Are you planning to drive or rent a car on your next vacation? Depending on your destination and the length of your stay, you may need an international driving permit.
Definition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)
The international driving permit (IDP) is an official translation of your driving license into ten languages (Spanish, German, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, etc.), If necessary, the license International driving license must be presented to the authorities with your driving license issued by your province. The international driving permit is valid for one year.
Check if you need a IDP
To find out if you need an international permit, you need to check with your destination embassy or consulate here in Canada. For example, some countries like Italy, Spain, Australia and Thailand require it.
You can also visit the Driving section of your destination country’s information sheet in the Travel Advice and Warnings by Destination section of the Government of Canada website.
Also, some car rental agencies may require you to have a PCI when you make your reservation.
To drive in the United States, you do not need an international license if your driver’s license was issued by a Canadian province or territory.
Canadians with a provincial or territorial driver’s license do not need an IDP to drive in the United States.
Apply for an International Driving Permit
International driving licenses are not issued by provincial or territorial automobile insurance companies. They are issued by the Canadian Automobile Association. Prices and requirements may vary from one province to another. All information can be found in the Before you apply section of the International Driver’s Permit page of the Canadian Automobile Association website.
