How to Get an IDP in Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide
Quick answer: To get an IDP in Canada, you must be at least 18 years of age, hold a valid Canadian provincial driver’s license, bring two passport-sized photos, and complete an application form. You can apply in person at a CAA or BCAA location, by mail, or online — fees start at €34.
What is an International Driving Permit?
An international driving permit IDP is an official travel document that translates your Canadian driver licence into 10 languages. Recognized in over 150 countries, it gives foreign authorities and car rental agencies a standardized, easy-to-read record of your driving credentials.
Crucially, an IDP is never a standalone document. You must carry it alongside your valid Canadian driver licence at all times when driving abroad — one is useless without the other.
Why You Need an IDP
Many countries legally require foreign drivers to carry an IDP. In others, it is optional by law — but nearly every international car rental agency will ask for one before handing over the keys. Showing up without one can mean losing your booking, paying extra fees, or being stranded at the counter.
If you plan to drive in Europe, Asia, South America, or the Middle East, securing an IDP before you leave Canada is a smart, low-effort step that prevents real problems on the road.
Who Can Apply — Requirements
Eligibility checklist
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You must hold a valid Canadian provincial driver licence (full licence only)
- You must have a Canadian home address
- Your licence must not be a learner’s permit, provisional, G1, or suspended licence
If your driver licence is restricted to certain vehicle types, your IDP will carry the same restrictions. An IDP issued for a car licence cannot be used to ride a motorcycle, for example.
Documents You Need to Apply
Before you head to an office or start your online application, gather everything on this list:
| Document | Details |
| Completed application form | Download and fill in the CAA IDP application form before your visit to save time. |
| Two passport photos | Identical, taken within the last two years. Must be passport sized and printed on photo paper. Digital scans or photocopies are not accepted. |
| Valid driver licence | Original required in person. Front and back photocopy required for mail applications. |
| Payment | $32 fee. Cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard, or Amex. Postage/courier fees apply if mailing. |
How to Get an IDP in Canada: Three Ways to Apply
Apply in person at a CAA or BCAA location
Walk into your nearest CAA or BCAA office with your completed application form, two passport-sized photos, your driver licence, and payment. Processing is fast — most applicants leave with their IDP the same day. BCAA is the exclusive IDP provider in British Columbia.
Apply by mail
If you can’t visit in person, mail your signed application form, a front-and-back photocopy of your driver licence, two identical passport-sized photos on photo paper, and credit card details to your regional CAA or BCAA office. Allow 3–7 business days after payment confirmation for delivery.
Apply online
Canadians can also apply through e-idpa.com, which offers a quick online process for obtaining an international driving permit IDP from home — useful if you’re short on time or unable to visit an office before your trip.
How Long is an IDP Valid?
The answer depends on which convention your IDP is issued under:
- 1949 Convention IDP — Valid for up to one year from the date of issue.
- 1968 Convention IDP — Valid for up to three years.
In both cases, your IDP cannot outlast your driver licence. If your provincial driver licence expires, your IDP expires with it. Some countries also recognize IDPs only for the duration of your tourist visa, so check your destination’s specific rules before you go.
Tips Before You Travel
Pro tips
- Apply at least two weeks early. Mail applications can take longer than expected, especially during busy travel seasons.
- Always carry both documents together. Your IDP and Canadian driver licence must be presented as a pair — neither is valid without the other.
- Check the convention version required. Some countries only recognize the 1949 IDP; others require the 1968 version. Confirm with your destination country’s embassy or tourism authority.
- Get it even if it’s not legally required. International car rental companies routinely ask for an IDP regardless of local law. Having one avoids delays at the rental desk.
- Passport photos matter. Make sure your photos are recent (within two years), identical, on photo paper, and meet the size requirements. Rejected photos are one of the most common reasons for processing delays.
Now that you know exactly how to get an IDP in Canada, the process should feel straightforward. Confirm your eligibility, prepare your documents — including the application form, passport photos, and driver licence — and choose the application method that works best for you. With your international driving permit in hand, you can drive confidently across borders, knowing you are properly documented wherever the road takes you.