As long as you visit for less than 90 days, all you need is your valid driver's license from your own country. You also need to be at least 16, have appropriate car insurance, and have a copy of the vehicle ownership permit. Tourists who plan to stay and drive for more than 90 days will require an IDP.
Learn how you can get an IDP when abroad in this video
Note some important facts about your International Driver's License Canada:
An IDP holds no legal status
An IDP is a translation of your valid driver's license and therefore holds no legal status. It is not enough to ensure that you will be able to rent or drive a car overseas. Most car rental agencies and traffic authorities do not recognize IDPs when shown alone.
The status of your driver’s license predetermines its validity
You cannot substitute your valid driver's license with your IDP. Since your IDP is only a translation of your license, you need to carry both when driving abroad. If your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot use your IDP.
Most car rental companies require an IDP for third-party insurance
Even if you plan to stay in Canada for less than 90 days, if you will rent a car, you may need an IDP. Most car rental companies require an IDP when issuing third-party insurance to foreign drivers, especially if your license is not English.
An IDP is valid in more than 150 countries
If you plan to stop over in other countries, getting an IDP is always the best decision. It is valid in more than 150 countries and can save you from unnecessary issues with traffic enforcers.
It is a valid form of identification
International Driver's Permits are documents regulated by the UN and is a valid form of identification. Since an IDP is complete with your photo and essential information on your driver’s license, more than 150 countries accept IDP as additional identification. When you are traveling, the more IDs you have, the better.
Along with your IDP, you must carry the following documents when driving in Canada:
- Original valid driver's license
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your visa (when applicable)
- Third-party car insurance
The bottom line: You can legally drive in Canada for 90 days using your original driver’s license. However, you may need an International Driver's Permit to rent a car and get third party insurance. An IDP is always a handy document to have, especially if your license is not in English. Along with your IDP, make sure you travel with all the necessary documents, including your passport and visa.
