What is an International Driving Permit?

What is an International Driving Permit? The 1949 (IDP) is a special license for tourists, authorized by a UN treaty among nations of the world, for the purpose of allowing motorists to drive vehicles in international traffic without further tests or applications. It is proof that the holder possesses a valid driver's license issued by a competent authority in their country of residence.

Where is the CAA IDP valid?

In all the countries that signed the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic. In addition, many other countries which are not signatories to the Convention recognize the IDP and accept it in their territories.
IDP's issued by CAA are valid outside North America with the exception of IPDs that are used for translation purposes or required by law.

What are the additional advantages of using the IDP?

It provides the holder with an extra photo ID. Provides translation of your valid Canadian Drivers license since the IDP is printed in 10 languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, Swedish and Portuguese.) Most Car Rental agencies will request an IDP even though one is not required to drive in their country.

What are the requirements to obtain one?

Requirements for issue, are:

• The applicant must be 18 years of age or older
• Valid Canadian provincial driver’s license 
• 2 passport photographs date stamped by the location that processed them (computer generated photos are not acceptable)
• Fee payment of $30.00
• Completed and signed CAA IDP application form (no other form is acceptable)

Does your license qualify?

Please see the notes below to understand if your license will qualify for an IDP. 

Nova Scotia 

• Class 5 N & R, Class 5 are allowed to get an IDP.  Equivalent to Ontario License G and G2 they are allowed to get an IDP.
• Class 7L are not allowed to get and IDP. Equivalent to Ontario License G1 cannot get an IDP.

New Brunswick 

• Class 5 are allowed to get an IDP. Equivalent to Ontario License G they are allowed to get an IDP.
• Class 7 Level 1 not allowed to get an IDP. Equivalent to Ontario License G1 cannot get an IDP.
• Class 7 Level 11 allowed to get an IDP. Equivalent to Ontario License G2 they are allowed to get an IDP.

Newfoundland and Labrador 

• Class 5 Level 1 not allowed to get an IDP. Equivalent to Ontario License G1 cannot get an IDP
• Class 5 Level 11 allowed but with restrictions (must be accompanied by licensed driver with four years driving experience if driving a a motor vehicle between midnight to 5 am.
• Class 5 are allowed to get an IDP. Equivalent to Ontario License G they are allowed to get an IDP.

Prince Edward Island 

• Class 5 are allowed to get an IDP. Equivalent to Ontario License G they are allowed to get an IDP.
• Class 7 not allowed to get an IDP. Equivalent to Ontario License G1 cannot get an IDPr Members can have this done for free!*

Looking to get your photographs taken?

If you're visiting an office to apply for your IDP we can do this for you! Classic and Plus Members can have this done for $10.09, Premier Members can have this done for free!*

Applying via mail?

Mailed in applications must include the fee payment in the form of a Bank draft, money order or cheque in Canadian funds drawn on a Canadian bank payable to the Canadian Automobile Association. If you wish to pay by Visa or MasterCard your card number and expiry date must be provided. One to three weeks should be allowed for the IDP to reach you. 

Please mail your application to:

CAA Atlantic
c/o International Documentation Services
378 Westmorland Rd.
Saint John, NB
E2J 2G4

Applying in-store?

Any of our CAA Atlantic branches are able to accept your application in-person. To help locate your nearest CAA Atlantic branch, please visit our locations page.

When visiting us in-store, please be sure to complete and sign the CAA IDP application form in advance for more efficient service. 

*Conditions apply. Contact us for details.