Driving on US License in Poland ?

Background: I've lived in the UK for ~3.5 years, but do not have a UK Drivers License.  I have a North Carolina Drivers License, and from what I looked up, it appears to still be valid despite moving away.   I will be travelling to Poland in late May, and it's looking like I might have to drive ~160 km roundtrip to/from Warsaw Airport and a wedding venue. That leaves just over 2 months to sort it out, and am hoping that leaves enough time.

I've found the Polish US Embassy website, and the link to the AAA application for an International Driving Permit (IDP)... But has anybody been through the application process for an International Driving Permit, and is able to indicate approximately how long it will take to receive the permit? 

Lastly-- does anyone know how to pay for a return envelope in advance through USPS.com? My attempts did not allow me to prepay online (thought maybe I could print a label to affix to an envelope before sending...)

I don't know about Poland, but we've rented cars in France, Italy, and Hungary using just our valid US license - no issues. Maybe find a deal you'd want at a rental shop and email them directly to confirm?

I don't know about Poland, but we've rented cars in France, Italy, and Hungary using just our valid US license - no issues. Maybe find a deal you'd want at a rental shop and email them directly to confirm?

Aha! Not sure why I didn't think just to check directly with a rental company in the first place.

I just checked Avis's website (the Polish one, with Location-specific Terms & Conditions)

Driver's License Requirements
International Driving Permit is required unless driver has a license issued within the European Union.

US, Canadian, Australian & New Zealand licenses are accepted (International driving permit not required for renters with a US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand license).

Applicable to all drivers, a valid driver's license must have been held for a minimum of one year.

Exception: A driver's license from Greece is acceptable.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) serves only as a translation of a driver's existing license, and by itself is not acceptable for vehicle rental.

Good enough for me!  Apparently there are other wedding guests arriving into the same airport around the same time, so I don't think I'll need to do any driving at all, now!  It's nice to know that it's an option without the IDP though. As it's an airport, I imagine I imagine I could also go from counter to counter until I find a company there (first-that can understand me, as I speak NO polish) and will accept my US DL.

Thanks for that, mozingod, must have had a brain fart (or took the US Embassy's instruction as the be-all and end-all).