International Driver's Permits

Some countries require travellers to carry special driving permits in addition to their regular driver's licence. These International Driving Permits (IDP) are available in Canada exclusively at CAA Travel Stores, and are available to both members and non-members alike.

What exactly is an IDP?
The IDP is proof that you possess a valid driver's licence issued by a competent authority in Canada. It translates your driving qualifications into ten of the world's most commonly used languages, and it allows travellers to drive in over 150 different countries without further tests or applications. NOTE: the IDP is only valid when used in conjunction with a valid Canadian provincial driver's licence.

What are some advantages of carrying an IDP?
An IDP provides you with an extra piece of photo identification for international travel. Plus, most international car rental agencies will request an IDP, even though one may not be required to drive in that country.

What do I need to obtain an IDP?
You can only apply for an IDP if you are 18 years of age or older and hold a valid Canadian provincial driver's licence. An IDP cannot be issued for learner's permits, provisional or suspended licences, nor any type of vehicle that is not presently covered by the same provincial driver's licence. Additionally, you will require:

•	Two passport-sized photos. At CAA South Central Ontario Travel Stores, black-and-white or colour photos are available for $9.50 (member price) or $12.50 (non-member price); taxes not included and prices subject to change. One picture is attached to the IDP, the other is attached to the application form;
•	An IDP payment of $15.00. This fee can be paid by cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard or American Express;
•	A signed and completed IDP application form. These forms can be completed in person at any CAA store

If you are unable to visit a CAA Travel Store, you may print out a copy of the application form and, once it is completed and signed, mail it to your local CAA Travel Store along with your passport-sized photos, fee payment (credit card payment only, if applying by mail) and a photocopy of the front and back of your valid Canadian provincial driver's licence.

If applying by mail, please be aware that CAA prefers to send IDP's by registered mail, thus an additional charge of $6.75 for Canadian addresses or $13.70 for international addresses may be added (prices subject to change).

How long does it take to get an IDP?
If you visit a CAA South Central Ontario Travel Store, we can process the application for you in approximately 15 minutes. If your IDP is being mailed, you should allow at least three weeks for the IDP to reach you.

What else you need to know:

•	The IDP must be issued at a CAA Travel Store in Canada and cannot be obtained or renewed elsewhere
•	The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue OR until your Canadian provincial driver's licence expires, whichever comes first
•	Your valid Canadian provincial driver's licence must accompany the IDP at all times
•	An IDP cannot be post-dated, extended or renewed. A new IDP application form must be completed each time a new IDP is required

Click here to download and print an IDP application form.

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