International Driving Permit

Penalties for driving without an IDP in a foreign country vary. They can range from a simple fine to a summons to appear in court. Before leaving on your trip, look up the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page for your destination. Information on driving can be found in the “Laws and Customs” section. 

Many car rental agencies require their customers to have an International Driving Permit. They may also have requirements regarding the validity period of your permit. Check with the rental agency for more information.

The IDP is valid for a period of one year from the date of issue or until the expiration of the associated driver’s licence, whichever comes first. Beyond the validity period of the IDP, there may be restrictions in some countries regarding the length of time tourists can drive on their roads. Check this information before leaving on your trip. The date of issue cannot be changed to a later date and the IDP is non-renewable. 

We recommend that you apply for your International Driving Permit within the month prior to your departure. This will allow you to take full advantage of its validity period. If you apply by mail, please allow 15 business days for processing, plus delivery time.

Several types of Quebec driver’s licences, provided they are valid and in good standing, may be used to obtain an IDP: 

• Permanent licence 

• Probationary licence 

• Permanent motorcycle licence 

• Moped licence 

Please note that the IDP is only valid with a valid driver’s licence. Therefore, make sure that your driver’s licence is valid for the entire duration of your trip.

No, the application for an International Driving Permit will be refused for any holder of these licences: 

• Temporary licence 

• Learner’s licence 

• Temporary motorcycle licence 

• Suspended licence 

• Restricted licence 

• Licence with an expired date 

Yes, but only after you have obtained a new valid driver’s licence. We can also issue it to you if you have written proof from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) while you wait to receive your permanent licence by mail.  

You may encounter problems with the authorities in the foreign country if the IDP is not supported by your actual driver’s licence. For more information, please contact the embassy of the country you are visiting. 

No, CAA (CAA-Quebec in Quebec) is the only Canadian authority authorized to issue International Driving Permits to Canadians. The IDP must be supported by a valid driver’s licence and be issued in the same jurisdiction as the driver’s licence. If you move and change provinces, you will need to apply for a new IDP, pay the fees, and have new photos taken. 

No, if you’re visiting Quebec and your driver’s licence is in a language other than English or French, you’ll need an International Driving Permit issued in your home country.

Is your original foreign driver’s licence printed in English or French? You can drive on Quebec roads for 6 months with your original foreign driver’s licence, provided it is valid and authorizes you to drive the type of road vehicle you are using. Beyond this period, you must hold an International Driving Permit, which you must request in your country of origin.

An International Driving Permit does not replace the driver’s licence you hold in your country. Rather, it is complementary to it. To be valid, an International Driving Permit must always be supported by your original driver’s licence. During a traffic stop, you must produce both documents. 

No, you do not need to be a CAA-Quebec member to obtain an International Driving Permit.

The address on the form must be the same as the one on your driver’s licence. 

You can still obtain an IDP. First, you must notify the SAAQ of your change of address. This must be done within 30 days of moving to your new address. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a fine.

We will issue your IDP upon proof of change of address. You must attach this proof to your driver’s licence until it is renewed and affix a sticker to the back of your licence.

For more information, visit the SAAQ’s online service. 

You must indicate the type(s) of vehicle(s) you will be driving once you have received your IDP, based on the type(s) listed on your driver’s licence (e.g., passenger car, truck, motorcycle, bus).

Yes, there is a field at the bottom of the form to enter your credit card information. It is important never to enter the CVV verification number on the back of your card. Financial industry standards prohibit entering this number on a form or providing it by email. 

Yes, you can submit an application by mail. You will need to add a note indicating that you are currently out of the country. We also recommend that you send us a postage-paid envelope for international mailing. Please allow 15 business days for your IDP to be mailed within Quebec. This does not include Canada Post delivery time or international delivery time.

Yes, it is possible for a family member to submit an IDP application on your behalf. In order to authorize them to do so, simply complete the following form.

In addition to the completed and signed form, the third party must be in possession of all the required documents, including the two photos, upon arrival at the Travel Centre.

Yes, provided you still hold a valid Quebec driver’s licence.

No, CAA is the only Canadian authority authorized to issue International Driving Permits to Canadians.