutes.

How to Get a Legitimate IDP

If you choose to get an IDP, you have multiple options on how to get it:

Through AAA or AATA Directly:

As the only authorized providers of International Driving Permits and Inter-American Permits in the United States, your IDP must be issued by AAA or AATA. To get an IDP directly from one of them, you can visit a AAA branch, mail your application to AAA, or apply online. Processing times are same-day if you're in person, take 5-7 weeks if applying by mail abroad, and at least 5 business days plus shipping if done online. The cost from AAA is $20 for the IDP, $10-20 for passport photos, plus shipping if you don’t get the IDP/IADP in person, which can be quite expensive.

Through Fast IDP:

If you’re already abroad and need an IDP quickly or if you want to avoid the hassle of going to AAA in person, we can help process your application with AAA and have your official IDP delivered to you as quickly as the next day if you’re in the US or 2-5 days if you’re abroad. What we’ll do is receive your IDP application, check it for errors, go to AAA to obtain your IDP, and then ship your IDP to you anywhere in the world.

Conclusion

People don’t always get caught using a fake IDP, but if you do, it could majorly disrupt your travel plans or worse. When it comes to driving abroad, make sure your IDP is the real deal. If you ever have questions about if an IDP you’re thinking about getting is real, feel free to reach out to us - we’re happy to help!

Blog written by Sarim Farhan