International Driving Permit (IDP)

Advantages of carrying an IDP?

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:

1. Two (2) passport-sized photos. Available at your local BCAA.
2. An IDP fee payment of $31. This fee can be paid by cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Postage/courier fees will apply, see below for details.
3. 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.

If you are unable to visit a BCAA Location

An IDP will be couriered by Xpresspost or Purolator once the steps listed below have been completed. An IDP can be sent via regular Canada Post mail if requested but please be advised that delivery is not guaranteed and you will be subjected to an additional cost of $6.95 + GST.

Please contact us if you have additional questions about courier costs and delivery times.

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
• 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:

1. Complete an IDP Application with an original signature in ink writing
2. Photocopy of valid Canadian Driver’s Licence (Front & Back)
3. 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 or photocopies of photos are not acceptable.
4. Mail completed form, photocopy of valid Canadian Driver’s Licence, and photos along to BCAA Omni Channel Sales Support & Admin at 4567 Canada Way, Burnaby BC, V5G 4T1.
5. Credit card payment of $31 for IDP + courier fees. You will be contacted via email with instructions on how to proceed with 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.

Courier fees may be subject to change without notice.

Note: regular post (within Canada) will be subject to an additional cost of $6.95 + GST. Courier fees may vary for certain locations which may not be reflected in the table above. When submitting an application, Sales Support will be able to confirm the final amount owed when collecting payment.

BCAA is the exclusive provider of IDPs in BC. This is a public service available to Members and Non-Members.