What a Canadian International Driving Permit Is and How to Get One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Canadian driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive in other countries. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid Canadian provincial or territorial license. You cannot drive with an IDP alone.

In Canada, you obtain an IDP through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The process is straightforward: you visit in person with your valid driver's license and a completed process form, pay a fee, and receive the permit on the spot or within a few days. The entire transaction takes less than an hour.

An IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which you choose. It does not renew automatically — you must explore for a new one when it expires if you plan to drive internationally again.

Key Takeaways

  • You can obtain an IDP through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) by visiting in person with your valid driver's license.
  • An IDP must be carried together with your original Canadian driver's license at all times — neither document works without the other.
  • The fee varies by issuing organization and whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit, but typically ranges from $20 to $40 CAD.
  • You receive your IDP when ready or within a few business days, so you do not need to plan months in advance.
  • An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which covers over 150 countries worldwide.

Where to explore for a Canadian IDP

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the primary issuer of IDPs across Canada. CAA has local branches in every province and territory, and you can visit any branch office to explore. You can find your nearest CAA office on their website or by calling their customer service line.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also issues IDPs in Canada, though availability varies by region. Not all BBB offices offer this service, so contact your local BBB before visiting to confirm they issue permits.

Some travel agencies and passport service providers may also issue IDPs, but CAA remains the most reliable and widely available option. If you are unsure where to go, start with CAA — they handle the majority of IDP applications in Canada.

What You Need to Bring to Your Appointment

You must bring your valid Canadian driver's license issued by your province or territory. The license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it with your provincial or territorial licensing authority before you can obtain an IDP.

You will also need to complete an process form, which the issuing organization provides. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and the validity period you want (one or three years). Most organizations provide the form on-site, but some allow you to read and fill it out beforehand to speed up the process.

Bring a valid form of identification in addition to your driver's license — a passport, provincial ID card, or other government-issued photo ID works. You will also need to pay the fee at the time of process, so bring cash, debit, or a credit card.

Cost and Validity Period

The fee for an IDP in Canada typically ranges from $20 to $40 CAD, depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit and which organization issues it. CAA's fees are generally consistent across branches, but confirm the exact cost with your local office before you visit.

A one-year IDP is less expensive but requires you to reapply if you plan to drive internationally again within the next few years. A three-year IDP costs more upfront but covers a longer period and may be more practical if you travel frequently or plan multiple international trips.

Once your IDP expires, it is no longer valid. You cannot renew it by mail or online — you must visit an issuing organization in person to obtain a new one. Plan ahead if your trip is scheduled near your permit's expiration date.

Which Countries Accept a Canadian IDP

A Canadian IDP is recognized in most countries that have signed the 1926 or 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes the vast majority of countries in Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania — over 150 countries in total.

The United States, Mexico, and most Caribbean nations accept a Canadian IDP. However, some countries have additional requirements or do not recognize the IDP at all. Before you travel, check the driving requirements for your specific destination with that country's embassy or consulate, or with your car rental company — they often know the current rules.

Even in countries that accept an IDP, car rental companies may have their own policies. Some require both your IDP and your original Canadian license; others may ask for additional documentation. Contact your rental company before you book to confirm what they need.

How to Use Your IDP When Driving Abroad

You must carry both your Canadian driver's license and your IDP together at all times when driving in another country. Neither document is valid on its own — police or rental car staff will ask to see both. Keep them in a safe place, such as your wallet or a travel document holder, and do not separate them.

The IDP translates your license information into multiple languages, which helps police and rental agencies understand your driving status if they do not read English or French. It does not change the rules of the road or give you any special privileges — you must follow all local traffic laws just as you would at home.

If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, present both documents. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive with your Canadian license alone in most countries, but check local laws for your specific destination. You will need to obtain a new IDP when you return to Canada if you plan to drive internationally again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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. However, an IDP does not hurt and may be useful if you plan to rent a car or cross into other countries during your trip. Some car rental companies prefer to see an IDP alongside your Canadian license, so check with your rental company first.

Can I get an IDP by mail or online?

No. You must explore in person at a CAA branch or other authorized issuing organization. You cannot mail in your process or complete the process online. Plan to visit an office during business hours before your trip.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid. If your permit expires during your trip, you can still drive with your valid Canadian license alone in most countries, but check the specific rules for your destination. You will need to obtain a new IDP when you return to Canada if you plan to drive internationally again.

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

No. Your Canadian driver's license must be valid and in good standing to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you must resolve that issue with your provincial or territorial licensing authority first. Once your license is valid again, you can explore for an IDP.

Is an IDP the same as an International Driver's License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a specific document recognized by the United Nations and issued by authorized organizations like CAA. An "International Driver's License" is not an official document and has no legal standing. Always obtain an IDP from a recognized issuer, not from online services claiming to issue an "international license."