Canada is a signatory to the 1949 UN Convention on Road Traffic.
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is authorized to issue the International Driving Permit (IDP) relating to this convention by the Canadian Federal and Provincial Governments.
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.
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.
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.
Requirements for issue, are:
Please see the notes below to understand if your license will qualify for an IDP.
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Prince Edward Island
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!*
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
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.
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