International Driving Permit

During your trip, you may feel like renting a car to explore the area. Some countries require you to carry, in addition to your Quebec driver’s licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP) to operate a motor vehicle there.

What is an IDP?

The IDP is first and foremost an official translation, in some 10 languages, of your Quebec driver’s licence. If need be, it can help with communication, for example if you are stopped by the police in a location where the officers do not understand French.

The IDP is valid for one year from its date of issue, and lists the vehicle categories to which your permit applies. It therefore serves as extra ID. Note, however, that it does not replace your passport, and you must always carry your actual driver’s licence as well.

Anyone aged 18 or over who holds a valid driver’s licence issued by their country of residence can obtain an IDP.

Is the IDP mandatory?

Some countries recognize the Quebec driver’s licence, but many others do not. Check the constraints that may apply in various jurisdictions, even within a country’s borders, as requirements may vary.

Need to know if the country or region where you’ll be travelling requires an IDP? Contact one of our travel counsellors.

How to apply for an IDP

CAA is the sole Canadian agent authorized to issue the IDP. There are two ways to get one:

In person

At a CAA-Quebec Travel Centre:

Documents required to get an IDP:

• Your valid Canadian driver’s licence;
• The IDP application form, ideally completed in advance (the address entered on the form must be the same as on the driver’s licence);
• 2 identical "Passport" format photos;
  • They must be less than 2 years old from the date of your application;
  • The accepted size is passport photo size, 5 cm (2 in) wide by 7 cm (2 ¾ in) high;
  • The face should be 31 mm to 36 mm from the chin to the top of the head.

  A $31 fee will be charged, which may be paid by one of the following methods:

  • Cash
  • Credit card
  • Debit card
  • Cheque (from a Canadian bank, payable to CAA-Quebec)
  • Postal money order

  IDPs are non-refundable.

  You will receive your IDP on site, the same day. No appointment possible.

  
  By mail

  Include with your package

  • The completed IDP Application Form (the address entered on the form must be the same as on the driver’s licence);
  • A legible photocopy of both sides of your valid driver’s licence;
  • 2 identical "Passport" format photos;
    • They must be less than 2 years old from the date of your application;
    • The accepted size is passport photo size, 5 cm (2 in) wide by 7 cm (2 ¾ in) high;
    • The face should be 31 mm to 36 mm from the chin to the top of the head.

    Payment of the fee of $33 ($31 for the IDP plus $2 postage). The following payment methods are accepted:

    • Credit card
    • Cheque (from a Canadian bank, payable to CAA-Quebec)
    • Postal money order

    IDPs are non-refundable.

    Mail the entire package to the following address:

    Permis de conduire international

    8000, rue Armand-Viau, suite 500

    Québec, Québec G2C 2E2

    Please allow 15 business days for your IDP to be mailed. This does not include the Canada Post delivery time.

    *Charges apply for photos.

    Did you know?

    Photos submitted with an IDP application must comply with the following standards:

    • 2 identical photos;
    • "Passport" format;
    • Color or Black & white (taken on a plain white background);
    • The photos must be printed on photographic paper.

    Don’t have your photos? Come have them taken at one of our Travel Centres.

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