Get your International Driving Permit for Canada in 8 minutes

Your license instantly translated and valid in 189+ countries. Travel freely to multiple destinations with a single permit — use in unlimited countries during validity period.

Digital + Printed International Driving Permit – Always have a backup while traveling
Accepted in 189+ Countries – Drive legally, stress-free
Free English ID Card – Helps with language barriers
Meets Global Driving Standards – Recognized internationally
Perfect for Non-English Countries – No translation issues

Recommended

Global Coverage

Print + Digital | 3-Year Validity

$79

$149

Limited Coverage

Digital Only | 1-Year Validity

$49

Start your application

Takes less than 2 minutes to complete

Limited Coverage

Digital Only | 1-Year Validity

$49

Recommended

Global Coverage

Print + Digital | 3-Year Validity

$79

$149

Does Canada require an International Driving Permit?

Original license: Always required
Format accepted: Printed & digital
Issuer matters: Verify authority recognition
Valid from entry: Up to 3 years

Canada allows foreign nationals to drive for up to one year from entry with a recognized International Driving Permit alongside their valid domestic license. Issuing authority recognition matters here, confirm yours is accepted before driving.

Driver type	Requirement	Notes
Tourist / short-term visitor	Required in most cases	Carry original license at all times
Rental car driver	Commonly required	Verify issuing authority with your rental company
Long-term foreign resident	Different rules apply	After 1 year, a local license may be needed
Mutually recognized license holder	May be exempt	Depends on home country agreement

What are the requirements to get an International Driving Permit in Canada?

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the following documents ready before you start.

Documents needed

All it takes is what’s already in your wallet

Valid domestic driver’s license
Passport-style photo
Valid government-issued ID
Completed online application

Eligibility

You must meet every condition below

18 years or older
Valid home country license
License not suspended
Applicable from home or abroad

Start application

Recently moved to Canada? Drive legally with your foreign license

An International Driving Permit translates your home license into English and French — accepted by police, insurers, and rental companies across Canada.

Valid alongside your foreign license — carry both when you drive
Recognized in all Canadian provinces and territories
English + French translation — no language barriers at roadside checks
Printed + digital — apply online in minutes
Up to 3 years validity — covers your settlement period

Recommended

Global Coverage

Print + Digital | 3-Year Validity

$79

$149

Limited Coverage

Digital Only | 1-Year Validity

$49

Start your application

Takes less than 2 minutes to complete

Limited Coverage

Digital Only | 1-Year Validity

$49

Recommended

Global Coverage

Print + Digital | 3-Year Validity

$79

$149

Can you drive in Canada with a foreign license?

Original license: Always required
Format accepted: Printed & digital
Issuer matters: Verify authority recognition
While living in Canada: Up to 3 years

Most provinces let new residents drive on a foreign license for 60–90 days, then require a provincial exchange. An International Driving Permit translates your license and is widely accepted by police, insurers, and rental companies while you settle in.

Driver type	Requirement	Notes
New resident / foreign license holder	IDP recommended	Translates your license for police, insurers, and roadside checks
Tourist / short-term visitor	Required in most cases	Carry original license at all times
Rental car driver	Commonly required	Verify issuing authority with your rental company
Mutually recognized license holder	May be exempt	Depends on home country agreement

What you need to apply from Canada

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the following documents ready before you start.

Documents needed

All it takes is what’s already in your wallet

Valid domestic driver’s license
Passport-style photo
Valid government-issued ID
Completed online application

Eligibility

You must meet every condition below

18 years or older
Valid home country license
License not suspended
Applicable from home or abroad

Start application

Prepare for Your Travel to Canada

From the cosmopolitan streets of Toronto to the majestic Rocky Mountains, Canada offers a variety of experiences for every traveler.

Whether you're drawn to the cultural richness of Montreal, the historic charm of Quebec City, or the wilderness of Banff National Park, navigating the vast expanses of Canada requires careful planning.

As you prepare for your Canadian adventure, understanding travel essentials, including the importance of obtaining an International Driving Permit, will ensure a fruitful exploration of this vast and welcoming country.

Driving Rules in Canada

Edit ImageOverride AltReplaceRemove

Alt Text

Source:

Photo by Ruben. on Unsplash

The Canadian driving rules share many similarities with those in the United States, but there are some distinct differences, especially for foreign drivers who may need an international driver's license. In both countries, traffic moves on the right side of the road. However, a notable distinction is using metric units for speed limits.

The language used on road signs varies by province, often appearing in English, French, or both. In Quebec, for example, signs are predominantly in French, which is crucial to remember when traveling there.

Some specific aspects of Canadian driving regulations to note include:

Mandatory car seats for children weighing under 40 lbs
Prohibition of smoking in vehicles with minors
Requirement for hands-free use of cell phones while driving
In Montreal, making right-hand turns on red lights is not allowed.

