If driving outside Canada is on your ‘to do’ list, one of the first considerations is getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) from Canada. The IDP is a simple yet effective way of using your existing Canadian driver’s license for driving legally in about 150 member countries. It is recognized by the 1949 and 1968 conventions on road traffic established by the United Nations Organization. In this article, you will information pertaining to the application process, the requirements, and others on how you can get an IDP in Canada.

What Is An International Driving Permit?

An international Driving Permit is a Katherine Williamson Legal document that allows you to drive anywhere other than your home country by translating your provincial/territorial driver’s license into several languages. The IDP gives back the resolution skills to appropriate legal driving age and affording licensed citizens of various states or countries on like comparability. The IDP should be carried along at all times but in connection with a proper driver’s license as the IDP in itself is not a substitute for either of the driver’s license.

The maximum age of IDP Is 14; also the maximum validity period of IDP is one year, and all personal must be above, 18 years old and have a full Canadian driver’s License (learner’s permit holders shall not apply).

Why Do You Need an International Driving Permit?

Despite the fact that certain countries may permit driving with just a Canadian license, most countries will expect you to convert your qualifications into an IDP for their respective jurisdictions. If you intend to rent a car in a foreign country, the car rental companies may also require you to have an IDP. Further, where the Canadian is in a situation like a road traffic accident or police order to stop the vehicle, the IDP can assist the police in verifying the driving license of the Canadian.

For Canadians, an IDP is especially valuable and helps them to drive easily and more legally while traveling in other countries.

Requirements for Obtaining an IDP in Canada

There are some conditions that should be adhered to in applying for an IDP:

  • Be at least 18 years.
  • Be a least a Canadian resident possessing a valid provincial or territorial driver’s license, learner’s permits are not accepted.
  • Present two identical passport-size photographs.
  • Submit the IDP request application, which is available for a download from the car association of Canada (CAA) website.
  • In relation to the said documentation, you have to provide a photocopy of the front and back of your valid driver’s license and application form ‘B’.

How to Apply for an International Driving License

In Canada, the only organization authorized to distribute IDP is the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). Let’s take a quick pagination to fill out the application.

  1. Download the Application Form

PDF by CAA

Go to the CAA website and get the National Association Form relevant to your province. The form is available at every provincial CAA club according to the area of a person. Make sure you have the right one for Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, or Ontario.

  1. Collect The Documents Needed

Prepare to have:

  • A valid Canadian driver’s license with a photocopy.
  • 2 photos identical to a passport, which are signed by you.
  • The application form completed.
  1. Apply

You can hand in your application in person at a local Canadian Auto Club office or send it in by post. If you opt to attend a CAA location, for most IDPs, you can obtain yours on the same day. For a mailout, the majority of applications are processed within 5-10 working days.

  1. Pay the License Cost

As of 2024, costs associated with obtaining an IDP in Canada are being put at CAD 31, although this may have a slight variance around your region. Some CAA offices do charge for additional shipping costs for mail applications.

  1. Receive Your IDP

Following the completion of paperwork formalities, your IDP will be released, and from now on, you are eligible to drive in participating countries for one year after being issued the IDP.

How Can You Get Your IDP In Canada?

Your IDP can be had at any of the CAA offices throughout the Great White North. Below are the broad geographical areas where CAA Services are:

  • Alberta, Atlantic Canada, Greater Ottawa, Northern Ontario, Saskatchewan & Territories
  • British Columbia, South Central Ontario & Manitoba
  • Quebec

Each Canadian Auto Association Club has a unique format, and you have to apply to the club corresponding to your place of residence.

How Long Is The Duration Of An IDP?

An international driving permit is valid for only a period of one year from the date of issuance. But this can vary depending on the country in which you are headed to because some countries will restrict the period in which you can drive with the foreign driver’s license. Suppose for instance in certain countries, your passport may be issued in 90 days, but its validity is five years. Remember that an international driving permit will only be effective if the Canadian driving license is still valid.

If your license as a Canadian citizen comes to an end, an international driving permit will come to an end.

Some Common Concerns Regarding the IDP

Is it possible to use my international driver’s permit in Canada?

There is no way one can use the International Driving Permit in Canada. More specifically, it is not allowed in Canada.

What Should I Do If I Lost My IDP?

In case you were able to get your IDP in a foreign place such as Canada and you have lost it, you will have to seek a new IDP through CAA. You will be required to fill out certain forms, which is why you should have a Canadian driver’s license to process the documents for the IDP replacement.

Is It Necessary To Have An IDP To Drive In The USA?

No, Canadian citizens who possess a valid provincial driver’s license are not required to have an international driving permit to use the streets of America. It is worth noting, however, that some rental agencies across the states might require you to conditionally submit an IDP.

Conclusion

The process of obtaining an International Driving Permit in Canada is not necessarily complicated as some may assume, especially with the assistance of the Canadian Automobile Association. Provided that basic proper requirements are adhered to and the procedures to apply are followed, it would be possible to acquire an IDP and be able to drive legally in many countries across the world.

Always have both your IDP and your Canadian driver’s license with you, especially if you are driving in a foreign country. While this isn’t the most fun thing to do, it is also advisable to go ahead and apply for the IDP before the trip. Bon voyage!

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