What an International Driving Permit is and how to get one in Canada

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Canadian driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid provincial or territorial license. When you drive abroad, you carry both documents together.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and the Canadian Motor League (CML) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You cannot get one from a government office, a Service Ontario counter, or any other provider. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes in person, and the permit costs between $20 and $25 depending on which organization you use.

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. It does not extend your driving privileges — it straightforward makes your Canadian license readable to police and rental companies in countries where English or French is not widely spoken. If your Canadian license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless.

Key Takeaways

  • Only CAA and CML can issue IDPs in Canada; you must visit one of their offices in person with your valid driver's license and a passport or other photo ID.
  • An IDP costs $20 to $25 and is ready the same day or within a few days, depending on the office.
  • You must carry your IDP together with your original Canadian driver's license at all times when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid.
  • An IDP is valid for three years and becomes invalid if your Canadian license expires before the IDP does.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs and require you to obtain a local license or an official translation of your Canadian license instead.

Where to get an IDP: CAA and CML offices

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) operates offices across Canada, with the strongest presence in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. The Canadian Motor League (CML) serves primarily Ontario and Quebec. Both organizations issue identical IDPs that meet the same international standard.

To find the nearest office, visit the CAA website (caaquebec.com, caa.ca, or your provincial CAA site) or the CML website (cml.ca). You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some offices accept bookings online or by phone. Call ahead if you are traveling to a remote area or want to confirm hours.

Processing is usually when ready — you will receive your IDP the same day in most cases. Some offices may ask you to return in a few days if they are busy, but this is uncommon. There is no mail-in option; you must appear in person.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your valid Canadian driver's license and one piece of photo identification. A passport is the most common choice, but a provincial photo ID card, a NEXUS card, or a trusted traveler card also works. The staff member will verify that your name and date of birth match on both documents.

You do not need to bring proof of residency, a utility bill, or any other supporting documents. The IDP is based entirely on the information already on your driver's license. If your license is suspended, expired, or invalid, you cannot get an IDP.

Cost and how long it takes

An IDP costs $20 to $25 depending on whether you use CAA or CML and which provincial office you visit. Some offices charge a flat rate; others charge slightly more for rush processing, though "rush" usually means the same day rather than a few days later. Payment is cash or card.

Most people receive their IDP when ready after paying. If the office is very busy, you may be asked to return the next day or within a few days. There is no additional fee for this wait, and it is rare.

What your IDP looks like and what information it contains

An IDP is a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport. The cover displays your name, date of birth, and license number in English and French. Inside, the same information appears in ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Greek, and Turkish.

The IDP also lists the categories of vehicles you are licensed to drive in Canada (such as Class G for cars, Class D for motorcycles). It does not include your photo, your address, or your driving record. It is purely a translation tool.

Countries that accept an IDP and those that do not

Most countries recognize an IDP when presented alongside a valid Canadian driver's license. This includes most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others. However, some countries do not recognize IDPs at all.

The United States does not require an IDP — your Canadian license alone is sufficient in all 50 states. Mexico does not officially recognize IDPs; you will need either a valid Canadian license plus an official Spanish translation, or a temporary Mexican driving permit obtained at the border. Some countries in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia may not recognize IDPs either.

Before you travel, check the government travel website for your destination country or contact the embassy or consulate. They can tell you whether an IDP is recognized and what documents you actually need to drive legally.

What to do if your IDP expires or is lost

If your IDP expires, you straightforward get a new one by returning to a CAA or CML office with your current driver's license and photo ID. The process is identical to the first time. There is no limit to how many IDPs you can obtain.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are abroad, you cannot replace it until you return to Canada. There is no international IDP replacement service. If you are still traveling and need proof of your driving status, contact the Canadian embassy or consulate in that country — they can sometimes provide a letter confirming your license status, though this is not a substitute for an IDP.

To avoid loss, keep your IDP in the same place as your passport and driver's license. Do not leave it in a rental car or hotel room.

IDP versus official translation and local licenses

An IDP is not the same as an official translation of your driver's license. Some countries (particularly in Europe) accept an official translation from a certified translator instead of an IDP. An official translation is usually more expensive ($50 to $150) and takes longer to obtain, but it may be required if the country does not recognize IDPs.

Some countries also require you to obtain a local driving permit or an International Driving License (not Permit) issued by their own motor vehicle authority. This is different from an IDP and usually requires a written test or a medical exam. Check your destination country's requirements before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your IDP is valid only if your Canadian driver's license is valid. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. You must renew or restore your license first through your provincial or territorial motor vehicle office.

Do I need an IDP to drive in the United States?

No. The United States recognizes a valid Canadian driver's license without an IDP. You can drive in all 50 states with only your Canadian license. However, carrying an IDP does not hurt and may be useful if you cross into Mexico or Canada from the US.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot replace it abroad. If you are still driving, your Canadian license alone may be sufficient depending on the country. Contact the Canadian embassy or consulate if you need documentation of your driving status. When you return to Canada, you can get a new IDP from CAA or CML.

Is an IDP the same as an International Driving License?

No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by CAA or CML and translates your Canadian license. An International Driving License is issued by some countries' motor vehicle authorities and is a separate license requiring a test. Check your destination country's requirements to see which one you need.

How long is an IDP valid?

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. If your Canadian driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot renew an IDP — you must get a new one.