Do You Need an International Permit to Rent in Canada?

Visiting Canada and want to rent a car? Whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depends on your home licence.

When you don't need an IDP

If your foreign licence is valid and printed in English or French, you can generally drive and rent in Ontario as a visitor without an IDP. U.S. licences, for example, are accepted.

When you do need one

If your licence is in another language or a non-Latin script, carry an IDP alongside your home licence. The IDP is just a recognized translation — it doesn't replace your licence, and you must carry both.

How to get an IDP

Obtain it in your home country before you travel (often through an automobile association). They generally can't be issued once you're already in Canada.

What else to bring

A credit card in your name, your passport, and confirmation of your return travel. Rental age rules and young-driver fees still apply — see what you need to rent in Ontario.

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