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 and does not replace your provincial or territorial license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police and rental companies in other countries that your Canadian license is valid, because many countries do not recognize licenses issued outside their region without this translation.

The IDP is issued by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) in most provinces, or by the equivalent provincial motor league. It costs between $20 and $35 depending on your province, is valid for three years, and you can obtain one in person or by mail. The document itself is a small booklet about the size of a passport.

You will need the IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in most countries outside Canada. Some countries legally require it; others do not but rental companies will refuse to rent to you without one. A few countries (including the United States) do not require it, though having one does not hurt.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by the Canadian Automobile Association or your provincial motor league, costs $20 to $35, and takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • You must have a valid Canadian driver's license and a passport or travel document to obtain an IDP.
  • The IDP is valid for three years and must be carried together with your original Canadian license at all times while driving abroad.
  • Most countries outside North America require an IDP to rent a vehicle, even if they do not legally require it for driving.

How to Get an IDP Through the Canadian Automobile Association

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the main issuer of IDPs in Canada. You can obtain one through your provincial CAA office — CAA exists in every province except Quebec, where the equivalent is the Automobile Club Québécois (ACQ). If you are not a CAA member, you can still purchase an IDP; membership is not required.

To explore in person, visit your local CAA office with your valid Canadian driver's license and a passport or other travel document. Bring a completed process form, which you can read from the CAA website or fill out on site. The office will issue your IDP the same day. Processing takes about ten minutes.

To explore by mail, read the process form from your provincial CAA website, complete it, and mail it with a photocopy of your driver's license and passport to your provincial CAA office. Include a cheque or money order for the fee. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks. Some provinces now accept online applications through the CAA website, which is faster than mail but slower than in-person.

Getting an IDP in Quebec Through the Automobile Club Québécois

Quebec does not use the CAA system. Instead, the Automobile Club Québécois (ACQ) issues IDPs. The process is identical to the CAA: you can explore in person at an ACQ office with your driver's license and passport, or by mail with photocopies and a cheque. The fee and validity period are the same as elsewhere in Canada.

The ACQ office locations and process forms are available on their website. If you live outside Quebec but hold a Quebec license, you can still explore through the ACQ by mail.

What Documents You Need

You will need three things: a valid Canadian driver's license (any province or territory), a passport or travel document (such as a NEXUS card or provincial ID), and a completed process form. The process form is provided by CAA or ACQ and is straightforward — it asks for your name, address, license number, and signature.

If you are explore by mail, you must provide photocopies of your license and passport. Do not send originals. If you are explore in person, bring the originals so the office can verify them, but you will not need to leave them behind.

Some provinces ask for a small passport-style photo, though most do not. Check your provincial CAA or ACQ website before you explore to confirm what is needed in your province.

Cost and How Long It Takes

An International Driving Permit costs between $20 and $35 depending on your province. CAA offices in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta typically charge around $25 to $30. The ACQ in Quebec charges a similar amount. The fee is the same whether you explore in person or by mail.

In-person applications are processed when ready — you walk out with your IDP the same day. Mail applications take one to two weeks from the time the office receives your envelope. Online applications, where available, typically take three to five business days. If you are leaving the country soon, explore in person is the safest option.

What Happens When Your IDP Expires

An International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. When it expires, you will need to obtain a new one if you plan to drive abroad again. You can renew by explore through the same process — in person, by mail, or online — at any time before or after expiration.

If your Canadian driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid. You must renew your license first, then obtain a new IDP. The two documents do not have to expire on the same date.

Where to Find Your Provincial CAA or Motor League Office

Every Canadian province and territory has a motor league that issues IDPs. In most provinces, this is the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). In Quebec, it is the Automobile Club Québécois (ACQ). In Saskatchewan, it is the Saskatchewan Auto Club (SAC). Each organization maintains a website with office locations, hours, and process forms.

The fastest way to find your local office is to search "[Your Province] CAA" or "[Your Province] motor league" online. The CAA national website also lists all provincial offices and their contact information. You can call ahead to confirm hours and whether they have process forms in stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in the United States?

No. The United States recognizes Canadian driver's licenses without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in the US may ask for one, so having one does not hurt. If you are renting a car, check the rental company's requirements before you travel.

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

No. Your Canadian driver's license must be valid at the time you explore. If your license has expired, renew it through your provincial or territorial motor vehicle office first, then explore for the IDP.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact your provincial CAA or motor league office by phone or email and ask about a replacement. Some offices can issue a duplicate by mail to your home address or to a Canadian embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. Keep a photocopy of your IDP in a separate bag as backup.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An international license does not exist in Canada. Some countries issue their own "international licenses," but these are not recognized in Canada and are not needed for Canadian drivers.

How long does an International Driving Permit take if I explore online?

Online applications, where available through your provincial CAA website, typically take three to five business days. Not all provinces offer online applications yet, so check your provincial CAA or motor league website to see if this option is available in your area.