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.

Some countries require travellers to carry special driving permits in addition to their regular driver's license. These International Driver Permit (IDP) are available in Canada exclusively at CAA Stores and are available to members and non-members alike.

What do I need to obtain an IDP?

• You need to be 18 years of age or older,
• Hold a valid Canadian provincial driver's license - An IDP cannot be issued for learners permits, provisional or suspended licenses and any type of vehicle not presently covered by the same provincial driver's license.
• Two passport-sized photos are required - You can obtain the passport photos at any CAA South Central Ontario Stores, colour photos are available for $ 12.50 (Basic Member price) or $15.50 (non-member price) taxes not included and prices are subject to change. Photos taken in the store for Plus, Premier & Corporate Members are complimentary.

How do I obtain an IDP?

There are 2 options available to obtain an IDP:

1. Visit a local CAA Store – If you are applying in-person,
   • You must have your valid Canadian provincial driver's license,
   • Two identical passport-sized photos (taken within the last 6 months) or you can purchase the passport photos at the store.
   Please note: Computer generated scanned images are not accepted.
2. Applying by mail – If you are mailing the application to a local CAA Store,
   • You may print out a copy of the application form
   • You must complete and sign the application form,
   • You must include two identical passport-sized photos, taken within the last 6 months
   • You must provide a clear photocopy front and back of your valid Canadian provincial driver's license,
   • You must provide a valid email address to be used for the CAA Store to contact you for further validation,
   • You will need to provide credit card payment - the CAA Store will need to contact you for further validation.

What is the cost to obtain an IDP?

• $25 dollars tax include per IDP

There is an additional cost 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: 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.

Find a CAA Store

CAA is the only Canadian provider to issue IDPs, any other site is fraudulent. An example of fraudulent sites click here.

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.