Travel

Details to know

• What is an IDP?
• What are some advantages of carrying an IDP?
• What do I need to obtain an IDP?
• How long does it take to get an IDP?
• Other things you should know.
• Can I pay for an IDP by credit card if I am applying by mail?

What is an IDP?

The IDP is proof that you possess a valid driver's license 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 license. Only CAA is authorized to issue IDPs in Canada, under a UN-approved mandate. Any non-CAA issued IDP is fake, and may not protect you in a foreign country. For more information, visit the Government of Canada website: click here.

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 license. An IDP cannot be issued for learner's permits, provisional or suspended licenses and any type of vehicle not presently covered by the same provincial driver's license. Additionally, you will require:

• Two passport-sized photos. NOTE - computer generated scanned images are not accepted. At CAA South Central Ontario Stores, black-and-white or colour photos are available for $12.50 (Member price) or $15.50 (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 $25. This fee can be paid by cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard or American Express;
• Signed and completed IDP application form. These forms can be completed in person at any CAA Store
• Mailed Applications: Please provide a valid email address to be used if we need to contact you.

If you are unable to visit a CAA Store, you may print out a copy of the application form and, once it is completed and signed, mail it to your local CAA 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 license.

If applying by mail, please be aware that CAA prefers to send IDPs by registered mail, thus an additional charge of $11.72 for Canadian addresses or $27.31 for international addresses may be added. Please note that Canada Post no longer delivers registered mail to the United States; therefore any IDPs going to the US will be sent via Xpresspost Courier, which has a cost of $33.39. All prices subject to change.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

If you visit a CAA South Central Ontario 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.

Other things you should know.

• The IDP must be issued at a CAA 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 license expires, whichever comes first
• Your valid Canadian provincial driver's license 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
• Only CAA is authorized to issue IDPs in Canada, under a UN-approved mandate. Any non-CAA issued IDP is fake, and may not protect you in a foreign country. For more information, visit the Government of Canada website: click here.

Can I pay for an IDP by credit card if I am applying by mail?

Yes, at the bottom of the application form there is an area for your credit card information. However, please phone your CAA club to provide your credit card CVV number, or provide a contact number so that the number can be obtained. Financial industry rules prohibit including this number on your application form or providing it via e-mail.