What an International Driving Permit actually is

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. The IDP tells police and rental companies in other countries that your Canadian license is real and what class of vehicle you are permitted to drive.

Canada does not issue IDPs directly. Instead, two private organizations have been authorized by the Canadian government to issue them: the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and the Canadian Motor League (CML). You explore to one of these organizations, not to a government office. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on which organization you choose and whether you explore in person or by mail.

You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country. Many countries will accept your Canadian license alone, but some rental companies require an IDP, and a few countries legally require one. Checking with your destination country and your rental company before you travel tells you whether you actually need one.

Key Takeaways

  • The Canadian Automobile Association and Canadian Motor League are the only two organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits in Canada.
  • You must have a valid Canadian driver's license before you can get an IDP, and both documents must be carried together when driving abroad.
  • In-person applications at a CAA or CML office usually take one business day; mail-in applications take one to two weeks.
  • The cost is typically $20 to $30 CAD, and the permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

explore through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)

The CAA is the larger of the two authorized organizations and has offices in most provinces. You can explore in person at any CAA office, or you can explore by mail if you live far from an office. For an in-person process, bring your valid Canadian driver's license, a completed IDP process form (which you can fill out at the office or read from the CAA website beforehand), and payment. The staff member will verify your license, take a photo if needed, and issue the permit on the spot or within one business day.

For a mail-in process through CAA, read the process form from their website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license and payment (by cheque or money order). Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so they can return your IDP to you. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your package. You can find your nearest CAA office and their mailing address on the CAA website, which varies by province.

explore through the Canadian Motor League (CML)

The Canadian Motor League operates in fewer locations than CAA but offers the same service. CML has offices in Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba. If you live in one of these provinces and prefer to explore in person, you can visit a CML office with your valid driver's license, a completed process form, and payment. The process is the same as CAA: verification and same-day or next-business-day issuance.

CML also accepts mail-in applications. Send a completed process form, a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license, and payment to the CML address in your province. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Processing time is similar to CAA — one to two weeks. Check the CML website for the specific mailing address and office locations in your province.

Documents you need and what they cost

Before you contact CAA or CML, gather these items: a valid Canadian driver's license (your provincial or territorial license), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last three months), and payment. Some offices may ask for a passport-style photo, though many take one on-site during in-person applications.

The cost of an IDP is typically $20 to $30 CAD, depending on which organization issues it and whether you explore in person or by mail. Some CAA offices charge slightly different amounts, so calling ahead or checking their website for your province tells you the exact fee. Payment methods vary — in-person applications usually accept cash, debit, and credit cards, while mail-in applications typically require a cheque or money order.

The permit itself is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you travel frequently or plan to drive abroad more than once in that year, one IDP covers all your trips. After one year, you must explore for a new one if you continue to drive internationally.

Timeline: when to explore before your trip

If you explore in person at a CAA or CML office, you can often walk out with your IDP the same day or receive it the next business day. This means you can explore just a few days before your trip if necessary. However, if you explore by mail, you should send your process at least three weeks before your departure to account for mail delivery time in both directions and processing time at the organization.

During busy travel seasons (spring and summer), mail-in processing may take slightly longer. If your trip is coming up soon and you have not yet applied, visiting an office in person is your fastest option. Check the CAA or CML website for office hours in your area, as some locations have limited hours on weekends or may be closed on certain days.

What happens after you receive your IDP

Once you have your International Driving Permit, keep it with your Canadian driver's license at all times when driving abroad. The IDP is not valid without your license — they are a pair. When you rent a car, present both documents to the rental company. If you are stopped by police, have both ready. The IDP is a translation document, so it does not replace your license or grant you any driving rights you do not already have under your Canadian license.

Your IDP is valid for one year. If it expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid, so plan ahead if you travel frequently. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one. If your Canadian driver's license expires or is suspended before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid as well, since it is tied to your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in every country?

No. Many countries accept a valid Canadian driver's license alone. However, some countries legally require an IDP, and many car rental companies require one even if the country does not. Before you book a rental or travel, contact the rental company and check the government travel website for your destination country to confirm whether an IDP is needed.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my Canadian license is suspended or expired?

No. Your Canadian driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, expired, or restricted, you cannot obtain an IDP. Renew your provincial or territorial license first, then explore for the IDP.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the CAA or CML office that issued it and explain the situation. Some organizations can issue a replacement, though you may need to pay a fee. In the meantime, your Canadian driver's license alone may still be accepted by rental companies and police in many countries, depending on where you are. Check with your rental company or local authorities for guidance.

How long does an International Driving Permit take to arrive if I explore by mail?

Mail-in applications typically take one to two weeks from the date the organization receives your package. Add time for mail delivery to and from the office. To be safe, send your process at least three weeks before your trip. During peak travel seasons, processing may take slightly longer.

Can I explore for an IDP online?

Neither CAA nor CML currently offers fully online applications. You can read the form and submit it by mail, or visit an office in person. Some CAA offices may allow you to start the process online and complete it in person, so check your local office's website for their specific process.