Help! Still on a US license and need to drive in France

Hi everyone,
I've been so focused on sorting out transport for my cat to get to Paris and buying a car for me to be able to pick her up that I didn't think about if I would be allowed to drive in France on a US license. Turns out as of this year, you either need a notarized translation or an International Drivers Permit. My trip is in 3 weeks, so I dont have time for a mail in IDP. I dont have the option of same day at AAA because I'm already in the UK. So that leaves me with the option have a notarized translation of my US license. Where on earth do I find someone that speaks French and English that is also able to notarize things in the UK?? I can find notaries nearby, but I'm at a loss regarding the translation part.

Anyone know what I can do?

Thank you for any help!

Hi everyone,
I've been so focused on sorting out transport for my cat to get to Paris and buying a car for me to be able to pick her up that I didn't think about if I would be allowed to drive in France on a US license. Turns out as of this year, you either need a notarized translation or an International Drivers Permit. My trip is in 3 weeks, so I dont have time for a mail in IDP. I dont have the option of same day at AAA because I'm already in the UK. So that leaves me with the option have a notarized translation of my US license. Where on earth do I find someone that speaks French and English that is also able to notarize things in the UK?? I can find notaries nearby, but I'm at a loss regarding the translation part.

Anyone know what I can do?

Thank you for any help!

Maybe @jimbocz  will pop by to confirm if that is what you need but I just googled "notarised translations UK" and a ton came up. You can probably have it done remotely.

Sorry, no knowledge here.  I always drove to France on a UK license unless I did it by a accident a long time ago.

I’d say keep googling.  If you can’t drive, and it’s a super-emergency, Pm me and I’ll pick you up from the Calais TGv station and take you through the tunnel.  It’s got to be a weekend though.

Or, just keep trying with the notary.  You should find something.  Or just find a UK driver who will go with you and make sure they are insured. 

Also, be sure to buy stuff you will need to drive in France before you go.  I think you need a triangle and a breathalyser and a bulb kit ......

I was able to send the application and passport photos to my mom online and have her print them so she could apply for the IDP for me! So emergency solved. @jimbocz thank you so much for the offer. We've got the "France kit" all ready to go! Plus some "P" stickers so people expect my driving to be... a bit off

I was able to send the application and passport photos to my mom online and have her print them so she could apply for the IDP for me! So emergency solved. @jimbocz thank you so much for the offer. We've got the "France kit" all ready to go! Plus some "P" stickers so people expect my driving to be... a bit off

Great news, well done!!