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    International Driver's Permit FAQ

    International Driving Permit

    Do I Need an International Driving Permit in Europe?

    An International Driving Permit is the correct title for what is sometimes referred to as an international drivers license and is required for non-European Union residents in order to drive in many countries in Europe.  It is basically a translation of your own drivers license into the most common languages in the world, including German, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian. It is not a stand alone document, as it is only accepted with your original license. The International Drivers Permit can be extremely helpful in the event that you are pulled over for a traffic infringement, or you need extra identification for any reason. If the person asking for your IDP doesn't speak a word of English, having an international drivers license will tell them what your license says about you - sometimes allowing you to avoid delays or other issues while traveling abroad.
     

    What Countries Require an IDP for Canadian Travelers?

    For the most up to date information check with your destination’s embassy or consulate in Canada or look under the "Laws and culture" section of the Travel Advice and Advisory page for your destination to find out if an IDP is required there.

    Canadians with a provincial or territorial driver’s licence do not need an IDP to drive in the U.S.

    International Driving Permits are Required* in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, and Thailand.

    In Hungary, US-licensed drivers are required to possess a certified Hungarian translation of their domestic license. An international driving permit does serve as a certified Hungarian translation and is likely the easiest certified translation to obtain; just be sure you get one before you leave the United States for your trip.

    *IDP enforcement may vary based upon car rental supplier as well as renting country.


    International Driver's Permit FAQs

    Please take a moment to browse our most frequently asked questions regarding international driving permits. 

     

    What is an International Driver's Permit?

    An international driver's permit (IDP) is a translated document presented in several languages, that acts as a supplement to your domestic driver's license, allowing you to drive legally in a number of international destinations. The international driver's permit is only mandatory in some countries, but it's highly recommended to have one at all times when traveling outside of your home country. This document (sometimes referred to as an international driver's license) is designed to make your travels easier, eliminating potential language barriers and other problems that commonly occur when interacting with foreign traffic officers. The permit is also required by a number of rental car agencies when picking up a car rental overseas, including Auto Europe.

     

    How Do I Get an International Driver's Permit?

    It is simple and inexpensive to get an international drivers permit. If you are over the age of 18 and have a Canadian Driver’s License you can apply for an international driving permit. You can apply for one in-person at an Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) office, or order one by mail. You will need to fill out an application, provide two original passport photos, a fee of $31.00 CAD (as of December 31, 2023), and a copy of your Canadian driver’s licence. The IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued or when the associated provincial driver’s licence expires, whichever comes first.

     

    Where Do I Get an International Driver's Permit?

    Canadian citizens traveling abroad can order an International Driving Permit online or in person through their local Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) branch. CAA is the only certified provider for IDPs in Canada. CAA handles thousands of international drivers license applications, and they can help you get the permit that you need.

     

    Can I Get My IDP Online?

    If you are trying to avoid going out to your local CAA, don't worry - your IDP can be purchased online. However it is important to remember that there are many scam artists out there waiting to take advantage of you. You should obtain your license from only one place, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). To obtain an international drivers license online you will need to complete an application, provide two passport photos, and submit a payment for the license. After the application process your IDP will be sent to you in the mail. Allow sufficient time for the processing of the international drivers permit online, as well as time for the permit to arrive in the mail.

     

    Where Can I Apply for my International Drivers Permit?

    There is only one provider for International Driving Permits in Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). Fortunately they have CAA offices all over the country. IDPs can be obtained online or in person.

     

    What is the IDP Application?

    Obtaining an International Driving Permit requires that you complete a short application. If you are over the age of 18 and have a valid Canadian provincial driving licences you can apply for the international driving permit. The application covers basic identity questions - name, address, D.O.B, and domestic driver's license number along with additional personal information. There is a $31 fee (as of December 31, 2023) that must accompany the application. This fee can be paid by cash, debit card or credit card. For mail-in applications the only way to make a payment is by credit card. Visa, MasterCard, or American Express are accepted.