Driver’s licences in Canada are issued separately by each province and territory, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) works the same way no matter where in Canada your licence was issued. Here’s a quick overview of the licensing authority in each province and territory, and how an IDP fits in.

Licensing Authorities Across Canada

  • Ontario – driver’s licences are issued by ServiceOntario. Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid Ontario licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.
  • Quebec – driver’s licences are issued by the Societe de l’assurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ). Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid Quebec licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.
  • British Columbia – driver’s licences are issued by ICBC. Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid British Columbia licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.
  • Alberta – driver’s licences are issued by Alberta Registries. Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid Alberta licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.
  • Manitoba – driver’s licences are issued by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid Manitoba licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.
  • Saskatchewan – driver’s licences are issued by SGI. Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid Saskatchewan licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.
  • Nova Scotia – driver’s licences are issued by Access Nova Scotia. Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid Nova Scotia licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.
  • New Brunswick – driver’s licences are issued by Service New Brunswick. Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid New Brunswick licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador – driver’s licences are issued by Motor Registration Division. Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid Newfoundland and Labrador licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.
  • Prince Edward Island – driver’s licences are issued by PEI Highway Safety. Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid Prince Edward Island licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.
  • Yukon – driver’s licences are issued by Motor Vehicles Yukon. Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid Yukon licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.
  • Northwest Territories – driver’s licences are issued by NWT Transportation. Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid Northwest Territories licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.
  • Nunavut – driver’s licences are issued by Nunavut Motor Vehicles. Your International Driving Permit works alongside a valid Nunavut licence the same way it would alongside a licence from any other province or territory.

Does It Matter Which Province Issued My Licence?

No — an International Driving Permit is a translation of the details on your licence (name, photo, licence class, etc.), regardless of which province or territory issued it. As long as your licence is current and valid, our application process works the same way whether you’re in Toronto, Vancouver, Whitehorse, or anywhere in between.

Applying From Anywhere in Canada

Because the entire process is online, your location within Canada doesn’t affect how you apply. You’ll need a clear photo or scan of your current driver’s licence, a recent photo of yourself, and your electronic signature. See our requirements page for the full list.

Shipping to Every Province and Territory

If you order a print-and-digital package, your printed IDP booklet and ID card can be shipped to any address in Canada, with multiple delivery speed options available at checkout. Digital copies are delivered by email regardless of location, typically within a couple of hours.

Travelling Soon?

If your trip is coming up quickly, the Digital Only package gets you a usable IDP the fastest, no matter which province or territory you’re applying from. Apply online now, or compare all packages on our pricing page.