Driving in Canada with a Foreign License

by IDL Support

Planning to rent a car in Canada? If you’re an international traveler who needs to drive whether for a road trip through the Rockies, exploring Quebec City, or getting around Vancouver this guide walks you through everything you actually need to know: from whether your foreign driver’s licence will be accepted, to whether you should get an International Driving Permit (IDP), what rental companies will ask for, and how insurance and provincial rules affect you. Use the checklist and step by step tips below so you can book, pick up, and drive with confidence.

Provincial differences (how long you can drive on a foreign licence)

  • No single federal time limit: Provinces/territories set rules for how long visitors or new residents can drive on foreign licences. Always check the specific province site before travel.

  • Examples:

    • Québec: Visitors can use a valid foreign licence for up to 6 months. If you become a resident, exchange rules apply.

    • British Columbia (B.C.): You can drive on your current licence for up to 90 days after arrival; after that, new residents are expected to apply for a B.C. licence.

    • Ontario: Visitor rules vary depending on status and length of stay; if you’ll be staying long term or becoming a resident, check DriveTest/ServiceOntario guidance about exchange and experience credits.

  • Actionable step: Search "[Province name] foreign driver’s licence visitors" (e.g., "SAAQ foreign licence 6 months") before travel so you’re prepared.

Renting a car in Canada with a foreign licence (what rental companies require)

  • Typical rental desk checklist (most major companies):

    • 1. Valid, unexpired government driver’s licence with photo (original hard copy preferred; many companies do not accept digital licences).

    • 2. Passport as secondary ID (names must match).

    • 3. Credit card in the main driver’s name for security deposit (some locations have limited debit acceptance).

    • 4. Age requirements: Most companies require the primary renter to be more than 21; certain vehicle classes and many companies charge a "young driver" fee for drivers under 25.

    • 5. International Driving Permit (IDP): Not universally mandatory, but often requested when the licence isn’t in English/French or for international renters.

  • Pickup tips: 

    • Book in advance and state your nationality and the language of your licence when reserving.

    • Bring paper copies of reservations and photos of all documents to speed the counter process.

    • Ask at booking whether the pickup location accepts debit cards (some airport desks differ from downtown branches).

Insurance, CDW/LDW, and credit card coverage (what to buy and what to check)

  • Key protections explained:

    • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Offered by rental companies to limit your financial responsibility for damage to the rental vehicle (but may exclude tires, windshield, undercarriage, or negligence). Buying at the counter is easiest but often the most expensive. 

    • Supplemental liability or third party liability: Covers damage to other people/property check local minimums; sometimes your personal insurance or a travel policy covers this, sometimes not.

    • Credit card coverage: Many premium cards offer rental collision coverage (primary or secondary). To use it you usually must charge the entire rental to the card and decline the rental company’s CDW at pickup. Confirm coverage details and whether it’s primary (pays first) or secondary (pays after your home auto insurer).

  • Recommendation:

    • Call your credit card company and home auto insurer before you go. If coverage is unclear or limited for Canada, consider buying the rental company’s CDW or a third party travel rental policy to avoid surprises.

Documents to carry (essential checklist)

  • Must carry while driving:

    • 1. Original foreign driver’s licence (hard copy).

    • 2. International Driving Permit (IDP) also known as International Driving License.

    • 3. Passport (photo ID).

    • 4. Rental agreement and insurance information (print and digital).

    • 5. Credit card used for the booking and deposit.

    • 6. Emergency contacts and health insurance details.

  • Tip: Keep scanned copies in cloud/email and a printed set in the glove box.

Practical driving rules and safety tips for international drivers in Canada

  • Basics:

    • Drive on the right; pass on the left.

    • Speed limits are shown in km/h.

    • Seatbelts required for driver and passengers everywhere.

    • Zero tolerance for impaired driving penalties are severe; use taxis or rideshares if you drink.

    • Hands free phone laws apply in many provinces use Bluetooth or pull over.

  • Winter driving (if applicable): 

    • Prepare for snow, black ice, and vastly increased stopping distances.

    • Consider an AWD vehicle and ask about seasonal tires if you’ll drive in mountainous or northern regions.

    • Pack emergency gear: warm clothes, blankets, food, water, a flashlight, and a basic shovel.

  • Road culture: Canadians generally obey speed limits and traffic signals don’t assume leniency if you’re cutting corners.

Step pre trip checklist (do these 7–14 days before departure)

  • 1. Verify your licence: Make sure it’s valid, legible, and preferably in Latin script; if not, apply for an International Driving Permit.

  • 2. Call your credit card issuer: Confirm rental car collision coverage in Canada and whether it’s primary or secondary.

  • 3. Compare rental insurance options: Check CDW cost vs. card benefits vs. third party travel insurance.

  • 4. Reserve the car and confirm pickup rules: Note age limits and whether the location accepts debit.

  • 5. Prepare documents: Print originals plus scans of licence, passport, reservation, and insurance confirmations.

  • 6. Plan routes and winter gear if necessary: Research seasonal conditions for your itinerary.

  • 7. Take photos at pickup: Photograph all sides of the vehicle and the odometer to avoid later disputes.

Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

  • When an International Driving Permit helps (or is required):  

    • Your licence is not in English or French (the International Permit provides an official translation).

    • A rental company or local authority explicitly requests it.

    • You want to avoid language related complications if stopped by police.

  • What is?: A short, standardized translation of your current licence it does not replace your original licence and must be carried with the original.

  • Practical rule: If there’s any uncertainty, get one it’s cheap, quick to obtain from your country’s motoring authority, and removes a common friction point at rental counters and roadside stops.

How to Obtain an IDP

Applying for an International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a straightforward process that allows you to legally drive in foreign countries. Here's how you can obtain one:

  • Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining an International Driver's Permit. Requirements may but the most important one is that you must have your national or local driver's license issued by your county or state of origin, and it should be valid.

  • Complete Application: Obtain the necessary application form from following the next link: https://internationalpermit.com/pages/apply-for-the-international-driving-permit

  • Pay Fees: Pay the required fees for processing your IDP application. Fees may vary depending on the issuing authority and processing time.

  • Submit Application: Submit your completed application form along with any supporting documents following their specific instructions.

  • Receive IDP: Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your International Driver's Permit.

Remember to carry both your international driving permit and your original driver's license whenever you're behind the wheel. Double-check that your details match those on your valid driver's license to avoid any discrepancies. Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the necessary documents, submit them to the licensing authority along with any applicable fees.

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Cost of an International Driver's Permit

The costs of obtaining an International Driver's Permit are the following:

1 YEAR VALIDITY: USD 39,99
2 YEARS VALIDITY: USD 54,99
3 YEARS VALIDITY: USD 69,99

USA SHIPPING
USPS 6-10 DAYS: FREE
EXPRESS 3-4 DAYS : USD 15
OVERNIGHT 2-3 DAYS: USD 35

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL 4-8 DAYS : USD 29.99

As of 2025

Before applying for an IDP, it's essential to check the fee schedule on the official website https://internationalpermit.com/pages/pricing-for-the-international-driving-permit

Conclusion

  • Bring an International Driving Permit also known as International Driving License; if there’s any doubt. It resolves language issues and makes rental pickups smoother.

  • Confirm insurance coverage in writing before you travel from credit cards, home insurers, or the rental company and understand exclusions like windshields, tires, or off road use.

  • Check the provincial government website for the exact rules in each place you’ll drive (Québec, B.C., Ontario, etc.). Official sites are the final authority on time limits and exchange rules.

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