International driving permit
NOTE: Members of the public have access to this service as the AMA is the exclusive outlet for these permits in Alberta. These services are NOT restricted to AMA members. Some countries require travellers to carry special driving permits in addition to their usual driver's licence. These International Driving Permits are available in Alberta exclusively through AMA, and throughout Canada at any CAA office.
What exactly is an IDP?
The IDP provides a conversion of your Canadian driver's licence into a universal driving classification, allowing you to drive a vehicle in a foreign country without further tests or applications. This permit was authorized especially for tourists by a 1949 UN treaty among nations of the world. It is proof that you possess a valid driver's licence, issued by a competent authority in Canada, and is only valid when used in conjunction with a valid Canadian driver's licence.
(Read more about the important changes requiring an IDP for anyone driving in Florida.)
What are the additional advantages of the IDP?
An IDP provides you with an extra form of photo identification, as well as providing a translation of your valid Canadian driver's licence into 10 different languages. Most international car rental agencies will request an IDP, even though one may not be required to drive in their country.
What do I need to know about re-applying for an IDP?
If you have a current IDP and are re-applying, please remember to allow sufficient time for you to receive your IDP to ensure that your current one will not expire.
What you’ll need in order to get an IDP?
You can only receive an IDP if you are 18 years of age or older, and hold a valid Canadian provincial driver's licence. An IDP cannot be issued for provisional, learner or suspended licences, or for any category of vehicle which is not presently covered by that same provincial driver's licence. In addition to meeting the above conditions, you will require:
- Two passport-sized photos - Available in colour at your local AMA centre - $12 for members and $14 for non-members (1 free set per year for Plus members). One picture is attached to the IDP; the other is attached to the application form.
- An IDP fee payment of $25.00 - This fee can be paid by cash, Visa or MasterCard; AMA Members in good standing may also pay by cheque made payable to AMA.
If applying by mail, then payment must be either by money order or certified cheque drawn on a Canadian bank payable to the Alberta Motor Association (Note: AMA cannot accept personal cheques from non-members). If you require the IDP to be sent by regular mail, please enclose an additional $10.00 CAD (including GST) for Canadian addresses or $16.00 CAD (including GST) for all other Canadian and U.S. addresses. AMA can only send IDPs by registered mail. If you require the IDP to be sent overseas, please contact us as the cost of delivery will vary depending on the destination.
Credit card numbers along with expiry date, signature of person named on card and letter authorizing us to charge the credit card for the cost of the IDP and shipping may be enclosed at your own risk.
- A completed and signed CAA IDP application form - Applications may be done in person at any AMA centre or CAA office. If you are unable to visit a CAA office, you may print a copy of the application form and, once completed and signed, mail it in to your local AMA centre along with your passport-sized photos, fee payment and photocopy (front and back) of your valid Canadian provincial driver's licence.
How long does it take to get an IDP?
If you visit an AMA centre, we can process an IDP for you in about fifteen minutes. The information on your IDP must match the information on your Alberta driver's license. If you need to update the address on your Alberta driver's license, it will take a minimum of 2 weeks for the update to be made. We recommend that you visit our centre 2-3 weeks prior to your departure to ensure that we are able to issue your permit. If your IDP is being mailed, you should allow at least three weeks for the IDP to reach you.
What else you need to know...
The IDP must be issued at a CAA office in Canada and cannot be obtained or renewed elsewhere. Once issued, the IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, providing your Canadian licence is valid for the duration of your trip. Your valid Canadian provincial driver's licence must accompany the IDP at all times. An IDP cannot be post-dated, extended or renewed and a new application form must be completed each time a new IDP is required. Traceable methods for delivery are recommended. An additional fee will be applied for registered mail and courier service.
Effective April2, 2013, Canadians are no longer required to hold an IDP for driving in Florida. They can now go back to doing what they have always been able to do – drive with peace of mind in the Sunshine State using their provincial driver’s license. The repeal comes after interventions from CAA, other stakeholders and thousands of Canadian drivers caught unaware by the IDP law, which came into effect with no notice. CAA applauds the government of Florida for repealing the law, a process that ended today when Gov. Rick Scott signed the repeal bill.
Effective January 1, 2013, travellers that wish to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver license will be required to have an International Driving Permit to accompany their out of country license. This applies to any vehicle, including rental vehicles. The International Driving Permit must be in the customer’s name and from their country of residence.
Why did the law change?
The purpose of the permit is for the English translation. Obviously, a license issued in Canada and other English speaking countries is already written in English so the permit is admittedly a little redundant but that is technically the law at this point.
What will happen to a driver who drives without an IDP?
Without an IDP, a driver is therefore driving without a valid license and if stopped, law enforcement has the option of 1/ arresting the driver and taking him/her to jail 2/ giving the driver a citation with a mandatory court appearance.
On February 15, 2013, the Government of Canada issued an update that states Canadians do not require an International Driving Permit to drive in the United States. For more information see: http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/driving-florida.
On February 14, 2013, the Florida DHSMV stated that the Florida Highway Patrol is deferring enforcement on the new law requiring an International Driving Permit. However, Canadians travelling in the next few days and weeks should still be prepared to travel with an IDP, as some rental or insurance agencies may still require it.
Additional notes to consider:
There are a number of questions still outstanding related to other agencies and companies enforcing the requirement for an IDP. CAA is working on gaining clarity on the issues. In the meantime, our advice remains the same for Canadians travelling to Florida with the intention of driving - it is better to be prepared and safe and travel with an IDP.