Winter Driving in Canada

To ensure a safe driving experience in Canada, especially during winter, it's crucial to exercise extra caution. Winter roads in Canada can be challenging, even for seasoned drivers, due to harsh conditions like heavy snowfall, black ice, and limited visibility.

Therefore, it's essential to check weather forecasts regularly. However, if you're planning a trip and looking for the best time to visit, consider avoiding the peak winter months to navigate Canadian roads more comfortably and safely.

Always travel with a fully charged cell phone and have emergency numbers at hand. A winter travel kit should include essentials like blankets, flashlights, ice scrapers, and kitty litter for tire traction. In severe winter storms, delaying your travel might be the safest option.

Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to Explore Canada

Canada's vibrant cultural hubs, botanical gardens, and national parks await you. So, don't hesitate to rent a car, secure your International Driving Permit, and seek your adventure through the heart of Canada! You can see our International Driving License Packages to jumpstart your journey.

Driving Rules in Canada

Edit ImageOverride AltReplaceRemove

Alt Text

Source:

Photo by Ruben. on Unsplash

Some specific aspects of Canadian driving regulations to note include:

Mandatory car seats for children weighing under 40 lbs
Prohibition of smoking in vehicles with minors
Requirement for hands-free use of cell phones while driving
In Montreal, making right-hand turns on red lights is not allowed.

Winter Driving in Canada

Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to Explore Canada

Trusted by 3,000+ travelers. Rated excellent on Trustpilot Trusted by newcomers across Canada. Rated excellent on Trustpilot

Join thousands of satisfied travelers who trust us for their international driving permits Join thousands who got their permit after moving to Canada

Pricing

Risk-free pricing: 100% money-back guarantee

Full refund if not accepted anywhere, plus unlimited free replacements.

Best Value

Print + Digital International Driving Permit

Maximum coverage – includes everything you might need abroad

Start Application

Free access to all benefits of the digital International Driving Permit format included
Accepted in 189+ countries – travel without worries
Includes a free ID card with English license details
Globally recognized & meets international standards
Essential for non-English speaking countries

Digital International Driving Permit

Instant Peace of Mind – Ready for Download in Minutes

Start Application

Easily accessible digital format, accepted in many countries
Can be obtained online, fast and easy process
Accepted widely, but not in all countries
Doesn't include printed booklet and complementary plastic card

Risk-free pricing: 100% money-back guarantee

If a border or rental desk rejects it, you get a full refund

Digital IDP

Print + Digital

1 year

Expires 2027

$69

1 year

Expires 2027

$69

Start Application

2 years

Expires 2028

$109

2 years

Expires 2028

$109

Start Application

Best for travelers

3 years

Expires 2029

$149

$79

3 years

Expires 2029

$79

$149

Start Application

What's included	Digital IDP	Print + Digital
Instant digital download
Accepted in many countries
Ready in minutes
Accepted in 189+ countries
Physical printed booklet
Complementary plastic card
Works in non-English speaking countries
Meets international standards

Tourists can legally operate a rented vehicle with proper insurance coverage if they meet the age requirements and possess a National Driver’s License and an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), as recommended by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a universal driving credential allowing tourists to drive in many foreign countries, including Canada, without needing a local Provincial Driver’s License. This applies for short stays of less than three months on a tourist or visitor visa, per the Canadian government's regulations.

A local Canadian driver's license from the relevant province or territory may be necessary for stays extending beyond three months.

Securing an International Driving Permit (IDP) for your Canada trip is a relatively easy process:

1. Navigate to the "Start My Application" section on the International Drivers Association website.

2. Complete the International Driving Permit (IDP) application form.

3. Attach a copy of your valid driver’s license from your home country.

4. Provide credit card details for the International Driving Permit (IDP) fee payment.

5. The physical copy of the International Driving Permit (IDP) will be mailed within 30 days, while a digital version is typically available within 2 hours.

It depends on your province. Most allow 60–90 days after you become a resident, then you must exchange for a provincial license. An International Driving Permit helps during this period — it translates your license for police and insurers.

An IDP does not replace a provincial license long-term, but it is widely useful while you settle in: translating your foreign license for roadside checks, insurance claims, and rental cars. Many newcomers keep one alongside their home license during the exchange period.

Yes — an IDA International Driving Permit is recognized across Canadian provinces and territories when carried with your valid foreign driver's license. Rules for how long you may drive on a foreign license before exchanging vary by province.

A local Canadian driver's license from the relevant province or territory may be necessary for stays extending beyond three months.

Securing an International Driving Permit (IDP) for your Canada trip is a relatively easy process:

1. Navigate to the "Start My Application" section on the International Drivers Association website.

2. Complete the International Driving Permit (IDP) application form.

3. Attach a copy of your valid driver’s license from your home country.

4. Provide credit card details for the International Driving Permit (IDP) fee payment.

5. The physical copy of the International Driving Permit (IDP) will be mailed within 30 days, while a digital version is typically available within 2 hours.