Advantages of carrying an IDP?
Jun 08, 2012 An International Driving Permit (IDP) is proof that you possess a valid driver's licence in your country of residence, and it allows licensed motorists to drive in more than 150 countries without.
An IDP gives you 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. If you’re planning on renting a vehicle in a country where English isn’t an official language, we recommend you get an International Driving Permit.
How do I 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. In addition to meeting these conditions, you’ll need:
- Two (2) passport-sized photos. Available at your local BCAA.
- An IDP fee payment of $25. This fee can be paid by cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
- A completed and signed CAA IDP Application form. Applications may be completed in person at your local BCAA however we recommend that you print and fill in the application prior to your visit to expedite your transaction time.
If you have already left Canada or are unable to visit one of our locations, and require an IDP, to avoid delays, please follow the process below
Important
Lower Mainland Residents:
To save time, you may choose to visit our Burnaby - Lougheed (Solo District) or Vancouver - SW Marine Drive locations for shorter wait times.
If you are unable to visit a BCAA Location
An IDP can be mailed to you via regular Canada Post, or Xpresspost. If you chose Xpresspost, contact us first to get courier cost and delivery time, then proceed with the steps below.
Getting an IDP when already outside of Canada
If you are already travelling outside of Canada and require an IDP, you can obtain one by mail. The following reasons are examples of when the mail option could be used:
• Lost your IDP and require a new one
• Need to get a new IDP because the one you have expired
• Didn’t know you needed an IDP until after you arrived at your destination
The following steps indicate what’s needed to have an IDP mailed to you:
- Complete an IDP Application with an original signature
- Photocopy of valid Canadian Driver’s Licence (Front & Back)
- Two (2) passport-sized photos. They must be full-face front view and identical photos. Photos must also be on photo paper – Computer generated scanned photos are not acceptable.
- Mail completed form, photocopy of valid Canadian Driver’s Licence, and photos along to BCAA Sales Support & Administration at 4567 Canada Way, Burnaby BC, V5G 4T1.
- Credit card payment of $25 for IDP + courier fees. A member of our team will contact you to process the payment once we have received your completed form, photocopy of Canadian Driver’s Licence and photos.
IDP courier fees and delivery timing will vary depending on shipping address. Please allow 3-6 business days upon payment confirmation for arrival. The following courier fees apply.
Location | Price |
---|---|
USA | $35 |
UK & Western Europe | $55 |
Australia & New Zealand | $65 |
Asia | $75 |
Eastern Europe | $100 |
BCAA is the exclusive provider of IDPs in BC. This is a public service available to Members and Non-Members.
BCAA also offers affordable and flexible Travel Insurance coverage for individuals and families, with Single Trip and Annual Plan options.
BCAA Travel Insurance, there if you need us.
Accidents happen. Remember to pack BC's #1 Travel Insurance.
Buy NowThink you might want to rent a car or motorbike while abroad? While some countries don’t require any special permits, many will accept an an international drivers license along with your Canadian license as proof of your skills behind the wheel.
What is an IDP?
Technically called an international driving permit, an IDP is a booklet that contains ten translations of your driving qualifications and a photo, which also makes it a good backup form of ID, even if you don’t plan on driving. Only CAA is authorized to issue IDPs in Canada; however, you don’t have to be a member of their club in order to get one.
Why get an IDP?
In February 2012, the state of Florida brought in a law that made it mandatory for all Canadian drivers to carry an IDP. It caught many snowbirds off guard since it came into effect with no warning. Confusion reigned and many Canadians were denied rental cars until the law was repealed two months later. Anyone with an international drivers license, however, was free to go about their trip as planned.
When my friend and I were in Jeju, South Korea the other year we thought we would rent a scooter and spend our day touring the south shore of the island. Neither one of us has an IDP but we thought we might get lucky and find a rental office who would look the other way. Denied. No scooter for us. Before my next international trip, I made sure to pay the fee and got myself an international permit.
How do you get an IDP?
If you are 18 or older and already have a Canadian driver’s license it’s crazy easy to get an IDP.
- Just print out the application and fill it out.
- Bring it into your local CAA office along with a photocopy of the front and back of your Canadian driver’s license and two passport type photos.
- Pay the $25 fee.
- Your international drivers license should be ready in as little as 30 minutes.
- If you don’t live near an office or are already overseas, you can mail the works of it to head office or your local store, along with the $25 fee and they’ll send you your permit.
What countries can you drive in with an IDP?
The IDP is valid in all countries that have signed the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic and is recognized in many countries that are not signatories to the Convention. You should consider it as a vital part of your travel document library along with your passport.
How long is an IDP good for?
Your international driving permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. After that you’ll have to apply and pay the fee again to get a new one.